Page 70 of Risks of Temptation
Her blue eyes turn serious. "Are you going to tell me the truth now?"
"I didn't expect you to be so stubborn when I rescued you."
"Stubborn?"
"Yeah."
"I didn't use to be."
"No? What changed?"
"I got tired of being a doormat."
I peck her on the lips. "That's a good reason to change."
"Tell me. What is wrong?"
"You're awfully demanding in the morning," I tease.
Her face hardens, and she tilts her head.
I swallow hard. "Gustave called."
"And?"
"He needs the documents Naomi had within forty-eight hours."
"Why?"
My gut flips. I brush the hair on her forehead behind her ear. I wish I could hide somewhere with her and spend a month exploring her body instead of dealing with reality. "He couldn't say over the phone, but it has to do with getting Louis to think we were testing his loyalty to the movement and that we aren't attempting to overthrow everything."
"If you need Naomi's papers, I can help you get them."
"I don't want you anywhere near this."
"It's not an option, though, is it?"
I turn my head away from her, anger and fear bubbling in my veins, hating I'm pulling her into this.
She grasps my chin and makes me look at her. "I'm not going to break."
"When are you going to stop telling me that? I've repeatedly told you I don't believe you will. This is a safety issue," I bark.
"Do you have any choice right now? If you don't get Gustave what he needs, is something bad going to happen?"
My mouth goes dry. "Yes."
Her eyes shine brighter. "Then I will help you. We will do it together."
I groan. "Why do I get the feeling you're excited about this?"
She bites her smile.
"This isn't a game, Emilia. The Global Leaders are dangerous. Naomi's information is a threat to them. They would kill you in a minute if they found you had it."
Her face falls. "I know it isn't a game. But I'm glad I get to help. It'll be the first important thing I've done my entire life."
"That isn't true."
