Page 14 of Fierce Lies

My phone buzzed with a text from Roman.

Anything on the new hire?

Clean record. Financial troubles due to mother's cancer treatment. Nothing suspicious yet.

I sent back.

His response came quickly.

Keep watching. First impressions can be deceiving. We need to be thorough.

Didn't I know it.

Throughout the afternoon, I monitored Elena through the cameras while pretending to work on other projects. At four o'clock, I went to her office as promised to set up her accounts and credentials.

"How's the first day treating you?" I asked, leaning over to access her computer.

"Good. Overwhelming, but good." Her scent hit me as I reached across her—something light and clean, like rain, tinged with something floral. "Macey's been thorough."

"She's the best." I typed in the admin credentials, aware of how close we were. "She's been with the company longer than almost anyone."

"She mentioned that. Said she's worked with the Donatis for almost thirty years."

Something in her tone made me glance at her. "That's right."

"Must be nice, having that kind of job security."

I studied her face for any hint of sarcasm or ulterior motive, but her expression remained masked, professional. Still, the comment registered as odd—like she was fishing.

"The Donatis take care of their own," I said carefully, watching her reaction.

A flicker of something crossed her face, but it was gone just as quick. "That's rare these days."

I finished setting up her access, showing her how to navigate the system and where to find the files she'd need. She was a quick study, asking smart questions and taking minimal notes. When our hands accidentally brushed as I demonstrated the filing system, I noticed her sharp intake.

At least I wasn't the only one affected.

"All set," I said, straightening up. "If you have any questions, you know where to find me. Extension 412 is me as well."

"Thanks." She smiled, and for a second, it reached her eyes—a genuine flash of warmth that made my chest warm in a way it shouldn't have. "I appreciate the help."

I nodded and left, unsettled by my reaction to her. This was a security assignment, not a date. My job was to assess whether she posed any risk to the family, not to notice how her blue eyes brightened when she smiled.

Back in my office, I continued monitoring her through the last hour of the workday. Her work patterns were methodical, focused.

Nothing suspicious. Nothing that threw up any red flags. Nothing that explained why I couldn't stop watching her.

At 5:30, she gathered her things to leave. I watched her say goodbye to Macey, then head to the elevator. Once she was gone, I made my way to Macey's office.

"How'd the new girl do?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Macey looked up from her computer. "Smart as a whip. Picked up in minutes what took others days."

"That's good, right?"

"Could be." Macey removed her reading glasses. "Could also mean she's smart enough to go poking around where she shouldn't."

I nodded. "Any red flags?"