Page 68 of A Secret and a Lie

“I’d like that.”

Ending the call physically hurts, but not as much as hearing Leo’s voice.

“Henry says he’s been trying to get a hold of you. Why haven’t you scheduled something with him? Do I need to do everything for you?”

I close my eyes and force myself to breathe, the joy of talking to my mystery man on the phone completely gone now.

“I just talked to him. We have something on the calendar.” It’s true, I texted Henry back fifteen minutes before I got on the phone with @livingh3ll. Besides, it had been less than twenty-four hours since he’d first texted me. What the fuck?

“When?”

“Next week.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, bracing myself for his response.

“No. I want you to see him tonight and again next week. You need to be bringing in more clients.” I roll my eyes, certain that I already have more clients than any other girl that works for Leo.

I stifle my groan. “Fine.”

“Is Grady still happy with your pussy?”

For fuck’s sake.I really hate this man, and I gulp down a breath, gritting, “Yes.”

“Make sure you keep him happy.” The threat is implied, and I rub at my eyes as I hear theclickof the call disconnecting.

I do everything I can to keep all my clients happy, but especially Grady, even at my own expense. I exhale noisily and drop my phone onto my desk. Reaching for my laptop, I log in, and type outa message. I don’t want @livingh3ll to think I didn’t want to talk to him anymore. I’d have been more than happy to chat all day.

@dc_d0ll: That was the best twenty minutes I’ve had in a long time. Maybe I should’ve mentioned this on the phone, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment of hearing your voice for the first time, so can I ask you something? How do you know if you’ve trusted the right person?

As I stare at the screen, the cursor flashing, his icon appears, telling me he’s online and I hold my breath. I hope he doesn’t think I’m referring to him. Luckily, his reply is immediate.

@livingh3ll: I think you have to trust your instincts. They’ll lead you in the right direction most of the time. If someone is giving you an uneasy feeling, that tells you what you need to know. What’s this about, doll? Are you okay? You can talk to me about anything.

I haven’t even told Corinne about my concerns with Grady, but telling @livingh3ll feels safe, comfortable. My best friend would tell me to ditch Grady immediately and run from Leo. Maybe she’s right, but I like Grady. Not at all in not in the same manner I like the man I’ve shared thousands of messages with, but in a way that makes me feel like I could finally explore part of my sexuality. Still, my gut churns with disquiet and I don’t know how to contend with that.

@dc_d0ll: Trust doesn’t come easily to me, and I’m worried I may have given it to someone prematurely. I’m not in danger or anything. Chatting with you always helps.

@livingh3ll: Do you want to talk about it? I can call you again Saturday?

My heart leaps, my smile returning as I reply.

@dc_d0ll: I’ll be counting down the minutes.

Ford

The unrelenting sun assaults me from above as if to remind me that there’s no Heaven, only Hell. I glance up and sneer at the glowing heat source, adjusting my assault rifle and the weighted vest that’s only adding to my discomfort level.

Drake steps up next to me as we watch Suarez operate the robot that’s disassembling the IED in the middle of the dirt road.

“These are getting a little too close to base these days,” Drake mutters beneath his breath, and I slide my eyes to his, dipping my chin in a curt nod.

We left base two hours ago, and we’ve been at this for an hour and a half, standing around the Humvee as we watch Suarez’s back. Michaels and Smith guard him on his other side, also monitoring the area.

Hale scans the northern horizon with binoculars, while De Luca examines the southern. My spine prickles with unease as Suarez makes another snip. We’re being watched, and based on the way everyone else has gone on alert, they sense it, too.

“Suarez, what’s your ETA with that thing?” Hale calls out, his voice gruff but calm.

“Maybe twenty minutes,” Suarez returns.

“Any chance you could make that about two minutes instead?”