Page 15 of A Dangerous Prize

Perhaps sensing she's backed me into a corner, Hays softens her approach. "You're an excellent agent, Miller. But everyone has a breaking point. Undercover work takes a toll, especially deep cover. It can warp perceptions, distort realities." She sighs quietly. "If others knew the details of your...relationship...with Ms. de Luca, your integrity could be called into question. Your career threatened."

Her words send ripples of panic through me. She's right. Fraternizing with a target...it could end my career. I risked everything by allowing my feelings for Alessa to override my ethics and vows as an agent.

And yet, I can't fully silence the whispers that something about this case is rotten at its core.

Thatsomeoneneeds to think about justice, not just an outcome.

I raise my eyes to meet Dr. Hays' sympathetic gaze. "I appreciate your discretion in this matter. You know I only want to serve the cause of truth. I just..."

"You feel there are shades of gray here," she finishes with an understanding look. "That things aren't as black and white as they first appeared."

I nod mutely, a swell of relief rising in me. However this mess unravels, at least I have Hays in my corner, providing a compassionate ear and keeping my confidences. Not for the first time, I'm profoundly grateful for her.

"Well." She offers an encouraging smile. "Whatever questions or doubts you have, I know you'll get to the truth of the situation. You are a very dedicated officer." Her expression turns serious once more. "But tread carefully, Agent Miller. I don't want to see your career unduly harmed by what was—let's be honest—a lapse in judgment. Right?"

"Right," I parrot.

"There's nothing else you need to disclose?"

I stare at her for a long moment. Yeah, there is. Of course there is. I should tell Hays—should have told the whole damn FBI—about myfreakingabductionby Johnny the Gentleman. About Alessa's threats. About…everything.

I don't plan to, though. It would just get me kicked further away from the team than I am now, and then I'd never be able to find the truth.

"Nothing else," I say firmly. "And actually, I'm relieved Bell told you about my…fraternization. I was worried he didn't take it all that seriously at the time."

"Oh, he did." Hays surveys me a moment longer, then nods. "I'm always here if you need to talk. But for now, I'll let you go." A ghost of a smile touches her lips. "A few more sessions and I think you'll be fit for duty again. When are you free next?"

I try to hide my disappointment, but I should have known that Hays would never sign off on my reinstatement after one little chat. I make another appointment, we exchange goodbyes, and then I'm exiting her office, my thoughts churning.

However this situation with Alessa plays out, I need to take care. If word gets back to Bell that I'm entertaining doubts about Alessa's guilt, or even simply inquiring about potential misconduct in the team, I'll have no chance at all to see the evidence against her, to judge for myself.

I could let it go, of course. From what everyone seems to be saying, the case will be quietly dropped. They're not even keeping up surveillance on Alessa.

But even if the case fails, someone still might have planted those pieces of evidence.

And that's not okay.

Too much is on the line. Because what Alessa said in that room was true—if the Ruby Realm closes, if she is imprisoned, if not now but later, then there will be hundreds of trafficked women left in misery, because no one else will do anything to save them.

They're not important enough to anyone but Alessa de Luca—and her father.

I shiver as I think of Johnny the Gentleman.

Outside, the day has turned gray and drizzling. I tug my collar up against the chill dampness, shoulders hunching as I head back to the subway station.

The truth has a way of coming to the surface. I just have to uncover it. But that will mean picking at the loose threads in this mess until it unravels completely, no matter the consequences.

Ihaveto know that I'm on the right side of justice, even if the answer shakes my world. It has nothing to do with Alessa de Luca, not really.

Okay, not even I can convince myself ofthatlie.

With a sigh, I walk out into the rain, my path ahead obscured by shadows and looming threats. Somewhere in this city, Alessa is also moving in concealment.

Almost against my will, I feel myself anticipating our next encounter. That penetrating emerald gaze stripping me bare. The fiery clash of wills between us. The quickening of my pulse as she draws near.

This is such a dangerous game to play. Iknowthe wiser path is to maintain distance, to cool the embers of this ill-advised passion. But right or wrong, my path keeps circling back to Alessa de Luca.

Maybe it's time I took a little more control of the situation.

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