Page 81 of Maneater

“There are two things I think you should know: one, your client has informed me that recently, Mr. Fisher also told her about your relationship—” Relationship feels like such a big, scary word in this context. “He was concerned that she would be against it since you were, in theory, a guest. She was not and encouraged him to pursue the relationship.” I knew this, at least, from what Rowan told me. “She did not tell him your role in the Mavens or why you were at the property.”

A mix of unease and relief washes through me.

“Two, with that intel, Annette and I both agreed it might be forthe best if you tell Mr. Fisher about your role. From what I understand, Aurora is still unable to access the internal communications system for the resort, as well as some of the saved cloud data, which could give her a significant advantage. Pooling resources could be the best plan of action.”

A mix of apprehension and relief washes through me. This would have been great to have known, say, four hours ago. Still, that means outing Rory, and I’m not the most comfortable with that.

“But—”

“I would like you to discuss the decision with Aurora first, of course, since you’d be revealing her as well, but I believe she’ll be okay with it as well.”

I sit on this for a moment before taking in a deep breath. “Gabriel, I need you to know, this job is important to me. I would never, ever get involved with someone while on assignment,” I say, feeling the need to defend myself. “This is…”

“It’s different. I know. And the fact that you have kept me up to date every step of the way is why we don’t have a problem.”

“But what if…” I hesitate, unsure of what to say or whether to say anything. “What if…”

“What if it becomes more?” he asks, answering my question. I don’t respond, but he knows my answer anyway. “Then it becomes more, Josie.”

“But…this job…” Is secret. Is important to me.Is a part of me. “This job would get complicated if I’m with someone, wouldn’t it?”

“This job is not supposed to be your life. It’s supposed to be part of your life.”

“It’s not my life.”

“When was your last date?” he asks.

“That is incredibly personal,” I say, aghast.

“I have sat on work calls where you and Aurora or Demetria or Alanna tell me the ins and outs of your menstrual cycle.”

I roll my eyes, partially at everyone’s full, legal names being used. “Because certain jobs are more effective at different timesof the month! My boobs are insane when I’m ovulating, and Demi becomes a demon when she’s about to get her period. She can’t win over a shark when she’s PMSing, and we all know that. It’s?—”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, basic biology. I’m just saying. I’ve also heard you and Aurora talking about whether you spit or swallow.”

I try not to react, but the mere mention of swallowing reminds me of this afternoon with Rowan.

I really am fucked, aren’t I?

“So, I think asking about your last date before this mission is valid,” he continues.

I sigh, then think, unable to remember the last time I was on a date that wasn’t for work. Three years? Four?

“Well...” I start, brow furrowing both because I can’t remember and because I don’t know what it has to do with anything. “No? But that’s because this job makes that complicated. I can’t tell anyone?—”

“That has never been a rule.”

“Excuse me? We have very clear instructions?—”

“Your contract says you cannot tell anyone without consulting me. But you can, in fact, tell people you care about, people you trust. I do require that they sign an NDA, which, for some people, is a deal breaker, but I would never expect you women to be single forever.” This throws me completely, but he keeps speaking. “But I would also assume that a man like Rowan Fisher would not only understand but appreciate an NDA.”

I let out a small laugh, acknowledging that fact.

“This job shows you a lot of the shittiest parts of people, men especially,” I say, my true reason for avoiding relationships.

I can’t see Gabriel, but I swear to God I can hear him shrug.

“That’s kind of the risk of life, isn’t it? Gotta find someone you like enough to commit to, then trust they won’t fuck you over. With a gut like yours, I know you’ll always make a good choice.”