Page 137 of Wicked and Claimed

“I’m not done yet. I’ve gotten to the point where the heroine has all these people infiltrating the bad guys’ operation so they can help her. These people came up with a rescue plan, but they keep having to change it because of the stuff that’s happening around them. Stuff the bad guys are up to.” As Karliah began sectioning off Haisley’s hair, their eyes met in the mirror.

A jagged bolt of lightning briefly lit up the spa’s interior, followed by an ominous clap of thunder, making Haisley jump.

The blonde gave a nervous laugh. “Wow, I heard a storm was rolling in.”

“A bad one?”

“It’s looking that way.”

“Thankfully, it’s not hurricane season.”

“Amen to that. Anyhow, the book… Where I’m at now, the good guys are about to launch the rescue operation. I’m biting my nails. I didn’t want to come to work today because I’m dying to know what happens next. In order to really make their scheme work, the heroine has to trust the hero completely—no holding back. But she doesn’t yet. I kind of want to shake her.”

The heroine in this “novel” was holding back…as she had been from Nash. Karliah was giving her a message.

Guilt gnawed at Haisley’s stomach. “Do you know why she doesn’t trust the guy?”

“Not exactly. It’s a fascinating subplot with a hint of mystery. My theory is that the heroine thinks the hero might be interested in someone else who’s really just in on the escape plan, but I’m not sure yet. I need to read more.”

Haisley’s heart clenched. Did Karliah think Nash’s “flirtation” with her was the only obstacle standing between him and Haisley? It wasn’t that simple. The weight of her past and the true reason she’d left him sat like lead in her chest. Every time she thought about telling him, terror closed her throat.

“I remember that,” Haisley told the blonde. “I think there was a lot more to the situation, though. Probably more than she’s letting on. At least that was my interpretation.”

“Really? If that’s true, it must be a seriously tangled web. I can’t wait to find out what happens, but I keep rooting for the heroine to figure out that everything—even that other woman—is all part of the plan.” Karliah applied product to Haisley’s hair. “Every move is calculated, even the parts that hurt. The hero has to maintain appearances, play certain roles, but his heart? That never wavers. He’s moving heaven and earth to save the woman he loves. Riskingeverything. Makes impossible choices that tear him apart.” She met Haisley’s eyes in the mirror again. “I just don’t think the heroine can see it because she’s too close to the story. And maybe the thing you caught in your reading that I missed is the reason why.”

Haisley’s chest tightened. Nash’s flirtation with Karliah had been a careful act designed to maintain his cover. While she’d been nursing her hurt feelings, he had been orchestrating their survival. She’d let her own fears and insecurities blind her to the bigger picture.

Say you’ve never worked on a covert mission without telling me you’ve never worked on a covert mission,she drawled in her head.

Nash had infiltrated this place, subjected himself to their surveillance, performed unspeakable acts onstage—all in his attempt to protect her. And how had she repaid him? By letting old hurts and secrets create distance between them that could have endangered them both.

Karliah’s message couldn’t have been clearer: you need to decide who to trust—the monsters who took you, or the man willing to die to save you?

The answer was obvious. Haisley had been so focused on her fears that she’d lost sight of what mattered. Nash loved her. Was fighting for her. And her inability to fully trust him wasn’t just hurting their relationship. It was compromising their safety.

“Maybe. I hope Mr. King will get me another copy so I can finish the book myself.” Haisley attempted a smile. “Thanks for the book rec. I miss my friends.” Her heart ached thinking of Madison’s fierce loyalty, Charli’s kindness, and Gracelyn’s infectious laugh. “They’re total book fiends, too. We’re always talking plots and swapping paperbacks.”

“I’ve moved so much for work that I don’t really have bookish friends.”

Another clap of thunder crashed even closer as she met Karliah’s gentle gaze in the mirror. Haisley silently vowed to adopt her into the girl posse if they made it out alive and if Karliah ever came to Lafayette. Even if she was undercover, the woman’s kindness felt genuine.

“Well, you’ve got me now,” Haisley said as Karliah artfully dried her hair into loose waves. “We can talk books anytime. I hope you catch up to me in this one. Sounds like this heroine needs a reminder that the biggest leap of faith is letting go of our walls when everything tells us to keep them up.”

“That’s an astute observation. I’ve seen a lot, met a lot of people.” Something haunted flickered in Karliah’s eyes. “Enough to know that love like his is rare. I hope this heroine sees that soon.”

By the time Karliah finished, Haisley’s hair looked amazing, but the transformation inside felt even more profound. She had been clinging to her hurt about Nash’s JasperThePrivateDick deception, using it as a shield against deeper fears. But she couldn’t afford that luxury anymore. Not when lives hung in the balance.

And not when the man she loved was risking everything to save her.

“I think she will,” Haisley murmured, meaning so much more than a fictional heroine. “Thank you.”

Karliah’s answering smile held understanding. “Anytime. Come back soon. I’m sure we’ll have more books to discuss.”

“No doubt.”

Haisley left with a wave, dashing through a quick break in the rain. She headed for the suite, feeling lighter, despite the guards tracking her every move. The dark clouds were rolling in and the wind had picked up, whipping her freshly styled hair, but she barely noticed. Nash and their relationship filled all her thoughts.

She had to make a change, fully embrace Nash, and trust him the way he deserved. No more holding back. No more letting fear rule her decisions.

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