ia'

ance between keeping my cover and exploring the complex web of lies encircling Sam and his ex-wife. My goal was not

created an almost impossible bond. Every shared moment appeared to bring us closer together, and our talks were frequently full of

hinations, my phone buzzed with a text message from Jake

real, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Sam as well. I a

s worried. He stood as I came in, clearly worried.

ting across from him.

e appropriate words. "I've been considering several things. Sam has b

ling my actual emotions. "He has had a lot of pressure.

is another one as well. Venessa is doing something, in my opinion. She has lat

as unable to say exactly why. "Venessa has a manipulative bent. I

e table to grab my hand. "I know you live near Sam

gs in me. Though I couldn't afford to get overly involved, I

y heart hurt with the weight of my se

Sam called me. His voice sounded tight, and I could detect an urgent n

fice, my thoughts whirling with options. Sam was waiting whe

iet. "She is trying to undermine my company. Her

lowing through me.

ing questions about my legitimacy. I need your assistanc

find the truth, "I'll

respondence between Venessa and an unidentified acquaintance. The material pointed to a more extensive

ot ready to face Venessa early in the morning.

e away from Jake permanently, the urgency of the matter left me

an it had been. He stood as I got closer, begging for my eyes. "Nadia, somet

have I heard from him. We

ice. Sam's phone lay abandoned on his desk when we arrived; the offi

?" Jake murmured a

from Venessa: "You will have to make decisions if you wish to view you

were running out of time, and V

spered hurriedly. "Venessa owns

menacingly in the distance. I sensed the strain in the air as we

said, my heart pounding. "V

eps as we walked gingerly over the poorly illuminated area dominate

satisfied, glistening eyes. "Welcome

"What do you

, her voice tinged with contempt. "But you have als

can either join me and guarantee that Sam's past stays buried

destroy him, so I knew, but joining Venes

reply, and Jake rushed in. He said, his voic

disorganizing. I had to make a split-second choice. Taking th

s twisted with wrath.

I battled off Venessa's troops. We stood togethe

ks and agony in his eyes. "I wanted

rtainty and concern. "

down on me. I work as an undercover agent. I set

of bricks; his face was a mixture of d

y. I never intended to cause you pa

een. "I knew, Nadia, that your task was important.

him that was both extremely protective and vulnerable. The knowledge that he had been prot

w the path ahead would be difficult, the relationsh

with Venessa's tactics exposed and Sam's secrets on display. From this moment on, the decis