Page 89 of Game of Love
“I know, but I don’t know how I’m supposed to be aware of the potential of something happening and not say or do something.”
“I get it. Of course I do. I’ll also step up our game from my end. I’ll request assistance from senior intelligence and see if they can look in on things we aren’t able to. I do feel though that if we get the prints the risk is eliminated.”
The risk would definitely be eliminated and switch the focus from Giovanni or Jia.
I’d grab the prints, he’d lose his shit when he discovered they were missing and his movements and rage would be enough to get the message out to the threat that he was no longer in possession of them.
“We need to work harder and smarter,” Ethan added.
I’d already decided that was exactly what I was doing. Working harder and smarter. “I agree. We totally need to do both.” I straightened up and pushed my shoulders back.
Ethan stood up. “I’ll go speak to headquarters and see what I can arrange. Try to focus Xander, I can see you’re quite worried about the girl. I know this isn’t ideal given Balthazar’s attachment to the Ra, but let’s all try to focus on the aspects we know we need to worry about. Get the prints and eliminate the threat.”
I nodded. “Yeah, get the prints and eliminate the threat.”
He rested a supportive hand on my shoulder , gave me a curt nod then left us.
I listened out for the door closing before I looked away and focused my attention on Wes. He hadn’t said much through the meeting.
Wes was already looking at me. Curiosity was all over his face.
“You’re really worried about her, aren’t you?” He inclined his head to the side.
I stared at him. “I think we should be.”
“It’s more than that though. You like her.” Wes smiled.
I opened my mouth to say something to side step the question but the words faded from my mind.
I wouldn’t even try to lie and say maybe I liked her. I knew myself and knew it was past that.
“Geez.” Wes chuckled. “No answer Xander?” He sat forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He looked intrigued.
“I care about her,” I confessed.
“Sounds a little more thancareto me,” he pointed out. Only my best friend could guess that.
“Wes, please.”
“Don’t you Wes please me. Come on, if we can’t talk like this to each other who can we talk to. It’s okay if you like her.”
“How can that be okay?”
“Since when are people able to help who they have feelings for?” He chuckled. “Man I’ll admit I guessed right from we saw that picture of her. Can’t fool me, or hide. I knew you liked her.
Right again. “Okay, so yes you’re right. You’re right…” My voice trailed off and that just seemed to pique his interest more.
“Did something happen between you two?” He narrowed his eyes.
My lack of answering however gave him the answer and his mouth fell open.
“Dayummm,” he gasped. “Why wouldn’t you tell me something like that?’
“It’s not something to talk about, especially…” I placed my hand at my head. “I don’t know what I’m doing Wes. Something about her… draws me in.”
“Haven’t heard you talk like that in a while, or… ever. She must have really done a number on you.”
Maybe she had. Maybe I was so sucked in by her that I couldn’t see for shit. I just knew how I felt. Worried yes, but I wouldn’t cast off the fact that there was more and I did like her.
