Spy Games (Tarnished Heroes #1)(33)

“Thanks.” She entered the spacious bathroom and closed the door.

She needed a moment to pull herself together, to remember what it was she was doing and why. Peoples’ lives depended on her doing her job. Maybe even Charlie’s life, if he was still alive.

It was hard to imagine him being taken without incident. The agent was a stocky man, a little rough around the edges, but she’d liked him. Sure, they’d had their moment together, but it wasn’t meant to be. She couldn’t look at Charlie, talk to him, or even pretend it might work. Because, and this was the kicker, he’d reminded her of Rand in some ways. And it wasn’t fair to Charlie to sit and smile at him while she was thinking about someone else.

Who was on the other side of that door.

Who she had to pretend she was in love with just enough to be convincing—but not enough to let him know he already had her heart.

Sarah unzipped her suitcase and pulled out her toiletry bag full of things she’d taken from her room. Things were tossed in haphazardly. Thankfully, she had enough to wash her face and brush her hair and teeth. There was no makeup, so she was stuck looking exhausted and a bit haggard.

She was supposed to be a woman in love.

One who didn’t believe the man she was with would disappear.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

“Sarah? I’ve got the boxes open. You ready yet?”

“Yes, just about.” She spritzed herself with a body spray she’d found, likely something the previous occupant had left. She opened the bathroom door and nearly walked straight into Rand’s chest.

“Sorry.” He sidestepped her, boots in hand.

“Do we know who’s here?”

“I’ve heard the name Ping said a lot. The rest is unclear to me.”

“Wang Ping?” She sat on the edge of the bed and examined the clothing Rand had picked for her.

“I guess.”

“That’s…that could be good.”

“Why?”

“He’s an official from the Henan province where I live. We’ve met at some functions. He doesn’t hate me. And I could be wrong, but I think I know some of his people.”

“Why could it be bad?”

“It would, if he were involved with all of this. If he knows about Charlie, it could mean he knows of my connection to the company. Has anyone heard from Charlie yet?” She picked out jeans and a nice, simple black top. He’d managed to even get her a bra and underwear that didn’t look like they would be uncomfortable.

“No, nothing yet.”

“Okay. Let me get dressed real quick.” She ducked back into the bathroom for a bit of privacy.

Yes, he’d seen her naked and stripped bare, but she didn’t have to put herself out there again. She dressed quickly, surprised the clothes more or less fit. She sucked down a deep breath, straightened her spine, and stepped out, ready to play her part.

Rand was waiting for her. He reached for her, gripping her shoulders, his gaze boring into hers.

“How sure are you about these men?” he asked.

“I’m…not. But I’m here, and this is my job.”

“Then let’s go while we can still get a table.” He held out his hand.

They were lovers, or pretending to be. She gingerly put her hand in his.

This was never going to work. They didn’t know who they were now. Strangers could not pretend to be lovers. She couldn’t, at least. Heck, when was her last date? Had it been Charlie? That had been years ago.

“Relax. You look like you’re going to be sick.” Rand eased the suite door shut and squeezed her hand.

“Sorry, just waking up still.”

“Don’t think about it. Don’t talk about. We’re here to have a good time, remember?” He bumped her shoulder with his as they strolled toward the elevators.

“You’re right.” She blew out a breath and wiggled her fingers.

“I am.”

The elevator dinged, letting out a couple as Sarah and Rand approached. He deftly slid into the car after the people and held the door for her.

She could do this. It wasn’t all that much different from what she was already doing. Except she was actively participating in surveillance. And all they had to rely on was her knowledge.

This was going to fail.

Rand turned toward her, caging her against the wall between his arms, and leaned in close.

Her breath caught in her throat and her skin tingled from his nearness.

“You’re tense. Relax.” He dropped a quick kiss on her cheek. The simple gesture sent her head spinning.

It was too soon, too close to her dream Rand. The kiss didn’t mean anything. It was a show, a warm-up.

“Come on.”

The elevator doors slid open.

It was time to act. To pretend. And hope that when it ended she could tell the difference between reality and her dreams.

…

Rand stroked Sarah’s fingers. Ice cubes would have been warmer.

“Can we get the table by the windows?” He nudged Sarah with his hip and glanced at her, doing his best to smile. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes, if it’s not too much trouble.”

The host was a perky twenty-something with a generous smile. She collected two leather-bound menus and gestured into the restaurant.