Page 29 of Sly Like a Fox
We should probably discuss what this means for our partnership and establish boundaries between personal attraction and professional necessity.Instead, I’m studying her face, noting the way her pupils are dilated and her lips are slightly swollen from our kiss.
Somewhere in the process of planning this elaborate con, I’ve begun to develop genuine feelings for my partner.The revelation worries me because it threatens to compromise my focus on the mission that has consumed my life for three years.Emotional involvement creates vulnerabilities, and vulnerabilities lead to mistakes that could get us both killed.
Yet looking at Jenna wearing my ring and sitting close enough to touch, I can’t bring myself to step back from the woman who’s become so much more than just an accomplice.“We should probably get some sleep,” I say, though neither of us makes any move to end the evening.
“Probably,” she says, her voice carrying the same reluctance I’m feeling.
The engagement ring glints between us like a promise, and my thoughts wander as I consider what would happen if we made this real.
Chapter 9
Jenna
Threeweeksintoourpartnership, Chloe badgers me into meeting her at the coffee shop we often frequent.I’ve been avoiding her since the transformation began, partly because explaining my sudden wardrobe upgrade without revealing the truth requires more creativity than I can muster, and partly because Chloe reads people with uncomfortable accuracy.
“Okay, spill.”She slides into the booth across from me, carrying two steaming mugs and wearing her most determined expression.“You’ve been MIA for weeks, you’re wearing clothes that cost more than my regular commissions, though clients are cheap bastards when it comes to graphic design, so that’s not saying much.You also have that glow that only comes from getting laid by an attractive man.”
I sip my latte, buying time while I formulate a response that contains enough truth to satisfy her curiosity without revealing anything that could compromise our operation.“Things with Fenton are going well, but I’m not getting laid.”
She looks skeptical “Going well enough that he’s buying you designer clothes, but no…” She waggles her eyebrows.“Uh-huh.”
Heat creeps up my neck.The wardrobe overhaul Fenton arranged is more extensive than I initially expected.He insisted I needed professional styling, high-end cosmetics, and a closet full of clothes that actually fit properly and make me look like I belong in expensive restaurants.The transformation is remarkable but explaining it to Chloe requires creative editing.
“He’s generous, and before you lecture me about accepting expensive gifts from men, this is different.”
Chloe leans back in her seat, studying my face with the intensity of someone who’s known me long enough to recognize evasion.“Besides the no sex, different how?”
“He’s not trying to buy me or be possessive of me.He just wants us to look good together at the events we attend.”True enough, though the events in question are reconnaissance missions rather than social outings.
“What kind of events require a complete makeover?”
I gesture vaguely, hoping to deflect without lying outright.“Business functions, charity galas, and networking opportunities.His work involves a lot of high-profile socializing.”
“And you’re comfortable with that?Playing dress-up for some guy’s professional advancement?”
The question stings because it suggests I’m being used, which couldn’t be farther from the truth.Our partnership is built on shared goals, not exploitation, but explaining that to Chloe would require revealing details I can’t share.
“It’s not like that.We’re partners in this, not boss and employee.”
“Partners in what, exactly?”
I realize I’ve walked into dangerous territory.Chloe’s questions are becoming more specific, and my answers are becoming more revealing than intended.Time to redirect the conversation.
“Partners in building something together.Look, I know it sounds fast, but Fenton and I have a connection that goes beyond typical dating.We understand each other in ways that...”I trail off, surprised by the honesty in my words.
Chloe’s expression softens slightly.“You’re falling for him.”
The statement makes me flinch, not because it’s wrong but because it’s so obviously right.Somewhere between planning our cover story and practicing our public affection, my performance became genuine.The realization should terrify me, but instead, it makes me want to defend what we’re building.“Maybe I am.Is that so terrible?”
“Not terrible, just dangerous.You’ve spent your entire adult life being independent and self-sufficient.Don’t let some guy change who you are, even if he is gorgeous and generous.”
Her concern is genuine, but it’s based on incomplete information.Fenton isn’t changing me.He’s giving me the opportunity to become the person I always wanted to be, who uses her skills for something meaningful rather than just survival.“He’s not changing me, Chloe.He’s helping me become myself.”
She snorts softly.“That’s what they all say right before they isolate you from your friends and convince you that you need them to be complete.”
The accusation makes me defensive because it’s so far from the truth.“Fenton has never tried to isolate me from anyone.If anything, he encourages me to maintain my friendships and pursue my own interests.”
“Then why haven’t I seen you in three weeks?”
