Page 27 of Only the Wicked
“Skipped?”
“Got caught up at work. She was understandably distressed. To apply politically correct terminology.”
“Have to say I commiserate with her. Can’t say I’d be too pleased.”
“In my defense?—”
“Oh yes, I want to hear this.”
“I proposed under duress. She gave me an ultimatum.”
“That didn’t work out well for her.”
“My grandmother says that my forgetting the party was my subconscious telling me I didn’t want to go through with it.”
“Your grandmother? Are you close to her?”
“Nana Libby. The only person who made any attempt whatsoever to take my side when Sara and I split.”
“That’s what grandparents are for, right? To love you unconditionally.”
I resume kneading her back, although my touch isn’t as intense.
“How long ago was that?”
“That Sara and I split? Two years ago, give or take a few months.”
“You’re like me. Don’t really keep count.”
“I suppose so. In retrospect, our relationship ended years earlier. We were just going through the motions. And it was totally my fault.”
“It’s never entirely one person’s fault.”
“Says the woman who has never had an anniversary?”
“Hey now.”
I lean over her and sink my teeth into her shoulder playfully.
Her lips spread into a grin, and I press my lips to the corner of her mouth.
“Now where’s that vibrator?”
Chapter
Nine
Sydney
The cool air teasing my sensitized nipples as I saunter through the hotel room to dig out my vibrator wars with my conflicted brain.
During training, of course we covered sexual attraction as a tool. But it’s not a requirement. Official policy doesn’t condone its use. But I’m no longer working for the CIA.
Still, when Hudson recruited me and we jointly developed a plan, he made it clear the goal is to breach Rhodes’ electronics. Which, after tonight, I hope I accomplished on his phone. His laptop is bound to be in his hotel room.
You’re not a freaking red sparrow. The Russians stooped to seduction to gain access. You don’t need to resort to their honey trap tactics. You’re smarter. Better.
At the same time, a male officer might engage when it suits. Why can’t a woman do the same? Why can’t I have fun?
