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I pop back down to the ground, push up through my arms and leap into the air. Damian reviews my form with keen observation.
Am I imagining he’s studying me? Is that heat I’m feeling on my backside from his gaze? I drop to the ground, push up, and when I bend to push off into the air, he wiggles his eyebrows as if he’s joking around with me. “Lookin’ good, babe. See ya in the room.”
It’s the second time he’s mentioned seeing me in the room. My timer stops, and I transition into stretching. Through the mirror, I scan the others in the gym. The man on the bike has black hair and an olive complexion. Could he be one of Rafael’s entourage? The man’s face isn’t familiar, and I’ve spent years studying the intel we have on not just the Toro cartel, but all the organized crime rings. The biker is slightly out of shape, but only in the movies are they all ripped.
Damian just subtly schooled me. Always play the role.
CHAPTER5
FISHER
After the gym session, I return to the suite. There’s an update on the Toros’ expected arrival time.
It’s not until after my shower, when I’m drying off in the second bathroom off the hallway that I hear the door open. I freeze, listening. Light footsteps trail down the hallway.
“Sophia?”
“Yep. It’s me.”
From behind the door, I ask, “The Toros’ flight’s delayed. Not expected in until later in the day. I’m gonna hit the slopes this morning. You want to join me?”
“No, thanks. I’m going to stay in.”
“Snow conditions are exceptional. You sure?”
“Yeah. I’m in the middle of some research.”
Research. Right. I suppose when I first joined the company, I spent every second in work mode. With time, she’ll settle down. Learn to enjoy life when she gets the opportunity. I’m not sure exactly what she’s studying, but she spent the whole plane ride here pouring over reports and updates.
When I exit the bathroom, Sophia’s locked away behind the bedroom door. I grab a protein bar and head outside.
The crisp, cool Canadian air, bright blue sky, and blinding yellow sun all scream holiday. The skis cut into my sore shoulder, but the endorphins mask the pain. It’s hard to remember the last time I was set free on a mountain. With the blinding light of the sun reflecting off bright white snow and the crisp scent in the air, it feels like vacation. I could hug Bauer for assigning me to this op. He wasn’t bullshitting me. This is a dream of an op.
If Sophia is correct and the Toros demand a different room, this whole effort could be dead in the water. If we’re strategically hanging out with drinks near the check-in later today, we’ll stand a chance of overhearing the Toros making a scene. Maybe we can offer a sympathetic ear to their plight of being stuck in one of the suites as opposed to a residence.
First world problems. Truly unbelievable one-percenter fucktards. Sophia included. But, to her credit, she could’ve taken her trust fund and never worked a day past college. She could’ve easily sat on a few charity boards and spent her days shopping, lunching, and spa-ing. But she works hard. Damn hard. She pushes herself. She’s a spitfire. Always has been.
“Fisher?”
The male voice arrests my attention, and I scan the gondola line. Who knows me?
A black gloved hand waves from about twelve skiers back. Goggles are down, but I’d recognize that scruffy beard and wide, goofy smile anywhere.
“Trevor? What’re you doing here?”
The line between us shuffles to the side, and he digs his poles into the snow, pushing forward to reach me.
“Stella and I came up. Normally, I take her out to Colorado, but she’s never been here.”
“Where is she?”
“She took a bad spill yesterday. She’s back in the room taking it easy today. Pulled a muscle.”
“It’s just the two of you?”
“Yep. She prefers island vacations, but I’m slowly selling her on the merits of an annual ski trip.” The gondola line moves, and we shuffle forward. “Who’re you here with?”
I scan the line of families and friendlies, then let out a sigh. “Work.”
