Page 17 of Tell Me All Your Lies

“Don’tdarlingme,” she snarls and tries to get out of my hold.

“Cara. Don’t. Really, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I plead.

I like to mess with her more than anyone, but I’d never intentionally steal a contract.

“Don’t do that to me,” she whispers.

“Cara. What contract?”

“The Holden Company. I was meant to handle their new security setup, but lo and behold, I find out that Grant Sinclair is starting on it.”

I let go of her waist and take a step back.

“They came to me. It was a normal transaction. I had one of my guys press for competitors, and they said there were none. You know that was just business.”

“Business,” she says slowly.

“Yes, it happens. You can’t hold me personally accountable.”

She smiles as she straightens her back.

“You’re right. I can’t hold you accountable. You wouldn’t know the first thing about someone getting close enough to you and wanting to do right by them.”

Cara spins on her heels and walks away.

This time, I let her. If I know anything at all, it’s that I’ll be seeing her sooner than she wants. That’s how it’s always been between the two of us.

THREE

Cara

I straightenthe strap of my brown leather briefcase against my shoulder and look into the mirrored elevator doors at the agency.

I’m ready.

After a terrible night facing Grant the day after I had learned he stole the Holden contract right out from under me, I need this to go well to get my boost of confidence back. When I returned home from the gala, I focused on reviewing the updated plans I’ll be sharing with Dodger and my new partner today.

I can’t believe that Grant is pretending like they didn’t tell him I was their other choice. It is business, but this one was personal.

Grant can pretend like he doesn’t remember all he wants, but the Holden Company is the one I’ve wanted since I went private.

I’ll never forget how one of their leaders said security couldn’t be run by a woman. They rejected me for a different company led by a man, and I vowed that I would one day getanother one of their contracts and exceed their expectations just to prove a point.

Grant knows about my past with the Holden Company. I told him when we were both hiding out in Barcelona after a shoot-out we found ourselves in. I was off my game, and he noticed. There were no jabs or sparring between us; instead, he listened to me for hours.

When I told him what happened, he gave me some advice I still hold onto.

It was one of the rare moments when we weren’t competing in the field or forced together because of my parents. It was raw and real… and unforgettable.

That’s why I hate that he took this opportunity from me.

I stretch my neck from side to side and tighten my stomach, waiting for the elevator doors to open. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and try to focus on the mission ahead and not Grant Sinclair.

“Collins,” a familiar voice rasps.

Oh no.

I peel one eye open, followed by the next, and take another steadying breath.

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