Page 45 of The Specialist

“I’ll be careful what I say.”

He nodded. “You can’t be too cautious until we figure out what they want. Why they want you specifically. No offense, but there are lots of people who could blow up a building for them.”

“I know,” I agreed, not offended at all. Leo was right. There were others who could bring down a building, and I needed to know why they were focused on me.

And how they’d found me.

* * *

Life seemed normal for the next week. Sofia was picked up and dropped off every day. She waited in the car until her driver assessed the area and gave her the okay, and they stayed until she had walked in, not leaving until she was safely in the building—either the hospital or the apartment block. She had no idea that if they were uneasy, she would remain in the car, and they would leave with her and take her somewhere safe. I wasn’t taking chances with her. She did agree to another tracker in her purse and on her phone, which surprised me. Then I realized Damien had spoken to her. He had told her to take it easy on me and cooperate.

I appreciated his backup.

I had two of our ex-HJ agents follow me from a distance. They changed all the time, and I was never able to spot them right away. But they, in turn, never spotted anyone following me. I didn’t see Alex again, and there was no contact. Still, I was worried. I knew they were simply biding their time.

The day of the charity event, I pulled out my tux to get ready. I was going early as was our protocol, to check everything out. Sofia’s driver would pick her up along with her friend Sally and bring them to the event. I was contemplative as I got ready, tucking in my shirt, making sure my bow tie was straight, and adding my favorite cuff links to the sleeves.

I didn’t want to be attending as personnel. I wanted to sit next to Sofia. Be able to wrap my arm around her. Laugh and talk with her. Dance with her after. Peruse the auction tables and buy her something that caught her eye. She had only shaken her head when I told her what I was thinking, and she assured me these events were as boring as any other charity dinner.

“Lots of people wanting to be important. So much chatter and money being thrown around,” she said. “The meals are the same, the speeches too long, and the liquor flows far too freely. I rarely dance unless someone I know is there and we take a turn on the dance floor. I dislike the dinners, but we are asked to support. I’m usually one of the first to leave.” Then she smiled. “At least I’ll have an excuse. Tonight, I’m working, so I can’t drink, and I can leave with an emergency if I have to.”

Boring or not, I still wanted to be the one beside her. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and added some cologne, reaching for my suit jacket. I would carry it with me and put it on when I arrived to avoid some wrinkles. I heard my door open and the sound of Sofia’s quiet footfalls. She was getting ready at her place, but it was too early for her to be done.

She walked into the bedroom, wearing a short robe. Her hair was down, a dark wave of silk that tumbled over her shoulders.

She clasped her hands as I turned to face her.

“Put your jacket on,” she murmured.

I did as she requested, pulling down my sleeves.

“My, my, Mr. Vulpe. You are one fine specimen of a man all the time, but in a tux?” She waved her hand in front of her face. “You slay.”

I smiled at her words and moved in front of her. “You are beautiful.”

“I haven’t gotten ready yet.”

“You are still the most beautiful woman in the world.”

She ran her hand up my chest, resting it over my heart. “Thank you.”

“I dislike the fact that I will not be here to watch you leave, so I have asked Samuel to call as he gets close, and he will meet you at the door and walk you to the car.”

“Egan, you are going to worry yourself into an early grave about me. Please relax.”

I lifted her hand and kissed it. “When this is over, I will.”

“Will it be over?”

“Yes. Between Damien and I, we will figure it out.” I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. “I have to go.”

“You need to relax,” she repeated, running her hand down my chest. “I feel your tension.”

“I will later.”

“You’d enjoy your evening better if you were.” She tugged on my cummerbund. “I can help you.”

“Sofia,” I warned, my body beginning to respond to her closeness. It always did. “I’ll be late.”