Page 48 of Stalk

She ignores me. She pushes her sunglasses atop her head and takes a sip of her black coffee without a single grimace despite how hot it is. I blow into my mug and wait for whatever bombshell she’s about to drop on me.

“I’m sure you have enjoyed your break. But now it’s time to jump back in, and I have a case that is more suitable for you than any of my other workers.” Her eyes meet mine and every cell in my body freezes. “What? You aren’t going to ask what it is?”

I swallow roughly. “What is it? Or, I guess I should ask who.”

“His name is Anthony Ellington. All the info on him has already been uploaded into your work drive, of course.” Catherine takes another sip of scorching liquid. “He’s a high profile case. He’s been in the drug industry here in D.C. for over a decade. Unlike most of your other assignments, I would consider Anthony quite the risky assignment.”

I don’t breathe.

“He’s known for selling products, of course, but not on the streets. He mostly sells to big-time buyers.Richbuyers. But he also has a reputation of violence. It’s not a peaceful profession, I’m afraid.”

It doesn’t go past me how she almost sounds amused by this.

“Anyway, I believe the easiest way to complete this hit is for someone to get Anthony’s guard down. Make him a bit vulnerable.”

“Why do you thin–?”

“He’s gay,” she says, cutting me off mid-question. “Since most of my workers are women and you are the only gay man I have on my team, it seems you’re the only one suitable for this.”

I cringe. It’s not like I’m not used to being called a man. Most people call me that. But I’ve gotten used to Cleo, and hell, even Mattia, using my preferred pronouns that being called a man leaves me feeling foreign in my own body. I recoil again once I register what Catherine is insinuating.

“You want me to…seducehim?” I ask. I grip my mug with both hands, the warmth spreading to my palms and rooting me in place.

“I believe that would be the easiest way.”

“What if I’m not his type? Or?—”

Catherine stands up abruptly. “Look at the file. You aredefinitelyhis type.” She looks down at me with an ugly smirk, then puts her sunglasses back on. “Report back to me when all is said and done, of course.”

“Okay,” I concede. It’s not like I can fight her. I’ve never been able to.

“Oh, and Ren?” she calls from the archway that leads back into the hall.

“Yes?”

She stares at me over her shoulder for what I’d consider a little too long before responding. “Make sure you really do your homework on how to seduce this man. I know the art of seduction is not an area of expertise for you.”

With that, she leaves me alone in my kitchen, face red and heart pounding.

CHAPTER 19

Mattia

It’s been two days since Ren ran away. They haven’t called me back or responded to my texts. Only a few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have given a fuck whether they were alive or laying in a ditch somewhere, but I guess things change.Especiallywhen you don’t want them to.

Whatever’s happened, I’m done with waiting. I’m not a patient person to begin with, and this has been hell. I’m no longer denying that I care about Ren. It’s blatantly obvious to me. It’s even obvious to Marco who teases me every time I check my phone, which happens to be often.

I finished up my last assignment yesterday. It was an easy kill. Dreadfully boring. After that, Marco and I were instructed to stay in town for a little while longer, just in case Zìa has anything last minute for me to handle. Otherwise, we’re supposed to leave for Venice in two days.

Which means Ihaveto make sure Ren is okay and stable before leaving the country. Otherwise, I know I’ll go crazy as soon as we board the jet for Italy.

My phone is pressed to my ear with only my shoulder supporting it. The line rings as I pace the backyard, inhaling mycigarette like my life depends on it. Cannella zigzags between my legs as I walk, almost tripping me every few seconds.

Finally, Giorgia picks up.“Che cosa?”

I exhale a plume of smoke into the air. “I need you to find Ren’s newest assignment.”

Giorgia is silent for a long time, which doesn’t help my mental state one bit. “Zìa will not approve?—”

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