Page 40 of Protect Thy Enemy

“Arden Williams,” I reply.

“Your reputation precedes you, Agent Williams,” Beckett says, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall as if he owns the place. “I’ve never seen anyone run that simulation so fast.”

I blink, slightly confused. “You’ve heard about me?” Haseveryonelooked into me?Jesus, it’s like I’m being watched from every angle.

He chuckles softly. “Oh, yeah. You’re a hard woman to miss. Not to mention, everyone is talking about how the new kid on the block saved the First Lady. Which is very impressive for your second detail, by the way.”

I shrug, trying not to let the compliment sink in too far. “Just doing what needs to be done.”

Just doing my job. Just doing what needs to be done.It seems like those phrases will permanently become etched into my vocabulary.

His smile widens a bit, a flicker of interest in those sharp green eyes. “Intel guy,” he offers. “I usually work behind the scenes, but I like to stay sharp on the field stuff. Makes the brain work better when you know how the body moves.”

“I see,” I say, not entirely sure where this is going. There’s something magnetic about him, a subtle energy that’s both engaging and slightly disarming. “You don’t look like you sit behind a desk much.”

“Not if I can help it,” he says, a bit of flirtation creeping into his tone. “But I figured I’d take a break from the paperwork. I can offer a few pointers. You know, if you’d like.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Pointers? From the intel guy? Maybe I am doing that badly.”

The second it’s out, I regret it, realizing how rude it might’ve sounded, but Beckett just laughs softly, clearly unbothered.

“Ouch,” he says, his tone teasing. “What if I told you I made this simulation?”

That catches my attention. “You made this?”

He nods, pushing off the wall and stepping closer, his movements smooth and unhurried. “Every scenario, every threat. Thought I’d give the agents a challenge. But you seem to be handling it just fine.”

I want to believe him, but Grant’s harsh critique from earlier keeps playing in my head, refusing to let me off the hook.Damn him.“You think?”

“Definitely,” Beckett replies, leaning in slightly, just enough for me to feel the pull of his presence. “But I could show you a few tricks to shave off a few more seconds. Small details make all the difference.”

This guy is flirting with me, no doubt about it. And for whatever reason, despite how easy it would be to play along, for the second time today, I can’t stop thinking about someone who practically despises me.

Before I can respond, a voice cuts through the air, sharp and unmistakable.

“Agent Williams, are you ready for the debrief?”

I bite back a sigh.Speak of the devil.

I glance at the clock, confirming I still have an hour before the debrief is set to start, then over to see Agent Grant approaching, his expression hard.

The tension rolls off him in waves as his eyes flick between Beckett and me, clearly not pleased with what he’s walked in on.

Which, for the record, isnothing, but from the look in his eyes, I doubt he would care either way.

“Holden,” Beckett greets, his tone casual but with a hint of challenge. “Was just offering Arden some pointers on the simulation.”

Grant’s jaw tightens, his eyes locked on Beckett. “Agent Williamsdoesn’t need pointers. Not from you.”

The air shifts, and once again, it feels like I’m missing something. Maybe it’s because this is the first person I’ve heard use Grant’s first name. Or perhaps it’s because the two clearly have history. Either way, the tension seems way more than Grant’s usual “I hate everyone” sunny deposition.

Beckett’s easy smile doesn’t falter. “Everyone could use a little fine-tuning, don’t you think?”

Grant steps closer, his posture radiating authority. “Not her. We’ve got it covered.”

Wait… was that a compliment or an insult? I can’t tell, but the confusion in my gut twists tighter. Wouldn’t he want me to get better? This is the same guy who’s been riding me about improving.

The tension between them thickens like I’ve become some pawn in an unspoken battle. I clear my throat, trying to cut through the strange atmosphere. “It’s fine. I appreciate the offer, Ezra.”

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