Page 67 of Depraved Truths

My brows furrow. “What happened?”

“Things were going well. I had a roommate who wasn’t afraid I’d ‘turn him gay’.” He snorts. “One day, I’m walking out of the library, and I see some guy berating a lesbian couple. He’s spewing hate, calling them all kinds of names. The girls were crying. And then—bam—this fiery blonde bombshell appears out of nowhere. Within seconds, she’s got him writhing on the ground, holding his groin.”

“That sounds like my girl,” I say with a wry grin.

He sighs dramatically. “Honestly, it’s the only time a female has ever turned me on.”

I shoot him a scathing look, and his eyes widen. “Hey, hey, I’m just being real with you. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out, but I’ve never seen her as more than a close friend.”

“Smart answer,” I mutter, giving him a quick nod before motioning him to continue.

“A few days later, I see her again at the gym. She’s beating the hell out of a punching bag,” he says proudly. “I could tell she was going through something, although it would take me months to get it out of her. After my treadmill session, I saw her entering a martial arts class, and I joined too. She was standoffish at first, but I charmed my way into her life with my devastatingly handsome looks and irresistible personality.” He grins. “After that, we were inseparable.”

“You still haven’t told me why you call herSwallow.” I can’t help but ask again.

“Swallow... like the bird. Swallows represent spring, new beginnings, and loyalty. Tess embodies everything that the symbol of a swallow stands for.” I absorb what he’s telling me. And I have to agree, Tess has been my new beginning, my fresh start, helping me navigate through the pain of my past and giving me hope for the future—our future, together. She can keep the nickname.

“That sounds like my Tess,” I murmur as she heads our way with a sly smile. “More wine?” she asks, her voice light and teasing.

We all gather, glasses in hand, and start preparing for the task ahead. All the light-hearted banter fades as we get serious. Bryce pulls out his computer and starts laying out details. It turnsout Gabriel works for a private security company that’s handling security for Governor Hunt’s fundraising event.

My anticipation grows as I listen closely to the unfolding plan. She doesn’t know it yet, but I will be deeply involved in this hunt.Pun intended.This motherfucker is going down.

Chapter 45

We’ve been in Atlanta for the past three days, staying at the Waldorf Astoria, where I booked the penthouse suite. The bustling city has been almost suffocating, but it’s given us the perfect cover. The four of us have been doing recon from every angle, analyzing every detail. Now, we’re ready. Tonight is the night we make our move.

I smooth the seams of my evening gown. The gray color would match my eyes perfectly if not for the green-colored contacts. I finish curling a strand of my auburn hair into loose waves that cascade down my shoulders. It’s a wig. I couldn’t bring myself to dye my own, and the woman staring back at me in the mirror looks nothing like me. I went to the spa this morning for a facial and a “makeover.” I pretended to be interested in a new makeup brand, so now I have a lovely, painted face I didn’t have to apply myself.

Admiring the dress in the mirror, I spin slowly. The strapless gown hugs my curves, and my boobs look amazing. The shimmering fabric is gorgeous with a slit that runs up my left leg, scandalously landing at my upper thigh. I may have to keep thisdress. But the three-inch heels? Hell no. My feet will be killing me by the end of the night.

Hearing the bedroom door open, I turn to see Eli enter. His eyes rake over me. “I prefer your blonde hair, but you make a sexy redhead,” he says, his voice thick with desire.

“Don’t worry, it isn’t permanent,” I reply breathlessly, unable to keep my eyes off him. He looks dashing in that tux.

“What I want to do to you right now… You can’t even imagine. I want to taste those luscious lips more than you know.”

“Don’t you dare mess up my lipstick!” I protest, pushing my hand against his chest, which is suddenly in my face.

He drops to his knees and smiles wickedly. “Not those lips.”

Sliding my dress up to my hips, he plants light kisses along my thighs as he pushes my thong aside. Warmth floods me, and I’m immediately soaking wet for him. He flicks his tongue out, licking at my entrance.

“So responsive for me, aren’t you, love?” He groans as his tongue brushes over my clit, and I brace myself against the wall

“Such a pretty pink pussy,” he groans, and my knees buckle as my eyes flutter closed, letting the sensations roll over me.

“Eyes on me, Tessa,” he growls. I jolt back and look down at him.

“Good fucking girl.”

He teases me with his mouth and tongue, slipping one finger, then two, inside me. The pressure rises, building. “Oh, God,” I call out when Eli bites down on my clit, and I can’t stop the orgasm that surges through me like a tidal wave. He eases his fingers in and out as I ride the crest, slowly coming back down.

He laps up my arousal and withdraws his fingers, bringing them to his lips as he sucks them clean. “So sweet, baby,” he groans.He pulls my thong back in place. I reach down for his rock-hard length, but he bats my hand away. “Not now.”

“B-but—”

“We have a villain to take down.”

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