Page 44 of These White Lies

I take a step forward, ready to take his head off, and not caring if I end up in a cell, but Elizabeth tugs on my fingers.

“I assure you, there is nothing alleged about the row of stitches in my body.” Elizabeth’s voice could freeze lava.

Ross glares at Simpson, and even Luke has reached the end of his patience.

“I think we’re done.” He walks to the door and holds it open. “If you need to speak to my client again, you can call my office to schedule an appointment.”

Ross looks between Elizabeth and Luke before flipping his notebook shut. “We’ll be in touch.”

Simpson hesitates, waiting until his partner is almost out the door before he hisses quietly, “Tell them where it is before it’s too late. These aren’t people to mess around with.” His gaze burns into mine, sending a chill down my spine. “Are they?”

I stare as he exits the room, and Elizabeth yanks her hand out of mine.

“What the hell is he talking about?” She’s looking at me like I’m a stranger.

Luke is also watching me, but he already knows about my time undercover, and I can tell he’s putting together the same pieces I am.

“You need to tell her.”

“Tell me what?” Her gaze bounces between us.

“Not here.”

“Start talking, Worthington, or I'll find another ‘protection expert’.”

“Not. Here.” Her eyes narrow, so I add, “There are too many ears. Once we get to my offices, I’ll explain everything.”

She closes her eyes and takes a few long breaths before opening them again. “Fine. But I need to stop by my office first. I need to get some?—”

“You aren’t going to work today,” I bite out. “They know where your office is. They could come back with more people.”

Her nostrils flare. “Last time I checked, you weren’t in charge?—”

“Yes, I am!” I practically shout, the last thread holding my sanity when dealing with this woman snapping.

Luke’s eyebrows shoot up at the angry energy flowing between me and Elizabeth. “Hang on. Everyone breathe for a second. Elizabeth, be rational for a minute. You can’t go?—”

The death glare she turns on Luke is impressive. “I saidstop by. If the two of you would stop interrupting me, I would have told you I need to get some things if I’ll be working remotely.

“I had appointments this afternoon,” she continues. “Meetings. Calls. They’ll need to be rescheduled. And there are contracts waiting for signatures?—”

“Someone at your office can handle it,” Luke objects. “Delegate it to one of your junior associates.”

“Are you seriously mansplaining to me how to do my job, Luke? Do you talk to Dahlia like that?” She snorts when he blanches. “Yeah, I didn’t think so. I’m also going to need more items from my house. I can work from a hotel.”

She’s not going to relent so I give in. “We’ll stop by the office. In and out. We’ll figure out how to get your things later. But you aren’t working from a hotel.” She opens her mouth to no doubt eviscerate me, but I quickly add, “Whatever is happening isn’t over yet, and whoever is behind it won’t give up trying toforce you to reveal the location ofwhateverthis mystery thing is. We’ve outfitted our headquarters to serve as a short-term safe house. You’ll stay there where we know you will be safe.”

I can practically taste her fury, but she only gives me a clipped nod. Exhaling, I look to Luke. “Can you find the nurse so I can get her out of here before she changes her mind?”

12

ELIZABETH

I’m silent in the passenger seat of Brady’s car wondering exactly how my life has gone off the rails so badly in the last forty-eight hours. Thankfully, he grabbed my bag last night, and my computer appears to have survived the fall to the ground. But after the uncomfortable visit to my office, I’m worn out.

Daria and my other employees watched me with wide-eyed looks. Apparently, the security guard had gossiped, and everyone understandably had questions. However, all I gave them were vague responses with keywords like, “isolated incident,” and “The police are handling it.”

Having Brady constantly at my elbow is irritating, but I can’t lie, his intimidating frame is helpful for discouraging uncomfortable questions. I have no interest in telling my colleagues about the nightmare my life has recently become. After reassigning the most pressing things on my calendar, we are on our way to Elite’s headquarters.