The next night I bent my rule and returned to the same bar, hoping she’d return.
She did. And for the second time, what we thought would be a night of mind-blowing sex turned into a night of talking, drinking, and laughing. When I kissed her, she melted in my arms. When she pulled my hair, I almost lost all control.
But I couldn’t. I already knew Ashley was different, and I couldn’t love her and leave her like I did with the others. She deserved better than that. She deserved the truth.
Truth I couldn’t give her, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
Like a moth to her flame, I was hooked. Against my better judgement, I asked, “Can you meet me for lunch tomorrow?”
“I’m done at eleven, so anytime after that works.”
We set a time and agreed to meet at a different bar. I’d smiled, thrilled to be having lunch with the most amazing woman I’d ever met. But my smile evaporated as I reminded myself she was meeting Scott. Not Nathan.
The personal details I’d shared were real, but she wouldn’t care once she found out I’d lied about my name and job.
Every minute we spent together made it harder to lie, but I couldn’t risk her knowing why I was there or what I was doing.
Knowing my op, bringing down the Perpura Cartel, was almost over, I started planning how I’d come clean and what I’d say to get Ashley to give Nathan a chance.
“Thank you for lunch, Angel.” She stretched and kissed my cheek. Her fruity shampoo filled my senses, the scent forever tied to Ashley in my mind.
“You’re welcome, Slick.” I couldn’t help but wonder what she’d call me when I confessed I’d lied about my name.
I shouldn’t have, but I asked her out to dinner hoping she’d spend her last night in Vegas with me. She accepted. I had my excuse for why I wouldn’t be able to talk to her for a few days ready to buy myself enough time to finish my mission.
If I was lucky, we’d finally consummate our relationship.
We agreed to meet outside the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, on the eleventh floor of the Paris Hotel, at seven.
“I’ll make your last night in Vegas one you’ll never forget,” I promised.
“You better.” The fire in her eyes told me I wouldn’t forget it either.
I never showed.
Images flashed rapid-fire before my eyes.
A table covered with sharp knives.
Count five things you can see, here and now. Brick wall, awning, blue sedan, trash can, people.
The steel shackles on my wrists, my bare feet dangling two inches above the floor.
Count four things you can touch, here and now. Brick wall, wallet, car keys, phone.
The crack Al’s whip made seconds before striking my back.
Count three things you can hear, here and now. Traffic, music, people talking.
The scent of blood as leather tore my flesh.
Count two things you can smell, here and now. Coffee, exhaust.
The taste ofblood and stale vomit that lingered for days.
Count one thing you can taste, here and now.
Back in the present, I practiced my breathing, knowing coffee would fill that last requirement as soon as I filled the order.
