Page 56 of Operation Heartbeat

Con recited a number, then added, “That’s a secure line.”

Deniz nodded.

“When was the last contact you had with these people?”

“Yesterday. They told me to go to the concert tomorrow night.”

Con looked over her head at Mason in a silent exchange.

Their meeting seemed to be over. Con stood, drawing Sophie to her feet with him.

They made haste getting out of there. On the return to the dock, the servant and guard escorted them. Once she stepped onto the boat again, her jitters took hold. The night wasn’t chilly, but she shook from nerves.

When they reached the car again, she was bundled into the back seat with Con. The feel of his hard thigh against hers offered comfort in ways she didn’t want to examine. She was getting too attached to him, and in such a short time. Shehad food in her refrigerator that would last longer than this…whateverit was. Surely it wasn’t a relationship.

“What he said lines up with what the email in that cloud says.” Mason’s voice broke into her thoughts.

Con’s body hardened against her. “It does.”

“Wait—you guys already read the email Deniz received?”

“Not us—our intelligence did. He’s telling the truth. Someone asked him to go to the concert.”

“For what?” Her insides shook more.

“We don’t know yet. Some meeting or exchange.” Con placed a hand on her knee. The warmth of his fingers spread through her, taking her nerves down a notch.

Mason twisted in his seat. “What’s the plan?”

Con looked to her. In the dim lights of the car interior and the few streetlights they passed, she saw his eyes glitter. “We’re supposed to be on a honeymoon. It looks like we’re going on a date to the concert.”

* * * * *

Con glanced at Sophie over the lit candle in the center of their table. Around them, restaurant workers bustled past tables, and behind the bar, the bartender clinked glasses as he racked them up.

Sophie toyed with a gold necklace at her throat. Her slender fingers brushed over the pendant before she let it drop. It fell between her breasts, settling over the neckline of her simple dress. Though it was a shade of tan, and some would consider it boring, it suited her in a classy, sophisticated way and skimmed her curves inallthe right places.

“This is a beautiful place.”

“Mm-hmm.” He fixed his gaze on her lips. Pouty. Outlined in red lipstick. He’d like to see her wearing nothingbutthat lipstick.

He’d like to see his cock ringed in that lipstick too.

“I know this isn’t really a date, but it’s nice to dress up and go out. I don’t get to do this often in academia. And I spend my days in pants and sensible shoes I can hoof it across campus in. Not to mention the parkas I need when it’s freezing.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying this side of the job.”

She cocked her head, reminding him of a small bird with her curiosity piqued. “Do you enjoy this part?”

His stare hovered over her lips. “I do. I don’t get to do it much either.” His voice came out too rugged. “What’s it like being a professor?”

“It’s like hosting a party where no one shows up until there’s a test.”

He chuckled.

“Oh, you do smile.” She threw him a teasing glance.

“It’s been known to happen.”

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