Page 19 of Dustin
I shake my head.
“No, you look beautiful,” I say sincerely.
A blush colors her cheek.
“Thanks.”
We walked out of the hotel and into the limo I chartered for the occasion. The driver immediately starts heading toward the event center where the ball will take place.
“What are you planning to do exactly? With the target?” Madison asks, her voice low, so the driver doesn’t overhear.
“Not much. I just need to get this device onto his phone,” I tell her, showing her the tracking device that’s in a small box.
She nods.
“So, you need to get him alone?” she questions.
“Not necessarily. I’m not sure yet how I’m going to do it.”
I'll know when I get to the location and scout the area.
We’re both quiet as the car zooms past buildings on the streets of Lisbon. It’s a really beautiful city. I can see why Madison chose to live here. The people here are kind and charming; I’m sure she has built a nice life on her own. It’s all she has ever really craved. Independence. She got what she wanted. I just wish she didn't have to break my heart in the process.
We finally arrive, and I watch as Madison takes a deep breath.
“Ready?” I ask her, stretching my palm towards her.
She pastes on a smile.
“Of course,” she says.
We walk into the party, and all I can focus on is the feel of her hand in mine. Like it was meant to be there. Like she’s meant to be mine. But I can’t claim her. I don’t know where her head is at. And there are still so many things she’s keeping from me. Secrets that need to be uncovered before we reach any consensus.
But for tonight, all we need to do is look like we belong and smile.
Just as I had expected, heads swivel toward us as soon as we walk through the doors. I imagine we must make a dashing couple. With a woman like Madison on my arm, I receive more than a few glares from other men in the room.
We try our best to blend in, with Madison conversing easily with people she knows, while I keep my eyes peeled for Vierra. He has yet to make an appearance.
Finally, he does, walking into the room with his wife on his arm. The woman seems formidable, with brown hair like her husband and startling blue eyes. There’s a small smile on her face, and she carries herself with grace. People crowd the couple, and I watch them intently, thinking of a way to get close enough.
“What's your plan?” Madison asks, interrupting my thoughts.
“I still don’t know. Maybe I’ll follow him if he heads to a restroom or something. I’ll figure it out.”
I’m so unprepared, and it’s all her fault. I was distracted thinking about her all day instead of my mission. I can’t screw this up, though. It’s my only job, and I’ve got to succeed.
“Okay, fine. Don’t bite my head off,” Madison says with a glare.
I sigh. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” I tell her softly.
She smiles before patting my shoulder. Her hand lingers on my chest for a while, and there’s a seductive glint in her eyes. It disappears as she pulls away.
“I need to use the restroom,” she informs me.
I nod. “Okay, be careful.”
She walks away while I continue to watch Vierra. I briefly consider placing the device on his wife’s phone instead. She should be easier to charm, and I could do it while she’s distracted. But then again, she might not have access to as much information as her husband. We need to reel in the big fish.
