Page 68 of Critical Mass
“This complicates things,” she whispered.
That was an understatement. With Ravenscroft’s security team shadowing them, the operation just became ten times more difficult—and ten times more dangerous.
Because now they had to assume everything they did was being reported back to Natalie’s dad.
Which meant one wrong move, one slip, one moment of carelessness, and Ravenscroft would know his daughter was working against him.
And Hudson had no idea what a hardcore businessman like him would do to someone who betrayed him.
Even if that someone was his own daughter.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-SIX
Natalie walked backtoward the office building, acutely aware of Hudson beside her and the black sedan still idling in the parking garage within spitting distance.
Security her father had hired to watch her and report back to him.
The violation of it—the control—made her want to scream.
She paused near the door and lowered her voice. “This is a problem.”
“It’s a complication,” Hudson corrected. “Not insurmountable.”
“Those guys are going to spot your backup. That puts us in a dangerous position.”
“Agreed. We’re going to have to pivot.”
“And how am I supposed to gather intelligence on my father when his security team is watching my every move?”
Hudson glanced back at the sedan, then guided her to the side of the entrance where they’d have more privacy. “We adapt. Work within the constraints.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re trained for this.” Natalie wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling exposed in the openparking garage. “I’m just a communications director who’s in way over her head.”
“You’re more than that.” Hudson’s voice was quiet but firm. “You found the Dubai connection. You noticed patterns my team missed. You’re doing better than most trained operatives would in your situation.”
The compliment should have felt good. Instead, a fresh wave of anger surged through her.
“Don’t do that,” she said.
His eyes narrowed. “Do what?”
“Don’t manage me, and don’t try to manipulate me with compliments and reassurance.”
Something flickered across Hudson’s face—hurt, maybe, or frustration. “That’s not what I’m doing.”
“Isn’t it?” Natalie’s voice rose slightly, and she forced herself to lower it. “You’re so good at this, Hudson. At saying exactly what people need to hear to make them trust you, to make them do what you want. How am I supposed to know when you’re being genuine and when you’re just playing your role?”
Hudson was quiet a moment, his jaw tight.
When he spoke, his voice sounded carefully controlled. “You’re right. You can’t know. And I understand why you don’t trust me. But, Natalie, regardless of how you feel about me personally, we’re in this together now. We both want the same thing—to figure out if your father is really planning an attack and stop it if he is.”
“Do we really want the same thing?” Natalie challenged. “Because I want to prove my father is innocent. You already think he’s guilty. We’re not on the same side at all.”
“We’re both on the side of truth.” Hudson locked gazes with her. “Wherever that leads.”
Natalie studied Hudson’s face, looking for any sign of deception, any tell that would reveal what he was really thinking. But his expression remained neutral, professional.
