Page 16 of Stealthy Seduction
There was a pause. “I’ll need to check with Mr. Hartwell and confirm with the client’s power of attorney that they’re comfortable with media attention. Can I call you back?”
“Of course.” Izzy left her number, then leaned back in her chair.
If the donor truly wanted anonymity, Hartwell would shut down the interview request immediately. If he agreed to meet, it could validate her suspicions that there was more to this story.
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, the way her therapist had taught her. The familiar weight of the amethyst against her chest was comforting, a reminder that she’d survived worse than whatever this story might uncover.
What she needed was girl time with Alyssa and the others at the special ops base.
She picked up her phone and shot a text to Alyssa.
Wanna hang out? I could use some girl time.
Her mind spun in a loop around what she really needed—safety. To feel less alone in the big, frightening world.
Her phone buzzed with a text, and she glanced down, expecting her friend’s response. Instead, she saw a message that made her stomach flutter.
So, you’re ready for a rematch?
Relief flooded her so completely that she actually laughed out loud, earning curious looks from her coworkers in the nearby cubicles.
Chase told us you reached out to Alyssa. Figured you might be bored enough to give me a chance to win back my money in another game of poker.
Of course. Alyssa was under heavy guard after being targeted by a terrorist. She was also romantically involved with Chase. His team probably tracked every phone call and text message that came through their secure channels.
She typed back.I feel like I should be practicing my poker face right now.
Oh yes. Your boobs. You can bring those too.Devil horns emoji.
Despite everything—her panic over Syria, the mysterious donor, the growing certainty that she was walking into something dangerous—Izzy found herself smiling.
Your poker face won’t help you. I can read you like a headline, Cruz.
Her grin widened. She texted back a fake headline.Local journalist crushes Navy SEAL at poker.
The flirtation in his message was obvious, and it sent an unexpected warmth through her chest. After the night they’d shared, she’d convinced herself it was a one-time thing. A moment of weakness after too many margaritas and irresistible muscles.
But texting with Hudson now, feeling that spark of connection even through a screen, made her realize how much she’d needed this. Something normal. Something that had nothing to do with the constant fear that followed her everywhere.
Having his number in her phone felt like a safety net. If her investigation into the charity went sideways, if she found herself in over her head again, she’d have someone to call. Someone who could handle himself in a crisis.
Bring it on, Cruz. Whenever you’re ready.
I might be interested in taking your money,she texted, adding a playful money mouth emoji with a green bill in place of a tongue.
Tomorrow.
Be prepared to pay,she responded.
She smiled. Tonight, she might actually sleep without dreaming of Syria.
And if things went wrong…if her instincts were right and this story was more dangerous than it appeared…at least she wouldn’t have to face it alone.
Her phone buzzed once more, the screen lighting up with his final reply—six words that stole the breath from her lungs.If it’s you, I’ll pay anything.
FOUR
Steele was staring down at the phone in his hand when he walked into the war room for the afternoon briefing. Instead of the usual banter between his teammates, he was met with silence.
