Page 58 of Things I Read About

“Don’t. I don’t care about any of it, except for my task. We were never going to see each other again, I get it. I thought the same. But things are different now.”

“I know, but I—”

I raise a hand. “You don’t have to explain. I deal with spoiled rich kids all day long. You wanted to be someone else, have a fling before going back to Daddy and his high expectations. I’ve seen it a thousand times. We’re good. As long as you’re honest from here on out.”

She lifts her chin slightly, showing a glimpse of the Sally I met. “Honestly, you’re kind of a jerk.”

“Well, you weren’t really you, and this”—I spread my arms wide—“is the real me. You live your life and I’ll guard you from the shadows, like I’m not even here. Doesn’t have to be weird.”

“Oh, it’s going to be weird.”

“No, it’s going be professional. I’m going to keep you safe and alive. And then I’m never going to see you again, as originally planned.”

She flashes a big fake smile. “Fine.”

“Great.”

She stomps off and walks straight into some big guy, about my height. I rear back, ready to level him, but she leaves her hands resting on his chest.

What the f—?

“You okay?” he asks her, glaring at me.

“Who is this?” I demand, my pulse thundering in my ears. And my eyes. I recognize him from somewhere.

She turns to me. “This, is Joe Walker.” She turns to him and waves me off like I’m a gnat. “That is Nate, my new, temporary bodyguard.”

Last contract. Last contract.

She drops her hand down to link her left with his right, fingers locked.

My brain misfires at the sight. This guy is sure as hell not wearing elbow patches.

“And he said he’s going to be in the shadows, we won’t even know he’s there. So, just ignore him.”

“All right,” he says, unbothered.

I look, because I’m an idiot. No messenger bag.

“Let’s go back to the main table.” Sally smiles up at him, and he shifts to step ahead and lead her by the hand.

As they go, she looks over her shoulder at me. That sweet smile twists into a scowl so fast she probably just pulled a facial muscle.

I clench my jaw and quickly scan around her as they move further into the room.

The little liar’s scowl is actually good. It’s better if she isn’t interested in me at all. I sure as hell am not interested in her anymore.

Left side, no threat.

This is going to be easy.

She reads her nerdy medicine books; I keep an eye on the property.

Fergus will have the threat neutralized in no time, days maybe a week or two. Then, I’m out. Sally probably isn’t even the real target. All signs point to Sadie, the most famous.

This is going to be simple. Clean. Quick.

Right side. Fergus locks eyes with me and nods. Clear here, too.