Page 51 of The Only Reason (The Trident Trilogy 2)

“What you need to know professionally or personally?”

“Sounds like we’re going to need to cover both.”

I try to lean casually against his locker, but I know my folded arms give away my extreme discomfort with this subject. “We met at the agency. We dated. He got transferred to Moscow. He asked me to come along. I said no.”

He nods his head—his lips pursed—like he’s trying to make sure what he says next comes out right. “And he asked you to marry him?”

“Does Raine tell you everything?” I start rubbing my temples to try to stop the headache that’s forming.

“Well you clearly don’t. Why have you never told me about him?”

I shrug. “I haven’t talked to him in like four years. There’s not much to tell. Have you told me about all your exes?”

“I’ve told you about all my exes who are going to be on this mission with us.”

“Cute,” I say. “And I had no idea he was going to be here today.”

“Raine said he tried to pit the agency against the teams. What’s that about?”

“I don’t know. I think she’s exaggerating that a little bit. He’s just new to management. He’s been a lone wolf in the field so long. I think he’s just trying to shore up his team.”

“Interesting technique,” he says, rolling his eyes.

“He’s not like you guys. He’s used to being on his own. You know the whole ‘working in the shadows’ thing. He’s good at his job.”

“So you trust him?”

“I mean sure. As much as I trust anyone at the agency.”

“That’s not a ringing endorsement.”

“Look, I’m sorry I asked for your team to be pulled.”

He smiles very slightly like he does when he knows I’m not telling him the truth. “Don’t apologize for something you would do again in a second.”

He’s not wrong, and he knows it. We stand there for a minute, staring at each other silently.

“Are we good?” I say. “I have a few things I need to do before we leave.”

“We’re good. I told you before I’ll always have your back whether or not we’re together.”

My heart drops all the way to my toes. “What does that mean? Are we not together anymore?”

“I don’t know, Millie. You really pissed me off by trying to call my team off the mission. And I know you’re hiding stuff from me again. Let’s just get this over with, and then we can talk about it,” he says, looking away from me. “But for purposes of this mission, we’re definitely not together.”

I shake my head to try to register what he’s saying. “Wow. Okay.” I take a step back. He’s still not looking at me. “Am I allowed to leave on my own? Or do you want to have your guys stuff me in a bag again?”

He motions his arm toward the door. “Knock yourself out.”

I swing the door open with so much force, I’m actually surprised when it doesn’t come off its hinges. I turn around, hoping he’s looking at me. He’s not.

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