“No. It’s precautionary at this stage. We have no idea what is going to happen next. Tensions with Mistveil have not lessened at all. There is still unrest on our own island. And after the incident at the vaccination center, let’s just say that the Council is concerned. Particularly for locations such as this andindividuals such as yourself. I’m here to find the holes in your security and to plug them.”
“You want to plug my holes?”
I didn’t just say that.
Why did I say that?
He swallows. I watch his Adam’s apple work.
“This isn’t a joke.”
“I gathered that much. I’m not joking. How do my working hours have bearing on anything to do with security?” I ask.
“Everything that happens within this facility has bearing.”
“I need more information.” I keep my eyes locked on his.
“You were sent a detailed email.”
“When?” I pray it was recent. I haven’t so much as looked at an email in two days, but I could have missed it before then. I’ve been under the gun with my workload.
“Yesterday evening.”
Oh, thank god!
“That explains it. I was pulled into an emergency surgery,” I tell him. “I finished late…or early, depending on how you look at it. I got home after 2 a.m. I try to stick to my allocated shift times, but it isn’t always possible. My hours are what they need to be in order to get the job done.”
He tilts his head.
“Noted.” His whole demeanor softens a fraction. “Are we going to be able to work together for a few days, or do I need to excuse myself from this project?”
It would be better if they sent someone else.
He sees my hesitation and adds. “I would need to disclose our relationship if I excuse myself.”
“Stalker and stalkee?”
His mouth twitches. “Don’t.” He turns serious. “I would have to inform the Council that we fucked…” He clears his throat. “Had a sexual encounter. That there is water under the bridge.”
I swallow so thickly that I’m sure Carla heard it in reception.
“That’s what I thought,” he says. “I’m sure we can work together for a few days and keep things professional.”
“Of course we can,” I quickly say. “As long as you can stay strictly professional.”
Why did I say that?
“Absolutely.” He looks at me like I’m insane for even insinuating that he can’t. “What about you?” He lifts his brows.
I snort-laugh. “Of course I can.”
I suddenly realize that we are still standing in the middle of my office. I can’t really be blamed, since he caught me off guard.
“Good. It’s settled. I will handle the assignment, and we’ll work together for a short while. I’ll be out of your hair before you know it.”
I hate how unaffected he is when my gut is churning.
I can pretend for a few days.
