Page 20 of Beautiful Liar

“I’m not great with terms of endearment.”

“I don’t require one.”

Exasperation filters through. “So you want me to call you nothing?”

“If you could pick a name or an initial for me, what would it be?”

She stares into the camera for a few seconds, then her gaze drops. The corner of her lower lip twitches, as if she’s worrying her flesh from the inside. Her fingers still in her hair, her breathing alters and a light flush drifts over her skin.

“What are you thinking about, Lucky?” I murmur.

“Nothing.”

“Who are you thinking about, Lucky?”

Focus returns to her eyes. She blinks rapidly and shakes her head. “Nobody. I don’t feel comfortable just slapping a name on you when we haven’t even met.”

“A number then. Or a letter.” I derive detached amusement in herding her where I want her to go.

Predictably, her nose wrinkles. “It’ll be weird for me to call you by a number.”

I remain silent.

She sends the camera another direct stare. “J?”

“I’m not a bird,” I drawl.

Her sumptuous lips purse. “M.”

“Too British spy movie. Tell me who you were thinking about a minute ago.”

She shakes her head again. “I’d rather not.”

“If you insist. Do you have any more questions?”

“The…umm, money. How will you pay it to me?”

“However you want. When the time comes you can furnish me with your wiring details.”

Her brow creases. “Can I be paid in cash?”

“Of course.” I press the intercom on the table next to me.

The knock sounds on her door a minute later. She jumps up immediately, her stance firmly in fight or flight mode. “That is Fionnella. She works for me. Let her in.”

The fight drains out of her, but her approach remains wary.

Fionnella enters and smiles at her. “Hello. I’m head of the team hired to prep you. May I call you Lucky?”

She eyes the woman cautiously, then nods.

“Great. Would you like to come with me?”

“Umm, I’m not sure if we’re finished here.” She clears her throat and glances over her shoulder at the camera. “Are you still there?”

“Yes.”

“I have some more questions.”

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