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Closing my eyes, I made a mental note of the time and place Pierce rattled off just as the shower switched off.
“I have to go,” I whispered. “I’ll see you tonight.”
Without waiting for a response, I hit the button to end the call only seconds before Cole stepped back into the bedroom, beads of water running down his chest and disappearing under the towel wrapped haphazardly at his waist. My mouth practically watered at the thought of following those water trails with my tongue. Taking him in my mouth and—
“Who was that?”
Lying about being on the phone would only make him suspicious and likely end with the same treatment I’d received last night. So, I sent him an apologetic smile and told him a lie he would have no trouble believing. “The cleaning company again. Apparently they are still in a bit of a jam.”
His face was a careful mask, not giving any hint to his true feelings. “And what did you say?”
“I told them that I was sorry, but I was unable to help. And that I would be leaving the country soon.”
Heat flashed in his eyes. “Good girl. I’m proud of you, sweetheart, I know that wasn’t easy.”
A knot formed in my stomach, but I forced a bright smile. “Thank you, Sir.”
“Let’s get dressed and go find some food. We’ll go wherever you want.”
“Oh, I know the perfect place!” The knot was still there, but my enthusiasm wasn’t feigned as I pulled on a light, flowing dress he’d insisted on buying me one day while we’d been out wandering the city together as if we hadn’t a care in the world. “There is a little restaurant just a few blocks from here with the most heavenly breakfast. They even have an American option, complete with all the fatty meats you enjoy clogging your arteries with.”
“My arteries are just fine, brat. I get plenty of exercise, especially with you around.”
Laughing, I finished putting myself together for the day. As I teased and joked with my lover, another part of my brain was focused on figuring out the best path for deceiving him one final time so I could finally take down the man who had murdered his cousin.