Page 35 of Deadly Sights

I raise my glass. “Here’s a toast in honor of your passing sanity.”

“Here here,” everyone says before sipping their cocktail.

“What about you?” Danae asks since I’m the only one who hasn’t responded.

“I’m tentative for the time being. As of right now, my calendar is clear and I want to attend, but you know my travel schedule is never consistent.” Although I’m on a leave of absence from my company, I want a cover to explain my absence in case Gary calls me with a new job.

A thought flashes across my mind. Why hasn’t Gary contacted me since I returned from the wedding? I’m the most demanded assassin in the organization.

“I’m crossing my fingers that you do and you’ll bring your mystery man with you.” Danae sends me an evil smirk and distracts me from my thoughts.

“Speaking of?—”

“There will be no speaking of anything.” I shut Chelsea down before this topic gets out of hand. “For the rest of the day, there will only be lighthearted Christmas movies and stuffing our faces. I vote for Violent Night to be the first one we watch,” I say to a reception of blank stares.

“I thought you said lighthearted. Like, what the fuck, Nadira?” Moni’s comment reflects everyone’s expression.

“Yeah. You don’t get more lighthearted than Santa protecting a little girl and handing out life lessons to deserving mercenaries.”

“Next she’ll say Die Hard is a Christmas movie,” Danae fakes a whisper, causing Tamara to giggle.

“How dare you malign one of the greatest Christmas films of all time? There was a Christmas tree, a miracle, and what better gift is there than John McClane saying yippie-ki-yay, motherfucker?”

Danae, Moni, and Tamara all turn to Chelsea who hides her mouth behind her hand as her shoulders shake uncontrollably.

When she finally calms enough, Chelsea says, “Don’t look at me for backup. I’m on Team Nadira. Die Hard for life.”

Danae shakes her head. “There is something seriously wrong with you two.”

After a spirited debate, we land on Love Actually to start our movie fest. The chef delivers the food Chelsea ordered and we demolish everything. At some point, the ladies fall asleep and I sneak away to check my messages.

Julian: I’ve taken care of everything. When are you coming home?

My heart thuds at the word home. Then the feelings I’ve been suppressing since our kiss surge forth, heating my blood and filling me with regrets.

I’m staying here for a few more days.

Julian: At least you’ll be off my company’s radar during your stay.

There is that.

I still have to set a trap for the people who are after me, but now I can’t see planning one without Julian’s input. After all, who better than my rival to point out flaws and make sure my plan removes all threats to my life and livelihood?

Three dots appear on my screen and I wait in breathless anticipation for Julian’s next text. And I wait. And I wait. When I think I’m about to rip off my wig, his response pops up.

Julian: Sneak out when everyone’s sleeping. I booked a room.

His words quicken the kindling burning inside me, causing a raging inferno to melt any resistance and common sense I once had. There’s no use. I’ve already admitted to wanting Julian, and it’s not just to satisfy my curiosity. I have genuine feelings for him and want to explore them. Plus, he’s fucking sexy and I’m tired of holding back when he’s finally willing to fulfill his silent promises.

Giddy and reckless, I undress, set the timer on my phone to take a picture, and pose provocatively. I send the photo with a message.

What are you going to do when I show up looking like this?

Julian: Taste every inch of you. Even after my tongue goes numb, I’ll continue to lick, suck, and tongue fuck you until you’re squirting your pleasure all over my face.

Well, damn. I crack the door to my room and peek into the suite. There’s no movement, which emboldens me to lock the door. I search through my bag until I find my earbuds, then I get into position on the bed and dial Julian’s number.

When his face appears on the screen, I whisper, “I’ve shown you mine, now show me yours.”

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