Page 11 of Wait for You

Since he’d released her arm, she put some space between them, dropping into the antique wooden chair in the corner. The room was the size of her shoe closet at home and had just enough square footage for a bed tucked up against one corner, a small dresser with a mirror, and a sitting chair.

Trying to sound like she had no clue what he was talking about, she brushed out the wrinkles in her skirt and replied, “What do you mean?”

Mat sat on the twin bed facing her. The metal frame creaked as he settled, and she couldn’t help imagining them making it squeak for a very different reason.

Not going to happen, chica.

Something was seriously wrong with her if she still lusted after the man who ripped her heart out of her chest.Who ghosted me like we hadn’t just spent the last year together.

When Mat answered, his tone didn’t change. It wasn’t quite a bark but held a calm authority, which she did not appreciate. “I know you were eavesdroppin’. I followed the trail of Black Opium from the lieutenant’s office.”

Imogen couldn’t help it; her eyes widened. She was shocked he remembered the name of her perfume. It made her wonderwhat else he might remember about her, and her heart squeezed a little. Pushing the longing away, she crossed her arms and said, “I told you, I’m here to find Emil.”

He let out an audible sigh. “And I toldyouto let me handle it. You’re gonna get yourself in trouble, Imogen.”

“I’m aware of the risks,Mateo.” Since he’d used her full name, she emphasized his.

He scrubbed at his short beard. “It’s not just your neck on the line here.”

That realization stung a little. No matter their history, she had no desire to see Mat wind up hurt or worse. “I’m sorry”—emotion flooded her voice, but she shoved it down—“I have to try.”

The muscles in his jaw worked as he clenched his teeth. “I wish you’d trust me to take care of it.”

Asking for trust from someone who disappeared on her almost made her laugh in his face. He’d given up on what they had, so how could she know he wouldn’t give up on looking for her brother?

The old anger stirred, icing her veins, and she threw back, “Why did you kiss me?”

If they were going to have any kind of relationship, even a working one, she needed to know what games he was playing.

“To avoid suspicion.”

Her face must’ve shown she didn’t understand because his voice lowered, and he added, “I heard the door openin’, and I didn’t want anyone knowin’ the real reason you were in my room.”

When she did comprehend his meaning, it was a blow to the heart. She dropped her arms with her gaze, hoping he didn’t see how much that hurt.

Estúpida!

Imogen couldn’t even be mad at him, only herself. He’d shown her that he didn’t care about her years ago. She’d been the one stupid enough to hope he’d changed his mind.

Gathering her breath and her thoughts, she made sure frost coated her voice when she finally met his gaze. “I guess, even though your clothes are different, some things never change.”

The tiniest furrow darkened his brow. “What do you mean by that?”

Instead of answering, Imogen stood. She needed him out of her space before she did something rash, like slapping him or kissing him. Her body was so mixed up she wasn’t sure which it would be. “You know what, Mat? It’s late, and I’m tired. I’d like you to leave, so I can go to sleep.”

He made a show of reclining on her bed. “I’m not goin’ anywhere ’til you answer my question.”

We’ll see about that!

Imogen strode to the door with a huff, pulling it open wide. “Have a good evening, Mateo.” Her smile was so fake it hurt.

He rose, and she nearly slumped in relief. Until he grabbed the door from her and shoved it closed.

Leaning back against it, he crossed his arms. “You can’t go to the party. You’ll be caught.”

She would’ve rolled her eyes if it hadn’t been conditioned out of her. “I can and I won’t.”

He scratched at his brow with a thumb. “Were you always this stubborn?”

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