Page 56 of Hard Wired

“I wasn’t, though.”

“What about your computer? The attempt to access your system? You never told me what happened.”

That again. She’d thought he had dropped that subject. Why was he suddenly so concerned? “My firewall took care of it. They failed. Everything turned out fine.”

“No, it didn’t.” He pressed a hand over his eyes. “Sylvie…”

“What’s wrong?”

Tell me about your uncle, she thought. Tell me the truth. About everything.

Through all their conversations via text, Dominic hadn’t mentioned his present role with the Syndicate, or his lawyer Sandford, or Lana’s offer to talk privately. Which had to mean he was hiding things. But how much?

He perched his hands on his hips, staring at his feet. “When we first met, I didn’t like that you called me out for who I am. But it was fair.”

“You mean, when I called you a mobster?” And worse.

He cringed. “That word fits certain aspects of…who I’ve had to be. But you know I associate with some very unsavory people, even though it’s not completely by choice. I don’t want them anywhere near you.” His eyes lifted. “I just want to keep you safe. Around me, you won’t be.”

It was like there were two different versions of Dominic Crane, too: the man who’d ruled an organized crime ring, who could’ve seduced her in order to undermine Bennett Security… And the man she’d been talking to lately. This man, right in front of her. The one who wanted to protect her. Who honestly seemed to care.

The alternate sides of Sylvie matched the different versions of him.

And it was tearing her apart.

She put her arms around him and rested her cheek against his chest. He remained tense at first, but finally he relaxed into her, running his fingers through her hair.

“I can handle myself. Plus, I’ve got Tanner with me.”

“Yeah, what’s that about? Does he know…”

“About what happened between us before? Not specifically. But he’s my friend. I’ve done him plenty of favors in the past. He’s my wingman, I’m his wingwoman.”

“So you two haven’t ever…”

She looked up at him. “You’re not jealous, are you?”

“I don’t get jealous. But if you have a threesome in mind, I should probably know now so I can prepare. He’s a very big guy.”

“Oh my god.” She swatted his chest with the back of her hand. “I’m not interested in Tanner like that. But if you are, don’t let me stand in your way.”

Dominic kissed her temple. “I’m kidding. I’m not jealous. But I’d rather not share you if I can help it.”

Her body flooded with warm feelings.

In one sense, she was playing a role. Getting close to him, even lying to him, to find the hackers who were targeting her company. But this tenderness—she didn’t have to fake it.

Yet it slashed her heart down the middle, not knowing if they were both acting. If this was just layers upon layers of betrayal. If this was all a lie, if he was faking just to manipulate her…

But wouldn’t it be better if this wasn’t real for him? Because then she wouldn’t have to feel so shitty about what she was doing.

She wished she knew which version was the real Dominic Crane. And which was the real Sylvie.

“So there’s no other reason you’re here?” he asked. “I saw you on the camera. I thought you were saying something to Maureen about the security system.”

“That was an excuse to be near you. But I could work on the system if you like.”

He held her tighter. “I don’t think there’s any point.”

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