Page 32 of No Mistake

“No. Ryan, please, can we just go?” Suddenly, the room was very small with just the two of them in it and she needed some space.

Chapter 8

Ryan wasn’t sure what he’d done, but Sophie had barely said a word to him since they left the hotel. They were in a conference room at the FBI office waiting for the agents, Adams and Lopez. It was five a.m. and the sun was just starting to come up.

“Are you OK?” he asked cautiously.

“I told you I’m fine. Thank you.” Sophie answered without looking at him.

“Sophie, have I done something or said something to upset you?”

Was this about the kiss? He loved that she initiated a kiss, but he of all people knew people often did things they regretted in times of stress and worry. He thought he was doing the honorable thing, being a gentleman, by stopping it.

“No. Everything’s fine.” She still wouldn’t look at him.

Ryan grabbed hold of the arms of her chair, turning it to face him. When he placed a hand under her chin, she finally looked at him. Her eyes were filled with a pain that ripped at his heart.

“What is it, Sophie? Talk to me. You’ve barely said a word since we left the hotel.”

“I got carried away back there. I’m not used to drinking. It was a mistake. Let’s forget about it.”

“A mistake?”

“Yes. Look, I’m just worried about Chloe. I am glad you’re here, everything you’ve done, but maybe it’s time you went home. I’m perfectly safe here with these agents.”

What the fuck?

“Is that really what you want? After everything I’ve said about how much you mean to me, the team. I don’t want you facing this alone.”

“I can handle it. I’m used to being alone.”

Ryan frowned. “But you don’t have to do it alone anymore. I’m right here.”

“Why? Why are you even giving me a second look?”

Ryan dropped his hand, shocked at the question. Sophie stood up, stepping away from him.

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re beautiful and—”

She didn’t let him finish, shaking her head. “Look at you, Ryan. You could have any woman you want. I’ve seen some of your previous girlfriends. They’re stunning. I’m just... well... not. Is this some kind of game to you? Am I a challenge... Do you have a bet with your Navy pals?”

Ryan recoiled at her outburst. What the hell? Recovering, he went to respond, but the door opened and Agents Adams and Lopez walked in.

“Ryan, Sophie. Thanks for coming back in,” Adams said.

“Do you have any leads?” Sophie asked, moving to a chair further away and sitting down.

“We are working on a few things. When I have something definite, I promise I will let you know. Meanwhile I have some photos here. Known associates of Ricardo Perez. We were unable to see them on any of the cameras at The Mahtay Club, but perhaps you might recognize one of them.”

Ryan watched Adams lay out several photos on the table. He was still reeling from Sophie’s outburst. Where the hell had that come from? A bet? That conversation was not over.

“I’m sorry. I don’t recognize any of them. They could have been there, but it was dark,” Sophie said.

“That’s alright. It was worth a shot.”

“So is that it? Is there nothing else we can do?” Sophie asked. Ryan heard the desperation in her voice.

“Not right now,” Adams said. “We a have a team working on this and we wouldn’t be this far along if not for you and the help you’ve already given”

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