Page 83 of Girl Lost
Corbin ran a hand through his hair, a gesture so familiar it made Luna’s heart ache. “I’m worried about the commissioner. If he finds out about this task force...”
Luna’s brow furrowed. “You think he’d shut us down?”
“Worse. I’ll lose my job. Everything I’ve worked for...” Corbin trailed off, his expression pained.
Before Luna could respond, Blade appeared at their side. “I couldn’t help overhearing. You don’t need to worry about Tinch. This isn’t the FDLE’s task force. It’s mine. As far as anyone’s concerned, this is all part of the kidnapping case that started when Stryker disappeared. You’re just assisting me.”
Corbin’s shoulders sagged with relief. “You’re sure?”
“I’ve got you covered, brother.” Blade tossed a light punch at Corbin’s arm. “Now, let’s get you two ready to play house.”
As Blade walked away, Luna found herself alone with Corbin,the space between them diminishing. Without thinking, she leaned in, her lips brushing his in a soft, stolen kiss.
Corbin melted into the kiss, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. For a heartbeat, the world fell away. There was no mission, no danger. Just them.
And Tori.
Standing behind Corbin, arms crossed and a smirk tugging at her lips.
Luna pulled back. Heart galloping. “Sorry,” she murmured. “We were just ... practicing our cover.”
Tori’s smile widened. “Maybe you should practice some more.”
Luna opened her mouth to respond, but Tori cut in, louder this time. “All right, lovebirds. Time for your makeover. Corbin, you’re with Harlee. Luna’s with me.”
Luna’s cheeks burned with the sudden rush of heat, but Tori just winked. “Don’t mind me,” Tori said. “Just keeping your cover story believable.”
Luna followed Tori to a small changing room, where Tori unzipped a garment bag to reveal a stunning designer jumpsuit. “Lorelai Sinclair wouldn’t be caught dead in anything less than Gucci.”
Neither would Lorelai Russel from her mission in Prague.
She slipped into the jumpsuit, luxuriating in the cool silk gliding over her skin, adding layers to the character she was about to become. The fabric clung perfectly to her frame, and it had pockets. Perfect.
Tori worked her magic with makeup, contouring Luna’s face to accentuate her cheekbones, adding a touch of sadness to her eyes. “You’re worried about your husband,” Tori coached. “Let that show in your expression.”
Luna focused on the weight of those words, allowing the character of Lorelai Sinclair to settle over her like a second skin. She let herself imagine the fear, the helplessness of watching someone you love slowly fade away. When she opened her eyes and looked in the mirror, the reflection staring back was almost unrecognizable.
She stepped out of the changing room and stopped short. Corbin stood there looking ... broken. His confident posture had melted, and his skin looked pale and drawn. Harlee’s expert hand had drained the life from his features, leaving behind someone who looked ... fragile. Vulnerable.
Their eyes met. Her lungs forgot how to work. This was the man she was supposedly desperate to save—Alexander Sinclair. But all she could see was Corbin, stripped of everything that made him untouchable.
Corbin’s gaze swept over her, the surprise and admiration in his eyes unmistakable. He took a step closer. “You look incredible. But Tori forgot something ... something very important.” Before she could respond, he revealed a massive diamond wedding ring. Gently, he slid it onto her finger, his touch lingering as he held her hand a moment longer.
Her eyes dropped to his hand, where a matching wedding band glinted on his finger. The weight of the ring on her finger felt too real, too significant.
Their eyes met again, and for that brief second, Luna saw not just Corbin but the life they could have had. She nearly lost herself in the thought.
“You ready for this?” Corbin’s question pulled her back to the present.
Luna nodded and slipped her arm through his. The solid warmth of him beneath the expensive suit grounded her. For a fleeting moment, she let herself imagine this was real—that they were truly married, truly facing this crisis together.
But no.Focus,Luna. This is a mission. Nothing more.
They made their way to the parking lot, where a sleek black Bentley awaited them. Jett handed over the keys. “Remember, you’re not just rich. You’re obscenely wealthy. Act like it.”
Luna slid into the driver’s seat, the buttery leather cool against her skin. The scent of the car’s luxurious interior wrapped around her, grounding her in the role she was about to play. As Corbinsettled into the passenger seat beside her, his movements were slow and deliberate. As she guided the sleek black Bentley out of the parking lot, Luna sensed that something had shifted between them. That somehow, in stepping into these new identities, they’d opened a door that wouldn’t easily close again.
“Comms check,” Harlee said in her earpiece. “You reading me?”
