Page 85 of Undercover Infidel
“I’m not giving up,” Tag finally said. “Not until she tells me to stop looking.”
The fierce determination in his voice revealed more than any confession could have. This wasn’t merely professional concern or friendly worry. This was devotion in its purest form.
Gus and I exchanged glances, recognizing what Tag himself might not have yet fully acknowledged. His feelings for Nightingale ran deep—deeper than any of us had realized. What he’d previously described as casual had clearly evolved into something essential.
“We’ll help however we can,” I promised. “Whatever resources you need.”
“We’ll find her,” Gus added softly. “For all our sakes, but mostly for yours.”
Tag looked up, surprise flickering across his features before settling into understanding. He hadn’t hidden his feelings as well as he thought.
“We will,” he vowed.
After they left,I remained in my chair, contemplating the changes these past months had brought. Before Lex stormed into my castle and hacked my systems, my life had followed a predictable pattern—missions, intelligence gathering, the occasional liaison that never progressed beyond physical attraction. I’d been content with solitude, convinced that deep connections were liabilities in our line of work.
Now, I couldn’t imagine returning to that existence. The thought of Blackmoor without Lex’s laughter echoing through its halls, without her curious exploration of its secrets, felt hollow beyond bearing.
“You look pensive,” Lex observed, returning to find me staring into the fire.
“Thinking about Tag.”
She settled beside me. “He’s taking Nightingale’s disappearance hard.”
“Harder than any of us could’ve predicted. I’m not sure he fully understood his own feelings until she vanished.”
“Sometimes, we don’t recognize what matters most until it’s threatened,” she said quietly.
I took her hand, threading our fingers together. “I recognized it the moment you left Blackmoor after our argument. I knew then I couldn’t let you go.”
Her eyes softened. “Good thing you followed me to London, then.”
“Best decision I ever made.”
The remainder of the afternoon passed in companionable work—Lex reviewing intelligence reports, me coordinating with various assets who’d been monitoring potential Labyrinth remnants. By evening, we’d established that, while vigilance remained necessary, the immediate threat had dissipated.
“Dinner in an hour,” Lex announced, closing her laptop. “Mrs. Thorne mentioned something special.”
I smiled, knowing exactly what the “something special” entailed. “Perfect.”
While Lex changed into “more appropriate attire,” according to her, I messaged Bastion to confirm the final arrangements. Everything was set—the onlyremaining question was whether I could maintain my composure long enough to surprise her.
An hour later, I led Lex not toward the dining room, but in the direction of the library. She raised a brow but followed without question, her hand warm in mine.
“Where are we going? I thought dinner was—” She stopped as I opened the library doors, revealing the transformation within.
The massive oak table had been cleared of books and papers, replaced by an intimate setting for two. Candles flickered in antique silver holders, casting a warm glow across damask linens and crystal glasses. A fire burned in the hearth, and subtle lighting illuminated the spines of the books lining the walls.
“Con,” she breathed, taking in the scene. “What is all this?”
“Dinner,” I said, guiding her to the table. “In the place where our journey began.”
She looked around, recognition dawning. “Where I first challenged you about Dr. McLaren.”
“Where I first realized you might be more than just a temporary alliance.”
Bastion appeared with champagne, pouring two glasses before discreetly withdrawing. The first coursefollowed—Mrs. Thorne’s signature seafood bisque, a dish she reserved for only the most significant occasions.
“To new beginnings,” I proposed, raising my glass.
