“We could have access to the event?” Sydney asked Penelope, who nodded.
Beckham flew out of his chair. “Have you all lost your minds? We are not sending Reyna out against Harrington.”
“I’m going, Becks,” she told him. “And I need you there to finish it off.”
“If Harrington is out of the way, then you have a play for president of Visage,” Sydney said. “Imagine what we could do, the changes we could implement, with you at the helm.”
“You’re sure?” he asked Reyna.
“Yes. Do this with me.”
“I don’t want to risk you.”
“Some risks are worth everything.” She tried to say with her eyes what she didn’t have to:You were.You were worth everything.
“No,” Beckham said again.
“I believe I am in charge of this operation, Mr. Anderson,” Sydney said formally. “I think it’s the start of a plan. We need to flesh it out, but if Reyna is willing, it’s the best chance we have.”
“Sleep on it,” Beckham said.
“I won’t change my mind,” Reyna said defiantly.
“It’s been a long night for everyone. Get some rest and meet back here at fifteen hundred hours,” Sydney said as a dismissal.
With the decision all but made, Reyna felt a sharp sense of relief flood her system. She was doing something. Sacrificing anything to stop this camp from being implemented—to find a way to get Brian back.
Beckham herded her toward the exit. Her exhaustion was winning out; she stumbled through her steps, and her eyelids drooped. The adrenaline was wearing off, and she had nothing left to give.
They were in the hallway when Beckham growled, “You can hardly walk.”
“It’s been a long night.”
She was far from okay. Even further from fine.Catatonicwas the correct word.
“Beckham!” Penelope called behind them.
They both stopped and faced her. Reyna braced her hand against the wall to stay steady. She really didn’t want to deal with Penelope right now.
“Where are you going?” Penelope asked.
“Reyna needs to rest.”
“Okay…so she’ll rest. But where areyougoing?”
His patience was clearly on a razor-thin edge when he responded, “I am going with her.”
It felt like he was drawing a line in the sand. A line that he’d drawn over and over again, but never in this way. Never this forcefully. Never in front of Reyna.
Penelope crossed her arms. “I can’t keep doing this.”
“Then don’t.”
“I’m the one who’s always been there for you. I’m the one who changed your life. I’m the one who brought you to Elle,” Penelope said. She tilted her chin up. “It’s me. It’s always been me.”
“You’re really doing thisnow?” he asked.
“When else am I supposed to do it? I’m Penelope Sky. I’m the mayor. I’m exactly who you’re supposed to end up with, Beckham. When are you going to get a clue that there is nothing better than what is right in front of your face? This charade has to end. You and I, we’re perfect together. Weshouldbe together,” she said, her voice rising an octave. “The mayor and a senior vice president of Visage, working together to make a better future. That’s us. Everyone can see it but you.”
