Page 45 of The Texan's Secrets

“In case you haven’t heard,” Misha continued, “k!smet stock is up twenty-three percent since opening this morning. I’ll have some more business announcements later in the evening. But, for now, enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and special cocktails created by our friends at Silver Saddle.”

Another cheer went up, this one clearly in support of the cocktails.

“And the dancing,” Misha added above the din. “Enjoy the music of local band Orian’s Angle.”

She gave everyone a wave as she backed away from the podium, and the band started in on a catchy popular song with a strong dance rhythm.

“She’s great,” Emilia said, applauding along with the rest of the room.

“Yes, she is.” Nico pretended he’d barely met Misha. “Very poised.”

“Very successful,” Emilia said. “It’s impressive how she’s weathered all the storms that came her way.”

“Storms?” Nico asked, keeping up the ruse.

Emilia cringed. “You do know what happened with me over k!smet, right?”

“What happened with you?”

“It truly wasn’t on purpose.”

He knew she was talking about the HitMeUp sabotage, but he didn’t want to appear too knowledgeable about the inner workings of k!smet.

“I was involved with HitMeUp for a little while.”

“I thought you said this was your first dating app.”

“I consulted for them.” She paused. “While they were busy sabotaging k!smet. It was all over the news.”

“I do remember something about that,” he admitted. “How did you get involved with a dishonest outfit?” He was honestly curious about that part.

He knew she’d been exonerated. Back then, he’d thought Emilia was smart enough to avoid getting caught, and maybe she had had a hand in it. Now, though, he’d put his money on her innocence.

“My sin?” She paused then, as if she was parsing her words.

He felt a moment’s hesitation. Was she about to confess?

“I wasn’t looking closely enough at my client. I completely missed what they were up to.” She gave a chopped laugh. “Embarrassing, I know. But that’s the truth.”

“So, you weren’t personally a saboteur?”

She pulled a face. “Seriously? You think I’d need to pull something like that?”

He made sure his teasing tone was obvious. “You do have a bit of a reputation as a rebel.”

“I’m a white hat,” she said with mock indignation. “I rid the world of thieves and brigands.”

“Brigands?”

“Robbers, outlaws.”

“I know what brigands are. Are you fighting pirates?”

“Digital pirates, yes.” She gave a toasting gesture and took a drink.

“Okay, then. Pirates it is. If it makes it more exciting for you.”

“You’re darn right. And it does. They digitally roam the world looking for the weak and the vulnerable to steal their treasure.”

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