“Don’t spout that fortune cookie bullshit to me. When you take risks like that, we risk blowing our cover which can blow a year’s worth of operation.”
That was true, but her cover wouldn’t have been almost blown if not for the idiots tailing her and not knowing how to keep their distance. Not that her boss would appreciate her saying that. “There hasn’t been a concern until now. It’s almost over, boss. I just need a few more days. At least until the meeting and then we can nail these guys.”
Her boss sighed, and she knew she had won. At least for now. “Alert me as soon as a meeting has been made. The where and when.”
“Will do,” she said, feeling a smile creep over her face. It felt foreign. She didn’t have a lot to smile about anymore, but putting these scumbags behind bars was a lot to celebrate about. “I have to go. I snuck out of the mansion and need to get back before anyone notices I’m gone.”
“I wish I could get you to wear a wire. I hate not knowing what’s going on behind those gates.”
“We’ve been over this; I can’t take the risk. Maxim is paranoid.” If Maxim ever learned she was an agent, he would flay the skin from her body in the slowest most painful way possible. She would be wishing for death and he wouldn’t give it to her until he was ready. No, she wouldn’t take that risk.
“But if we’re ever found out...”
“I knew the risks when I took the assignment. Now I really have to go. I’ll be in contact in the next few days.” She hung up her burner phone and turned it off for good measure.
Zoe tossed the phone on the counter and took a deep swallow of her scotch, feeling the burn as it slid down her throat. She really did need to get back to the mansion. She’d been lucky no one had found her out sneaking around yet.
She didn’t have to come to the safe house often, just when she needed a break and to get away from everything. Now it was going to be impossible. Good thing this operation was almost over with. She was ready for a break.
“Interesting place you have here.”
Chapter 12
Greg’s eyes scanned the small room. It was a simple, plain apartment. All he could see was the living room and kitchen, but even that wasn’t enough to tell him anything about her. The walls were bare and only the basic furniture. Secretive, just like her.
Her room was the same. It was like she didn’t want to leave a personal touch somewhere. To let anyone know about her. Then again, this wasn’t her house. Nor was the mansion.
Zoe whipped around, her eyes widened in fear. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as if she had run a marathon. “Logan, what the hell are you doing here?”
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
“Who were you on the phone with?” he asked instead. That was the more important question. Who was this woman in front of him because she was clearly not who he’d thought she was. He couldn’t hear the person on the other end, but it most definitely wasn’t Maxim or anyone he worked with. She’d talked about putting Maxim behind bars. So who was she really?
Zoe turned so her back was to the kitchen island. He followed her into the space taking it as an invite. “That’s none of your business. How did you get in?”
Greg took a step closer to her, using his size to intimidate her. “I’m making it my business, and I picked the lock.”
“I’m still not going to tell you anything.”
“You’re in no position to negotiate. I heard you. You’re planning on taking Maxim, Diego, and Viktor down. You recognized some of the men following us. Either you’re a spy for another drug cartel or you’re some kind of cop.”
Zoe didn’t so much as bat an eyelash. Her face was stone still. “Leave now, Logan,” she hissed through clenched teeth.
She had warned him like that before at the bar, and it hadn’t worked. He had no intention of following her advice this time either. “I don’t think I will.”
“Leave now or I’ll make you. I won’t ask again.” She didn’t back down from his challenge, and damn if he wasn’t turned on. Though now wasn’t the time for that.
“How are you going to make me?” He knew he shouldn’t underestimate a woman, especially this one. She had protected herself from her two attackers.
She was standing in just a towel though, how much damage could she do to him? It wasn’t like she was hiding a weapon on her. He would have noticed, though he was purposely keeping his gaze on her face and not her near-naked state.
Zoe moved with lightning speed. The only warning he’d had was the gleam of the knife out of the corner of his eye. He reared back just as the blade would have cut into his neck.
“Easy, kitten.” Greg took a step back now, realizing the danger he’d put himself in. She had purposely maneuvered herself against the counter for easy access to weapons. He’d been so stupid. A mistake he wouldn’t allow again.
“I warned you.” She held the knife up in a defensive gesture.
