Page 27 of Risky Obsession

“I’ve found my share of relics over the years. What about you? Anything noteworthy?”

She shrugged. “Probably not. Nothing that made it into a museum, if that’s what you mean.”

I chuckled. Tory was an expert at evading specifics. “So, you make a living out of treasure hunting?”

She settled back into her seat and picked up her coffee cup, taking a long sip. The steam curled around her face like a veil, adding to the air of secrecy that surrounded her. “Not really.”

“Oh.” That was a shocker. “So why did Aria say . . .?”

“My father was the real treasure hunter. When he passed away, I?—”

“I thought you said you hadn’t spoken to your parents in years.”

She paused to lower her coffee mug. “Yeah. Exactly. Dad died.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.” I scooped the last of my soup onto my spoon, trying to work out what to ask next. “You say your dad was a treasure hunter? What was his name?”

She waggled her finger. “I don’t think so, mister. I’m not giving you anything.”

I couldn’t fight the smile morphing across my lips. “Come on, just his name.”

“Nope.” She dabbed her lips with the napkin and pushed back on her chair. “I’m going to find a loo before I burst.”

She sashayed away and I watched her sexy ass all the way until she disappeared at the back of the café.

I turned my attention out the window. Tory was fascinating and confusing at the same time. She was definitely hiding things from me, yet she wasn’t discreet about doing it.

As much as I hated to admit it, not only did I have to watch out for ruthless bastards who wanted to get their hands on the treasure we were searching for, but I also needed to keep my guard up with Tory.

I didn’t know how she’d convinced Aria to pitch us together, but I had a rotten feeling that Tory wasn’t who she pretended to be.

CHAPTER 7

Lacey/Tory

Istared at my reflection in the cracked mirror of the café bathroom, barely recognizing the woman gazing back at me. The more time I spent with Kane, the more it felt like a noose tightening around my neck.

The ghosts of my past undercover job echoed in my mind. Back then, I’d needed to take down a man I’d thought I loved, who had ruined so many lives. Kane was nothing like that. He seemed nice and genuine.

It didn’t matter. This was undercover work. Lying was a pre-requisite.

My name is Tory, and my obligation is to Aria.

“Get it together,” I muttered, gripping the bench as I tried to shove away the guilt staining my mind. Aria was adamant that Kane couldn’t know who I was. She must have a good reason for that. It didn’t make lying to him any easier, though.

The door creaked open, and a woman walked in, jolting me into moving again. I took a deep breath, preparing myself to face him once more. Why couldn’t Kane be an asshole? That would be much easier to deal with than Mr. Nice Guy. Then again, maybe he had me fooled.

I’d fallen for a man’s charms before, and it had nearly ruined me.

I crossed the café toward him. Why did he have to be so damn good looking too?

“Everything okay?” he asked as I took my seat across from him again. His piercing blue eyes searched my face.

“Fine,” I lied, keeping my voice steady. It seemed like he was growing more suspicious of my behavior by the minute. “You ready to get going again?”

“Sure. My turn in the restroom, and I’ll grab the bill.” He stood.

“Oh, I’ll pay.” I swiveled my bag across my hip to grab the credit card I’d been authorized to use. “Actually, not me, Aria.”