Page 87 of Undeniable
“Really?” Violet arched an eyebrow. “You could’ve fooled me.”
The problem was, she wasn’t the only one fooled. Whether I liked it or not, admitted it or not, I was falling for Connor. And that was a problem.
CHAPTERTWENTY
I’d been dreading coming here all day. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see my friends and coworkers. I did. But it was the idea of reality encroaching on the bubble that Olivia and I were living in that had me wishing we could’ve turned down the invitation.
I followed Maverick over to the pool, where a few of the guys were already assembled. Violet had rebuked him for working, but we all knew it was impossible for him not to. Maverick took personal responsibility for everything that happened. It was a quality I both admired and understood. Any mistakes, any casualties, and I was always trying to determine what I’d done wrong.
“Did you tell them, Reagan?” Maverick asked.
Reagan shook her head, Clay’s arm wrapped around her waist. “I was waiting for you.” She turned to me. “The ambassador decided to drop the lawsuit.”
I breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank fuck.”
Clay had told me we’d fight the ambassador on it, but I hadn’t realized how much it had been weighing on me until this moment. Until it was no longer a threat.
“Reagan’s the one who provided the intel that persuaded him,” Clay said with pride, kissing Reagan’s temple.
“What kind of intel?” I asked.
She leaned in, a coy smile playing at her lips. “Let’s just say, it was in his best interest to drop it.”
I wondered what kind of information she’d acquired. Even in the time I’d been assigned to protect him and his family, I’d suspected he was into some shady stuff. And while the ambassador and his family might have diplomatic immunity, there were other methods of coercion. I was just grateful Reagan had gotten the information we needed to change his mind.
“What about the daughter-in-law?” I asked, concerned about what had happened to her. “And the granddaughter?”
“They’re at a safe house. I’m working with some friends to obtain new identities for them,” Reagan said, filling in the rest of the details.
I closed my eyes, sending up a silent prayer. It could’ve been so much worse. And it was a lot worse than it should’ve been, thanks to my choices.
“Thank you, Reagan. Sincerely,” I said. Her blue eyes flashed with emotion.
I turned to Maverick. “I’m sorry—for everything.”
I’d endangered his men’s lives. I’d fucked up the mission. Zeke had gotten injured. And my actions had resulted in a lawsuit, even if it had since been withdrawn.
Maverick clapped a hand on my shoulder. “We all understand why you did what you did. Next time, ask for help or take a step back.”
I nodded. “I will.”
I didn’t ask about George, and no one mentioned him. I hoped he’d rot in hell for all he’d done.
“Clay believes you’re ready to return to the field. How do you feel?” Maverick asked.
“I’m ready,” I said without hesitation. “Absolutely.”
“Good. Because Abby wants you on her team,” Clay said.
I’d worked with the famous pop singer in the past, and we’d built a good rapport. This was everything I’d wanted, everything I’d worked so hard for. And yet…I furrowed my brow. As excited as I was about the opportunity, I wondered how Olivia would feel about it.
“You don’t look happy.”
“I am,” I said, trying to snap out of it.Show some enthusiasm, for fuck’s sake.“Thank you for trusting me with this.”
Maverick and Reagan joined nearby conversations, leaving me alone with Clay. His eyes were constantly tracking his wife, just as I was continuously keeping an eye on Olivia.
“So…Olivia?” Clay nudged me with his elbow, beer in one hand.