Page 45 of A Secret and a Lie
“So, it has nothing to do with the secrets you collect?”
My lips pinch, and I take a measured breath, battling with the uneasiness now simmering in my veins. “I’m not dignifying that with a response.”
He blinks, his startled expression shifting back into his mask of nonchalance. “What do you do with the secrets?”
Ice sluices down my spine like an avalanche of warning bells, and I stiffen, squaring my shoulders.
There’s been no shortage of clients who have inquired about their secrets, seeking reassurance that they’re safe. But there’s something disconcerting about this situation. This isdifferent. Did he invite me here tonight simply to inquire about this? That thought leavesmewith a single query…
“Why?”
“Just concerned about mine.” Stepping closer, he invades my space, and if I were a decade younger and far less hardened, the fluttering in my belly would’ve ruled my thoughts and actions.
I’m not buying that for a second.I’ve seenthousandsof secrets, seen hundreds of dusty skeletons kept buried within closets of the elite. Ford’s secret isn’t something I’d normally accept. In fact, I’ve denied clients for far better secrets.
There was something raw in Ford’s submission, though. It’s the only reason I accepted it. I wanted to see the man behind a secret like his.
I’ve only loved once, and she left me waiting for her for the rest of my life.
Of all the things he could’ve admitted, why was that what he chose? It was hardly a secret at all, more like a chunk of his soul. It made me wonder if he’d told anyone else about this missing piece of his heart, or if he’s kept it hidden away.
I laugh, the bubbly sound thawing some of my trepidation as I inject calm into my veins. I can handle this; I’ve been navigating thesethreatening waters for years. “With all due respect, your confidences are nothing compared to the others in my vault.” My laughter wanes, but I give him a reassuring smile. “I can confirm that your secrets are safe. They’re inaccessible to anyone other than me.”
He nods, but his features tighten at the edges. This entire interaction still feelsoff. I need a moment to make sure my head is still screwed on straight.
I’m not going to blow up my entire business and watch everything I’ve built implode for this man. I’m playing a long game, and if I want to ensure I win, then creating as much space as possible between me and Ford Crawford is best.
Before I even really think things through, I’m stepping away from him, from the wall, from the situation. “I’m going to leave.”
His dark lashes fan against his cheekbones before he lifts his gaze to mine, nearly searing me to the spot.
I need to go.Now.
Ford
There’s a stony glint in Genevieve’s eyes.I’ve lost her.
I want to strangle myself for it. What was I thinking, pushing her that hard? Jackson’s riding my ass, but I could’ve had more finesse. Shit, Idohave more finesse. I should’ve fucking used it.
Part of me wants to tell her everything and just ask for the client list and secrets. But I know better than to think she’d hand those things over to me willingly. Not to mention, I’d probably find myself on the wrong end of Jackson’s barrel if I did that.Or Genevieve’s.
I’m left with one choice: complete the undercover op. I’m going to need to solidify a plan of my own and ensure that it’s a damn good one.
“Please don’t go,” I implore, gently catching her wrist to stop her. To my surprise, she doesn’t yank her arm from my grasp, her eyes studying mine in a way that makes me wonder what she sees.
It’s a sad fact that this was one of the most pleasant evenings I’ve had in quite a while—probably since my grandfather passed. The conversation was easy and seamless, and her beautiful face made each time I met her eye a special treat.
She smiles, but it’s strained at the corners, as if she’s losing her patience with me. “I’ll ensure that you aren’t charged for the time we didn’t spend together.”
I snort. “It’s not about the money, Gen. I can afford for you to move in and live with me for years.”
When she pulls her wrist from my grip, I don’t fight it. Her lips purse as she dips her chin in understanding, but how could she possibly comprehend this situation? I have more money than one man could spend in twelve lifetimes. I don’t give a fuck about how much it’s going to cost to have her join me for an evening.
She turns then, stalking toward the door that leads back downstairs as alarms ring in my mind. I have to keep her here, for a couple of reasons: Drake may require more time to finish his task, and Ineedto get back into her good graces. I wasn’t lying when I told her that I wanted her. I’m not ready for this night to end.
Which is why I find myself hastily catching her in two long strides. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. That wasn’t my intention, I just… I want to know you.”
The full magnitude of that truth didn’t strike me until now, but it nails me in the chest like shrapnel, slicing into a corner of my heart, and I can feel the wound oozing blood.
