Page 81 of Web of Lies
"That means you're safe on that front. But Riley…" He tilts his head, catching my gaze. "We should still pay him a visit."
My brows knit together. "What? Why?"
"Because if this is what he keeps in his files, then he's sitting on more than we've seen. And whether we like it, he could be useful right now." His lips press into a thin line.
"He's going to hate me for lying to him. For all of it."
Kyle's arm tightens around me, his thumb brushing against my shoulder. "Maybe. But he's also smart. He knows people lie. What matters is whether he can use what you're telling him. And right now, Riley, we could need someone like him."
I close my eyes for a moment, swallowing down the knot clogging my throat. Kyle is right. As much as I’d like to, I can't hide the truth from the man who gave me a chance. Hunt is dangerous, but he's also a vault of information, and vaults can be opened if you do it right. Walking away from that just because I'm scared isn't an option. He also has the connections and resources to help us disappear without a trace if things go south.
"Okay," I whisper. "We'll go."
"As much as I hate the man," Kyle says, "I don't think he'll be able to stay mad at you for long."
"What makes you so sure?" I tilt my head back to look up at him.
"Without you, his company's security would fall apart. I don't think he would be too excited about rebuilding everything from the ground up again. And besides, you're coming to him with the truth, and if there's one thing we actually value in this line of work, it's honesty."
"I hope you're right," I say with a sigh and lean into the safety of Kyle's embrace.
Chapter 37
Riley
My heart rate quickens with every floor we pass, the elevator humming as the glowing numbers above the door climb in a steady rhythm, each one louder than the last in my head. Kyle's hand rests at the small of my back, but even his touch can't cut through the storm building in my chest.
I'm about to tell Mr. Hunt the truth, and I do not know how he's going to react. Of course, Kyle is armed—he always is—but so is Hunt. I've watched the tapes and seen how Hunt moves when it counts. He isn't just calm. He's deadly. Fast. Precise. Almost clinical in the way he kills. Kyle, though… Kyle is different. His edge is sharper, rougher. He thrives in the chaos while Hunt controls it.
My palms grow slick, and I rub them against the fabric of my skirt, forcing myself to breathe evenly.
"Everything will be okay," Kyle murmurs, and applies just enough pressure to keep me calm, like he's reminding me he's here and I'm not walking into this alone.
"How can you be so sure?" I tilt my head back to meet his eyes.
His lips twitch into the faintest smile. "Just trust me."
I open my mouth to argue, but the sharp ping of the elevator cuts me off. The doors glide open with a metallic sigh. Kyle steadies me, his hand on my back as he guides me forward.
"Welcome to—Riley." Hannah's voice bursts through the air like sunlight breaking clouds. She maneuvers her wheelchair from behind the desk, her smile stretching across her face. Relief floods through me so quickly my knees nearly buckle. I hadn't realized how badly I needed to see a familiar face until now. "So happy you're back. I hope you're feeling better."
"Thanks, Hannah. I'm glad to be back, too." I return her smile. Then I catch her gaze flicking past me, settling on Kyle.
"Oh, this is Kyle," I add quickly, my hand brushing against his arm.
She gives him a polite once-over before her expression softens into a professional smile. She extends her hand. "I'm Hannah, Mr. Hunt's secretary."
Kyle takes her hand firmly, offering her one of his rare, polite smiles. "Nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Hannah releases his hand, and her tone slips into business mode. "What can I do for you two?"
"Is the boss in his office?" I ask.
She nods and pivots her wheelchair with practiced ease, gliding back toward her desk. "He just got back from lunch and doesn't have any appointments until," she pauses and scans the calendar on her desk, "three p.m. Do you need to talk to him?"
"Yes, please."
"Okay." Hannah presses the button on the phone at her desk. A low buzzing tone hums through the room before someone answers.
