Page 145 of Vicious Temptation

“Games?” Her tone carries the slightest hint of amusement. “If you think this is a game, you’ve already lost.”

I glance toward one of the cameras mounted near the ceiling. “Why did you call me here? Is this another of your tests?”

She laughs. “You say that as though you’ve passed the others.”

The jab lands exactly where she intended. Elena has a way of turning every conversation into a challenge and every challenge into a threat.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve done everything you’ve asked.”

“Have you? Because I don’t recall authorizing late-night dinners and leisurely walks with your target.”

My entire body goes still at the mention of Remi. “Your job isn’t to micromanage how I conduct my investigation.”

More silence.

“Are you compromised, Operative?”

I swallow hard and clench my fists. My gaze shifts to the surveillance camera again, and I stare directly into it.

“I repeat,” Elena says, her voice sharpening. “Operative 427, are you compromised?”

I know what I’m supposed to say. The denial should come without hesitation, clean and convincing enough to end the conversation.

But I can’t fucking say it because if being compromised means I care more about what happens to Remi than about completing this assignment, Elena already has her answer.

“Operative 427, effective immediately, you are relieved of all duties related to case number 11-C3578.”

“No.” The word is out before I can stop it.

“Operative—”

“No.” I step closer to the camera. “You can’t.”

“A replacement shall be assigned and brought up to speed⁠—”

“Wait.”

My pulse pounds in my ears as the meaning of those words sinks in. She’s going to hand Remi’s file to someone else. Another operative will follow her, learn her routines, and get close enough to earn her trust. Just as I did.

And whoever Elena sends next might actually do everything Helios asks.

“Commander, wait.”

She continues.

“You are hereby ordered to cease all contact with⁠—”

“I said wait!” My voice echoes through the training wing, and Elena finally goes silent.

I drag in a breath as I keep staring at the camera.

“Please,” I say before pride can stop me. “I can finish this.”

Elena makes me wait several seconds before answering.

“Can you? Because from where I’m standing, Operative, it looks like you’ve forgotten which side you’re on.”

I force myself to breathe evenly. “I can, and I will.”