Page 54 of Empire State Enemies

“So she’sLexinow instead of ‘Little Thief’? Interesting evolution there.”

I roll my eyes. “I can hardly call her ‘Little Thief’ with Willow around, can I?”

Killian frowns. “I don’t get why you don’t just fire her. You can investigate without her on the campaign.”

I grunt, scraping a hand over my stubble. Christ, I wish they’d let this Lexi thing go already. It’s not as if I haven’tendlessly debated my own motives. I don’t need her that close—my team will uncover who stole the car eventually, it’s just a matter of time.

If any of my employees backtalked me like she did, they’d be gone already. Or promoted. Maybe I’m enjoying the sparring a bit too much because I know she’ll pay in the end.

Clodagh makes a face. “Willow won’t be happy when she finds out.”

“She’s got no reason to be upset. This is a charade for the media, we’re not baring our souls to each other. I’m not making real promises here.”

She lifts a brow. “You sure Willow sees it that way?”

“Of course. I never explicitly offered her anything real.”

“Willow’s a catch,” Killian chides. “Ivy educated, stunning, refined. You’d be lucky if she gave your shady ass a real chance outside this sham.”

“I’m well aware.”

“Seriously, maybe it’s time to plant some roots, huh?” Killian says, tone half teasing. “Settling down could keep you out of trouble.”

I scoff. “Don’t start with me just because you’ve gone and done it.”

He winks at Clodagh. “And I wouldn’t change it for the world.” Back to me. “What’s stopping you from giving it a real shot?”

I knock back my wine. “Simply put, I have no interest in commitment right now.”

Killian frowns. “Now’s as good a time as any. Having a partner helps in tough times.”

I imagine telling Willow about my health issue. Yeah right.

Clodagh slides into his lap. If only they knew my problems can’t be solved with a sympathetic ear.

“When you vent about work, I just nod along dumbly,” Clodagh tells him with a smile. “I know for a fact it doesn’t help you in the slightest.”

Killian grins. “You don’t need to. Seeing your pretty face gives me perspective on what matters. That’s all I need.”

“Wow, romantic,” she laughs, fixing his hair.

Watching their domestic bliss makes me feel hollow tonight. I force an easy smile to mask it.

???

I click open Grace Sullivan’s NexiHub application from two years back, even though I’ve got a mountain of more pressing shit demanding my attention. Just the latest in a series of irrational choices lately.

Her smiling face stares up at me from the screen. A dead ringer for her sister—same olive complexion and tumbling dark waves. It’s the eyes that set her apart; Lexi’s are a stormy, unmatched pair that pierce right through you.

I skim the standard fluff—career goals, hobbies, community work. But my eyes snag on her answer for “biggest influence.”

My sister Lexi. She’s always been my rock. Lexi pushed me to chase this dream and apply, even when I doubted myself. My sister has been my fiercest supporter and believer. Her resilience and tireless work ethic is something I hope I’ve gained. She’s sacrificed so much for me without hesitation or complaint. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

I lean back with a slow exhale. Christ, it could just as easily be me writing that about Killian years ago.

I’ve got a shareholders’ meeting that needs my head clear, new hotel blueprints screaming for my attention. And here I am, sifting through some girl’s history, hunting for . . . what? Redemption? A scrap of understanding?

I click back to Lexi’s file. Straight As. Partial academic scholarship. Psychology major. Then she dropped out halfway through freshman year.