Page 35 of Undercover Savior

“Not until we’ve had the chance to reevaluate the systems at Ashcroft,” said Gus.

My eyes met Sullivan’s. “You should all be aware that I’ve briefed Ms. Rivers on my true identity as it relates to my estate. I’ve also filled her in on our shared past.”

None of my three friends appeared surprised.

“Good,” said Con.

I glanced over at Sullivan, who hadn’t spoken. No doubt she was in shock, more from the breach and visit to the safe room than the truths I’d revealed. Still, she and I needed time alone.

“Is there anything else we need to discuss presently?” I asked.

None of the three men in the room spoke up.

“In that case, Sullivan and I will excuse ourselves.”

She looked up at me and stood when I held my hand out to her.

“Shall I arrange for dinner to be brought up?” Tag asked.

“That would be lovely. Many thanks,” I said.

Our walk upstairs was done in silence.

“You’re very quiet,” I said once we reached the first of the two suites.

“Processing. Would you like to come in?”

“Very much so, unless you’d prefer to be alone.”

She wrapped her arms around her waist. “That’s the last thing I want to be.”

I walked over to the fireplace. “Cold?”

“A bit.”

As I lit the logs Tag or someone else had laid, I thought about how, while we were in the safe room, I’d felt like I had so much to say, so much I wanted to tell Sullivan, and now, I struggled for words.

As I watched the kindling catch, I also thought about the heat of the kiss we’d shared. If only it could’ve lasted longer. If only we could do it again.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked from behind me.

“Kissing you.” I glanced over my shoulder and winked.

“Truly?”

I stood and joined her on the two-seater sofa. “What about you?”

When I put my arm across the back of the cushions, Sullivan rested her head on my shoulder. “I remember you.”

“Yeah?”

“I think you might have been my first crush.”

I’d not say it, but even now, when I thought back on it, it felt so much bigger, so much more important than that.

“Things my mum said make more sense to me now.”

“What things?” I asked.

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