Page 12 of Risks of Temptation
"But how did the U.S. even know about this?"
"Once again, not our job," I repeat.
Gustave better have some answers.
"Watch this." Hunter hits a button on Kalim's phone.
Andre watches the video then hits the replay button and focuses on it again. "What else do we know?"
"We have less than twenty-four hours to move on this, or there are going to be consequences. Our sources tell us that Naomi does have information on the leaders, and the U.S. wants that information," Kalim informs him.
"What's the U.S. going to do with it?" Andre asks.
Hunter cocks his head. "Since when do you ask all these questions?"
He sighs. "Sorry. Anyone else here?"
Kalim informs us on some logistics. The whir of another helicopter interrupts us, and Ryker gets lowered down.
I didn't know he was back.
It's about time.
I trot over to meet him. He's not been with us for a year—since his wife died—and we've missed him.
"Ryker. Good to have you back," I say.
"Thanks. Good to be back."
"How are you doing?"
"Great. What's the situation?"
I fill him in on the details on the way to where the rest of the team is. Everyone gets reacquainted, happy he is back. Andre hands each of us the folders on our targets.
I already know I'm getting Julieta Macaca, a flight attendant from Costa Rica. But I walk away, acting like I'm studying the information for the first time.
I spent the entire night memorizing all the folders for all five women. I know how Kalim assigns targets, so I can guess who is getting assigned to whom.
I didn't know Ryker was coming. He must be getting Naomi's sister.
I go into the tent and sit on the air mattress. I pull out my phone to call Gustave. While it rings, I open the folder, expecting to see Julieta's picture.
It's a good thing I'm sitting. The last month, I had this buzzing in my blood. I thought it was part of the shift I've been seeing about what's happening with the Global Leaders, but the moment my eyes see her photo, the buzzing intensifies, and I get dizzy.
I hang up the phone.
I must have gotten Ryker's folder by accident.
Emilia Salazar.
My mouth goes dry, dick turns hard, and I curse myself.
I've turned into a total pervert. She can't be any older than twenty-four.
I should lift her photo to look at the details on her, but I can't seem to. I've never seen anyone so stunningly beautiful.
Her black, curly hair hangs past her shoulders. Bright-blue eyes, similar to her sister's, stare back at me. Unlike Naomi's, there's an innocence about them. But I also see a hint of pain.
