Page 65 of Foul & Fake
I just don’t want to have to end up murdering someone, and with the road we’re on, I just might. I’d do anything for her.
“But it’s so fucking beautiful here, baby. Just don’t forget to breathe sometimes. Do you see anything photo-worthy over there?”
She barely glances at the beach we’re mere feet from, or the gorgeous cliffs off to the left. She ignores the umbrellas and the palm trees and the people relaxing in the sun, focusing back on the man we’ve been stalking for days.
At least I’m good at it.
“You got pictures of the resort already, right? So we can make sure people know exactly which one to avoid?”
“Yeah, I took a bunch.” I took a lot of her perfect ass in that bikini as well, but I’ll show her those later. About an hour ago her mark busied himself with a pretzel, and she moved over toward the water for a better view. To everyone watching she seemed as though she was simply cooling off her feet, but there was a moment where she forgot the job and let her head fall back as sand flowed through her toes. I swear I stopped breathing entirely. The shot I got there might be my favorite one in the world.
It’s hard to want to work or stay focused when all I want to do is make memories with her. We usually make sure we take time off on these trips, but with the stakes so high this time, I don’t see her allowing herself a break. I admire her dedication so much I try not to interfere, but I’m sitting next to the most beautiful woman in the world, in the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, and all I want is to stare at the flush in her cheeks and steal public kisses.
She cusses under her breath when she loses her mark yet again, then sits back and puts her binoculars down. “Maybe I was wrong. I haven’t seen a single thing that suggests they’re trafficking anything but a good time.”
One thing about her is she’s never wrong. She may not have always trusted herself or given herself the credit she deserves, but she’s absolutely never wrong.
“I think there’s something here. I know that look in your eyes when you smell a story, but maybe it’s time you take a step back. Let’s relax for the rest of the day, give your face a break from those adorable binoculars and go on a date. We’ll be back on the job first thing in the morning.”
Pouting, she nods as I tap her nose. “You’re right. Who knows, maybe we’ll see something when we stop looking. What did you have in mind?”
“That’s what I was thinking too.” Standing, I hold my hand out for hers and tug her up, my lips finding home against hers before I give her an answer. “The weather is perfect, and I found this cool spot I want to show you when I was taking pictures earlier. You up for putting all our equipment in the hotel room and just seeing where the day takes us? Maybe watch the sunset in a bit?”
The pout slowly transforms into the smile I fell so in love with. “With you? I’m up for anything.”
And I know she means it.
We’ve been through more shit than any couple should — all of it my fault — and yet she’s stuck by my side anyway. No one has ever been down for me the way she has, and I’m still making it my life’s mission to make up for the shit I’ve done to hurt her. I never want to cause her pain again. “Right back at you, wifey. Let’s keep that smile on your face and see what this tropical paradise has for us.”
It really is beautiful here, but its beauty still doesn’t hold a candle to Riley Reyes.
No island ever could.
RILEY
I’m lightheaded and sweaty when we get home, but Elias is still looking at me like I walk on water. Most people tonight did, even though I begged them not to. Yes, Elias and I got what we needed and took down the human trafficking ring on the island. Yes, the cops told me they’d never have been able to do it without the things we uncovered. Yes, the award is cool.
But I don’t feel like a hero. I feel like a woman who did what she needed to do in order to rescue other women, nothing more or less.
“Stop looking at me like that,” I laugh tiredly. “You got one too, you know.”
“Yeah, you.” He kisses all along my face before ever finding my lips. “You’re the best prize I’ll ever get. I swear you’re fucking glowing.”
Eli licks up my throat, not realizing how apt his statement really was. “Well, enjoy it. Because it’s likely to be the last award we ever get.”
“I don’t think so, but if it is I’ll get you one every year, because you deserve it. What perfume are you wearing right now?”
He’s nuzzling into my neck like a wolf that can’t get enough, and it’s amazing to me that he still doesn’t get it.
“Elias,” I laugh. “I’m trying to tell you something here.”
Pulling back, he meets my eyes with his brow furrowed in confusion. “You are?”
“Mmhm. Good to know you’re still an idiot,” I grin. “I sure hope you don’t pass that down to our child.”
“I won’t,” he rushes out, gaze scanning my face like he’s trying to read me. “I swear I’ve been eating all my vegetables and working out so when it happens I’ll be giving you the best — oh shit, do you… are you… right now?”
There he is.
