Page 113 of Dex

“We can do that.”I lean back in my chair, steepling my hands across my chest.“How was the spying?Find anything?”

His expression gives nothing away.“Excuse me?”

“When you went to work with Daniela’s father,” I say.“You know, playing the benevolent businessman while digging for weaknesses?”

His jaw tightens ever so slightly.

Bingo.

“There are things you don’t understand,” he says smoothly.“Things I’ll reveal when the time is right.”

A chill runs down my spine, but I don’t let it show.The old man never mentions things unless he’s already set them in motion.

Some shit is brewing, and when it hits, it won’t be pretty.

***

Later, on my way home, I visit Rio in his apartment.He slouches against the bar, lazy grin in place, his dark eyes flashing with amusement as he watches me.“Welcome back, stranger.How’s married life treating you?”

I grunt.“Don’t start.”

Rio chuckles.“Tell me, how close did you get?”

I say nothing.

Rio’s grin widens.“Oh, shit.Did stuff happen?”

“Fuck no.”I try not to frown.Try not to look irritated.After this my next stop is my apartment where Daniela is.I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking of her all day.I can’t get her out of my mind, and now I’m hesitant to go home.It’s not even been a day, and I’m anxious.Worried that I won’t be able to hide what I’m starting to feel for her.

Maybe I don’t walk out in seven months.I can’t see how I’ll last that long, anyway.Maybe I do it sooner, like in two or three months.

“You actually like her,” Rio says, quietly.

I level him with a glare.“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.”His jaw drops.“You got close.You kissed.And let me guess … you went all cold afterward?”

I hate that this guy is so fucking perceptive.“I had to.”

He lets out a low whistle.“You slept with her?”

“No!”

His brows push together and he peers at me.“Then …what?”

I squeeze my eyes shut.See me and Daniela in the hot tub.Hear her sighs.Fuck.My eyelids fly open.I’m doomed.She’s always in my mind.“Kissing and …stuff.”

“Man, you’re in trouble.”

I’m relieved he didn’t push for details.“I’ve got this.”

Rio shakes his head, laughing to himself.“Dexter Knight, the one who swore he’d never fall for anyone, out here catching feelings for his fake wife.This is fucking good.”

I scowl.“It’s not good.”

“You care about her, don’t you?”

I twist my neck, trying to ease out the knot.“I feel sorry for her being here away from everything she knows.”

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