Talking about their old “friends” like any of them might snap like a twig put a few things into perspective. None of them could be trusted.
Gage got away from the business, but it almost cost his girlfriend her life. It was the same fate Zach feared every day. People in their world used weaknesses against you, and up until now, Zach had been safe—blissfully ignorant. Nothing had mattered to him.
Now, Lauren was the cause of his high blood pressure, and she never gave him a break.
“Okay. Outfit number one,” Hadley shouted from the hallway.
Zach and Gage both turned to look as Lauren stepped into the living room wearing her hair up in a high ponytail, a tight green sweater, and black skinny jeans. The neckline of the sweater was lower than anything he’d seen Lauren wear, but it was modest for the crowd they’d be visiting.
“Sorry, but no,” Gage said.
Zach rubbed the back of his head. Commenting on clothes that would help Lauren fit in with the other women they’d meet at the party in Winchester went against everything he’d been trying to build since Lauren came into his life.
“He’s right,” Zach said. “You look great, but you’re still too modest.”
Hadley propped her hands on her hips and gaveLauren a look from her head to her toes. “Okay. I think I know what she needs.”
“You know whatIneed? Antacids,” Zach said.
Gage picked up the TV remote and changed the channel. “Lauren is going to be fine. It’s you I’m worried about.”
“What is that supposed to mean? Is it because I’m on the verge of a cardiac event?” Zach asked. In all seriousness, his chest was aching a lot more these days, but it was all anxiety. Worrying about Lauren took a toll on his overall health.
“I’m really glad you’ve decided to walk away, but I have two worries.” Gage held up a finger. “One. I’m afraid you’ll change your mind and go rogue.”
Zach rolled his eyes and sat back in the recliner. “Not gonna happen. That would mean…”
Losing Lauren. He couldn’t even say it. His life had changed for the better even with the constant worrying.
“Two,” Gage continued. “I think you’re going to give away your cover.”
Zach sat up in an instant. “Are you kidding me? Why would I give it away?”
“Because you’re not the same. I can tell a huge difference in who you are, and that’s not because I go to church with you. If those people even get a hint that you’re not the heartless criminal you were before, you’re a dead man.”
“And Lauren,” Zach said, looking toward thehallway where Lauren would soon appear wearing another outfit that didn’t fit her sweet personality.
“And Lauren will be in danger,” Gage finished. “This isn’t a game.”
“Don’t you think I know that? The last thing I want to do is screw this up. Failure is not an option.”
Gage sat forward propping his elbows on his knees. “Then you have to remember the ruthless man you used to be. And here’s the hard part. Don’t let the old you take over the new you. I know how hard it is to change. I know how easy it is to think that giving in just one time won’t be so bad. But that’s a lie. The more normal sin becomes, the more it takes over. Then you start remembering those old voices in your head that tell you you’re worthless. That’s what you’re up against.”
Lauren’s bedroom door opened, and Hadley stepped out. “This is it.” The look on her face was anything but joyous as she moved to the side.
Lauren wore a skintight, strapless top that showed off way too many inches of cleavage. The bottom came to just above her belly button, and the black skirt she wore barely reached halfway down her thighs.
“No.”
“Yes,” Gage said.
Zach was on his feet in an instant, blocking Lauren from Gage’s view. “You can’t wear that.”
Hadley crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one side. “She can. Anything less is going to be suspicious.”
“You know she’s right,” Gage said from behind Zach.
“Shut up and close your eyes. It’s freezing, and you want her to wear that?”
