Page 19 of Strip Search

Yeah, I’ll pass on the couch. He’s probably fucked his fair share of strippers on the fancy black leather surface. The chairs may not be off limits either, but they seem like the safer bet.

“Actually.” I look down at the ground, aiming for the whole shy girl vibe. “If you don’t mind, Sir, I’ll stand.”

“Harmony...or is it...Molly....”

At the mention of my real name my head snap back up. I curse inwardly because I know that for the briefest of moments, my façade has slipped, judging by the look on Dallas’ face, he is well aware.

“Relax.” He leans against the corner of his desk, crossing his long legs out in front of him, and his arms over his chest. “When it’s just us, you do not have to call me Sir. But, Molly...you should know, I’m not who you think I am.”

Ah, fuck! This is bad. So bad.

Part of me hopes that Cody and Cole are catching this, as I pray that they’ll storm in here and save me. The other part of me wants to be brave and do what I came here for. If I can keep Dallas talking, we may get what we need.

“Look at me please,” Dallas pleads.

Picking at the invisible string on my shirt, I ask, “How?” One word. That’s all I need to know is how. How did he find out about me?

“I’m trying to explain; your nervousness is distracting.”

I huff. “Try not to be so damn intimidating then.”Shit.Cole always said, my mouth would get me into trouble.

Dallas chuckles and shakes his head. “I’ll give you credit. You’ve got balls.”

“No, I don’t actually. No balls. Just a vagina and apparently a whole lot of stupidity.” Word vomit. Is it impossible for me to keep my mouth shut?

“Not stupid at all. In fact, I think you and I have a lot in common. See, with both have the same idea here.”

“I...I...don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He stands up and walks slowly toward me. “Ah, but I think you do,” he says as he runs a finger across my cheek. “Molly, I’m well aware that your ‘boyfriend’ who’s waiting out front, is not, in fact, your boyfriend. I believe the two of you work together. Correct?”

FUCK!My pulse quickens as I try to come up with the best answer. In my mind, Cody would want me to deny this information.

“Incorrect. He is my boyfriend. We’ve been together for three years.” I give him my best lie.

“They can’t hear you.” Dallas reaches behind me and removes the hair tie that’s holding my long brown hair back. The same one that has a mic laced in it. “Soundproof. Blockers,” he explains. “Your friend Cole isn’t the only one who knows all about the latest and greatest technology. A guy like me? I have to be able to protect myself.”

“What do you want? Can we quit playing games and cut to the chase? You’ve figured me out. Happy?”Too soon. I probably shouldn’t have conceded yet.I chide myself.

“Now we’re getting somewhere.” Dallas takes my hand and puts the hair tie in my palm. “Let’s make this quick before they come storming in here and blow my cover.”

His cover? What the fuck is he talking about? “Care to elaborate?”

“As I said. I’m not who you think I am. Your boys are barking up the wrong tree.”

With my hands on my hips, I give Dallas a hard stare.

“Cute. Really cute, Molly. They could have sent someone better inside if they were really trying to snuff me out.”

“You’re a fucking asshole.”

“Yes, I’m well aware. Comes with the territory though. I have to be an asshole if I want to convince people that I’m running a drug ring.”

Realization slowly creeps over me, and I think, I’m starting to understand the riddle that Dallas has been trying to tell me. “You’re not...”

“I’m not. I’m undercover and have been for some time.”

There’s a knock on the door behind me. Dallas walks over and opens it – as if he already knows who is on the other side.

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