Reagan scowls at Jude. “No wonder she’s upset. Having sex with people for information? That’s practically prostitution.”
This isn’t going how I planned. I bury my face in my hands for a second and then say, “Reagan, it’s not like that. It’s always up to me.”
“Well, what did you mean about this guy busting you?” she asks.
“He saw me out shopping as me.”
“As you?”
“Out of disguise. And he knows my real name. He’s just…under my skin.”
Jude puts his arm around Reagan, and she settles in against him. I can’t hate her—she’s my sister. But I wonder if she knows how lucky she is to have someone she can share everything with.
“Do you feel like you’re in danger, Kennedy?” Jude asks me.
“No. It’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m just not sure who’s running who with this guy, and that’s never happened before.”
“Maybe you should let him think he’s running you.”
“Yeah.” I sigh softly. “And the other thing is, as weird as this sounds…I kind of like him.”
They both just look at me in stunned silence for a second.
“You like…a criminal who has stolen millions of dollars?” Reagan asks.
“He’s not what you probably think.”
“He’s dangerous, though. I promise you that,” Jude says. “Maybe you need to talk to your handler about another agent taking over for you.”
I balk at the thought of telling Rae I need to be reassigned because I have a crush on Nix. Hell no. She’d probably punch me in the face, and I can’t say I’d blame her.
“I’ve got it handled,” I say. “I just needed to talk about it with people who get it, and you guys and Olivia are the only people in my life who know what I do. She left early this morning for an assignment, so…”
“So we’re second choice,” Reagan says, giving me a wry smile.
“No. I mean, you know me, too. You know where I come from and why it’s so important to me that I do a good job.”
“Kennedy,” Jude says firmly. “Working in intelligence is tough. It’s hard for people who don’t do it 24/7. I can’t imagine what it’s like for you. Always watching your back, pretending to be someone you’re not. And if you’re still alive and employed, you’re doing a good job.”
Reagan groans. “I hate to think of you in danger all the time, Ken.”
“I’m okay. I just got kind of…rattled last night, I guess. I started wondering what it would be like to have a relationship. Someone I could have dinner with and talk to. I pride myself on being emotionally closed off, but I just had a weak moment or something.”
“You need people you can be yourself with,” Reagan says. “And I know we’re not as good as a boyfriend, but we’re always here. If you need a break, you can come stay with us, or I can come stay with you for a couple days.”
“Thanks. Just hearing you say that makes me feel better.”
“I mean it. If you need me—”
“I’m okay. I can’t take time off right now.” I smile at her. “Thanks, you guys. I think I’m gonna sign off and take that nap now.”
“Be careful with this guy,” Reagan says.
“I will.”
Jude’s expression is serious. “Kennedy, always trust your gut,” he says. “Before training, before rules, before anything else—your instincts will keep you safe.”
He’s a veteran, and I know he’s been in life-and-death situations. His warning really hits home with me.
