I’m taken aback for a second, because Nix has an intensity that feels heavy, warm, and overwhelming now that I’m alone with him. His brown eyes are rimmed with the deep amber shade of the drink he was sipping back at the table, and his thick, dark hair is unruly in a very sexy way.
“Going to the bathroom,” I say, arching a brow. “And do you know who you’re running your mouth about right now?”
“Alex Hassan,” he says, his tone laced with confidence. “International arms dealer whose family is a lot more powerful than he is. Cokehead. He’s really just a spoiled rich boy when all is said and done.”
“Are you new here?” I ask, incredulous.
“Not as new as you might think. I’ve been around a few years.”
“And what brings you to New York? Other than an apparent death wish?”
His smile is relaxed. “Business. And I’m not afraid of Hassan. Or anyone else for that matter.” In a heartbeat, his expression turns serious. “And what bringsyouhere, Eva?”
“Guess I just like to walk on the wild side.”
“Don’t bullshit me.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m not. I’m here with Alex.”
“You don’t even like him.”
After a short note of laughter, I say, “Who do I like, then? You?”
“I’d be damn lucky if you did.”
The intensity of his gaze makes my heart pound nervously. I force myself to at least look calmer than I feel.
“Yes, you would. But like I said, I’m here with Alex.”
“Don’t ever play poker. You’re full of tells.”
I hum my skepticism. “You’re full of swagger.”
“I can see it in your eyes. You can’t even stand the guy. If you liked him, your eyes would be wide and dreamy. But they’re calculating.”
“The only thing I’m calculating is the distance to the bathroom,” I say shortly. “Have a good night, Phoenix.”
I feel like I could jump out of my skin as I walk to the bathroom. I’m a fraud, and Phoenix can see right through me. If he can tell I’m pretending, can others see it, too? My life depends on my ability to convince everyone around me that I am who and what I say I am.
Once I’m safely inside the bathroom, I lean back against the wall and take a few deep breaths.
I’m out of my league. This work means everything to me, but I can’t make the world a better place if I get myself killed. I should have started in the Greenlight office, but no. Impulsive, fearless Kennedy justhadto work in the field.
Even after taking a minute to gather myself, I’m too rattled to stay at the club. I text Alex that I’m going home because I’m tired and then slip past him while he’s talking to a group of people. The guards at the elevator don’t say anything to me as I step inside.
I consider walking home, but Nix’s words left me feeling exposed, so I take a cab instead. I don’t want people looking at me right now. Usually, I’m bulletproof, but doubt occasionally sneaks its way in.
Once safely inside my apartment, I peel off my boots and slide the blue wig from my head. Olivia is sleeping, likely exhausted from her trip. As I sink back against the couch, I close my eyes and exhale deeply.
It takes someone like Rae to be a Greenlight field agent. Someone mentally and physically made of steel. Not someone so shaken by one comment that she slinks away in shame, missing out on valuable intel from both Hassan and Phoenix.
I’m buried in self-doubt. But soon, my worry softens and fades as sleep takes over.
The ringingof my phone wakes me up the next morning. I sit up, bleary-eyed and feeling like my mouth is full of cotton. I’m so groggy that I don’t know if the ring is coming from my work phone or my personal one.
Even after I pick up the phone from the kitchen counter, I haven’t yet registered that my work one is still in my bag from last night.
“Hello?”
