Page 21 of Hard Game

“Why did you flirt with the detective?”

I sigh and lace my hands behind my head, resting it there. “Because she’s insanely hot?”

Tassa narrows her eyes. “You put yourself at risk!”

I wince, knowing she’s probably right. You don’t change your name and identity and then flirt with a detective when you’re the fucking intel. “I know, shit. I’m sorry.”

Tassa stands before me, her hands on her hips. “Of all the women you could have, Moreno…” She’s calming down now, but her eyes are still blazing. “She’s going to wonder why you were there,” Tassa mutters, finally moving away from me. “You stand out like a sore thumb.”

“I do?” I feign hurt, but Tassa knows me too well.

Her fingers fly against the keyboard as she scans the screen. “They’ve formally identified the victim. Vanessa Oltroy.”

I sit up, my jaw clenched.

“Fuck.” Tassa exhales. “She’s been searching for you.”

My heart flips, but it’s not out of fear.

“The Detective?” I say, a hint of a smile on my lips.

Tassa shoots me a look before continuing. “She’s found a few Maddox characters, but of course not you.”

I send her a prayer with my hands, and she scoffs. Wiping myself clean from the government’s knowledge base was expensive and difficult, but Tassa always knew someone. “See? Nothing to worry about.” I lean back and imagine my Little Fox pacing around angrily when she couldn’t find me. I bet she looked hot when pissed.

“Except now you’re going to be someone of interest,” Tassa reminds me. “You are a ghost.”

“I’m hardly a trafficker.”

Tassa drops her gaze, and I groan.

“You think she will assume I’m part of it?”

Tassa shrugs. Her eyes soften as she meets my gaze. “Maybe.”

I don’t like that thought at all. I stroke my chin and wonder how I can let the sexy detective know I’m not who she needs to be focusing on.

“Don’t even think about it.”

I ignore Tassa’s warning gaze and grin. “Don’t worry, Tassa. Just focus on locating these bastards.” I rise to my feet, and she gapes at me, pointing her finger.

“If you get on their radar, you’ll die. You’re not invincible, Maddox.”

I straighten my suit jacket and flash her what I hope is a reassuring smile. The last thing I need is Tassa worrying about me. “I won’t.”

“You said that last time. Look what happened,” She says quietly, staring at the floor.

I swallow and try not to remember why I had to change my identity. Because I put everyone at risk. “I’ve got this. Leave the Detective to me.”

Famous last words.

11

LAUREN

I’m about to climb into the bath when I hear a knock at the door. I still, glancing at my gun resting by the tub. If it’s Taron, surely I have the right to shoot him. He isn’t welcome here, and he keeps fucking up my sleep or my private time. The bubbles in the bath look so fucking inviting, and all I have to do is climb in.

Bang, bang, bang.

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