“Who are you?” I whispered.
My neck was aching from hunching over the laptop for so long. I rubbed it and curled my feet up on the stool. I had no idea where Bastian was. He’d gotten a phone call and headed out to take care of something in the casino. He’d kissed me senseless before he’d left.
I touched my lips. My body still felt tingly and sensitive. He’d sure changed my outlook on sex. I smiled. Totally.
But I couldn’t imagine it being anything like this with anyone else.
I chewed on the end of my fingernail. I’d enjoy it while it lasted. Bastian wouldn’t be mine forever. We’d hunt down the Red Ribbon Killer, and then I’d leave.
I was designed to be alone. Ed had trained me that way. I looked around the penthouse. I wasn’t made for homes and happily ever afters. My work was on the road.
Besides, Bastian could have anyone. He liked interesting, beautiful things. Before long, a willowy blonde or a leggy redhead would catch his interest, and he’d move on.
An oily feeling mixed in my stomach.
I pulled in a breath. I was used to dealing with circumstances I didn’t like. I’d deal with that when the time came.
There was a knock at the front door. I rose. If it was Bastian, he’d just let himself in. I glanced at the laptop. I was waiting for some informants to ring or email me back. I’d sent the photo of Red out to a few people.
But I wasn’t expecting anyone to show up here.
I grabbed one of my knives from the counter. My fingers curled around the hilt as I moved toward the door. I checked the peephole.
And saw Georgie standing on the other side.
Crap. I opened the door.
“Hi.” I hid the knife beside my thigh.
She smiled brightly. “Hi. I saw that Bastian was locked away with Nash in the security office, so I thought I’d pop in and say hello while I’m on my lunch break.”
“Lunch?” Shit, how long had I been working?
Georgie came in and turned to face me. “First, I wanted to check on you. Nash wouldn’t share any details, but he said you had an upsetting situation the other night.”
I blinked. She was…worried about me. “Thanks. I’m doing okay.”
“Good. I knew Bastain would take care of you. But if you ever want to talk, I’m here.”
I blinked again. “Thank you.”
She nodded. “And second, I wanted to apologize.”
Now, I frowned. “For what?”
“Dinner the other night. You were uncomfortable?—”
I held up a hand. “Georgie, you have nothing to apologize for. I just—” I blew out a breath. “As you were talking, I realized I’m not like you. I’m not like regular people. My parents were murdered when I was ten.”
Georgie gasped, sympathy filling her face.
“I was taken in by a CIA agent and trained to be an assassin. I had no friends, I didn’t go to college. All I’ve known is killing. You on the other hand, are beautiful, stylish, educated, came from a small town where you no doubt had a loving family.”
“Lark.” Georgie took a step closer. “My mom died of cancer just as I was finishing high school. I helped my Dad take care of her and put off attending my dream college. I got my degree at the local college, then my brother was killed in action in Afghanistan. Then my dad died, and my sister was taken in by a club owner here in Las Vegas who promised to make her a star.”
I just stared at her.
“Instead, he got Viv addicted to drugs, abused her, shared her with his friends, then he killed her.”
