Page 5 of These White Lies

“What did it say?”

“I’ll fill you in when you get here.”

Asshole. He knows exactly how to keep my interest.

The spark is back, roaring into a flame. “What time?”

“Nine o’clock.”

“Bit last minute, Counselor,” I say, but I’m already pushing off the chair, heading for the locker rooms to shower and change. “It might cost you, but I think I can fit you into my busy schedule.” I’m only half-joking.

“Of course, it will.”

The truth is, I don’t do much fieldwork these days. A couple of years ago, I paired up with the former head of security for one of the most powerful men in the world. Combining our skills, we restructured my already successful investigative firm into Elite Security Services, providing both investigative and personal protection.

Unfortunately, taking on so much personnel means I spend more time behind desks and screens than doing anything to inspire a dose of adrenaline.

This could be fun.

“Who’s the client?” I ask, already thinking about digging into her records.

“Elizabeth Gowan.”

I stop, my hand frozen on the doorknob. An image of the stunning brunette flashes in front of me. Ice-blue eyes and full, red lips that I still dream about. My gut tightens at the memory of the throaty sounds she made when my lips closed over?—

“You met her once… She’s Dahlia’s entertainment lawyer.” Luke’s voice rips me out of the memory.

“Right,” I mutter.

That hadn’t been the first time I’d met her, but Luke didn’t need to know that. I’d only glimpsed her in the parking lot the day I’d swept Dahlia’s condo for covert surveillance, and though Elizabeth pretended she didn’t recognize me… I know she did.

I’d taken off my mask that night, giving her a full view of my face. Her golden mask might have stayed in place, but every moment of that night is seared into my memory.

The one thing I hadn’t known was her name. Of course, after the universe dropped her in my path again, I’d looked into her. She’d mentioned her divorce that night but not how messy my research revealed it to be.

I had every intention of tracking her down, but a week later everything happened with Sera, and she became the sole recipient of my focus.

“Are you still there?”

This is probably going to be a huge mistake. Mixing business with personal was a recipe for disaster.

“I’ll be there.”

I hang up before he can say more.

Or I can change my mind.

After a quick shower, I throw on a pair of black jeans and a button-down, shoving my damp hair back with my fingers. It’s as dressed up as I’m going to get, coming straight from the gym.

I arrive at the Bloom twins’ building early and head for the elevator. The entire place is glass and steel. A sleek design that screams expensive. For two men who claim they are nothing like their billionaire father, or the lifestyle they were raised in, the Blooms certainly enjoy the luxury.

I flash a grin at the receptionist and prop a hip on her desk. “Morning, gorgeous.”

She doesn’t blink. “Save it for someone who doesn’t know you, Brady. He’s expecting you.”

Luke is at his desk, frowning at the files in front of him, when I rap my knuckles on the open door before stepping in.

“Thanks for coming. I know this isn’t your thing anymore.” Luke purses his lips. “Or maybe it is.”