Page 56 of The Only Reason (The Trident Trilogy 2)

“Yeah. Now that we’re here, I understand that. But we have to separate it or we’re going to make mistakes. For purposes of this mission, you have to be any other agent, and I have to be any other operator.”

I take a deep breath. “I completely agree. It’s the only way we can do this.”

“Look, Millie, I know you’re holding back information from me again.” He locks his eyes with mine. “It’s a problem.”

“Yeah. There’s some stuff the agency director told me that he asked me not to share—with anyone.”

“Here’s how it is for me: I tell you everything. And if you think there’s something I’m leaving out, ask me and I will tell you the entire truth. I know trust is an issue for you. I know you’re working on it, but if we’re ever going to make it, you can’t hide stuff from me. Do you get that?”

“Yeah,” I say, looking down.

“That’s all I’m going to say about it now. Think about it,” he says, tilting my chin up. “I can’t be in this relationship with only half of you.”

“I understand.”

“One more thing. Are you into Alex? At all? Is there any part of you that wants to be back with him?”

“Zero. Absolutely no interest in being back with him.”

He smiles and nods. “We’re getting ready to land. Mission-mode activated. Agent Marsh, are you ready for this assignment? Is there anything I can do to help you?”

“Thank you for asking, Master Chief. I’m actually a little nervous. I’m not sure how good I’m going to be at acting like someone else.”

“You’ll be fine. You’re the smartest person I know. Focus on one thing at a time—slow and steady.”

I nod and look up at him. “Hey, by the way, thanks for covering me up. And the pillow. I was cold.”

“I figured,” he says, quickly squeezing my hand.

“Can I keep the fleece in case the hotel room is cold?”

“I don’t why it should be different than every other sweatshirt I own.” He smiles as he stands up. He pats my shoulder. “You’re the best at this, Agent Marsh. You’re going to be fine.”

As he walks away, I close my eyes and give myself an internal pep talk. When I’m satisfied that my mind is straight, I walk over and sit next to my “husband.”

“Hey,” Alex says. “You look great. Didn’t want to try the shalwar, huh?”

“Maybe later. It’s really pretty.”

He reaches out and holds my hand. I take a deep breath and begrudgingly let him.

“What’s your name?”

“Millie Laskin.”

He smiles at me. “How long have we been married?”

“Two weeks. We got married on April 11 in a small, private wedding.”

“Too much detail,” he says matter-of-factly. “Keep your answers as short as possible. Islamabad is a progressive city, but they’re still not used to women being chatty. That actually helps you—less to think about.”

“Surprisingly, I like thinking.”

He rolls his eyes. “Remember, you’re an actor playing a role. No one is asking you to become this person for the rest of your life. Just a few days. A week, tops.”

I nod. “I guess we’re staying in the same room. Are there two beds?”

“We’re staying in the honeymoon suite. There’s one bed.”

“So you’ll be sleeping on the floor then or maybe they have a couch?”

“Millie,” he says as he puts his hand on my leg, “this is a hotel. There are people everywhere—maids and food service in our room. We have a 24-hour butler. We have to be on all the time.”

“I’m guessing actual consummation of the marriage can be off the table. Or are you expecting to get laid?”

“Ahh. There’s the sarcasm,” he says, rolling his eyes. “You know, it’s one of my least favorite things about you.”

“Funny because it’s one of my favorite things about me.”

As the pilot announces the landing, he takes his hand off my leg and sighs dramatically. I lean back and close my eyes. I’ve never dreaded anything in my life as much as I’m dreading these next few days. And that includes my dad’s funeral. At least I was still in shock for that.

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