Chapter 265
“Eat, Adam said, acting like nothing had happened. “Before it gets cold.”
Irene poked at her salmon. “Aren’t you worried she’ll actually leave?”
“Let her. The words dropped like stones, uncomplicated by doubt.
“Thomas, Adam called, not looking away from Irene. “Keep an eye on her. Make sure she gets on a plane safely if she’s serious.
Thomas nodded and disappeared like smoke.
No wonder people get nervous around him, Irene thought, feeling a grudging respect. No drama, no dragging things out–just quick decisions and moving on. She’d known too many guys who loved keeping women guessing, just to feel important.
They settled back into a surprisingly comfortable silence. Irene finished her meal while Adam occasionally glanced up to make sure she was actually eating, not just pushing food around.
“Time for your treatment she said finally, pushing back from the table.
Adam frowned. “You’ve been running around all day saving García. Let’s skip it tonight.”
“I’m not made of glass,” Irene countered, already reaching for her bag.
His hand caught her wrist, gentle but surprising. The touch sent a warm feeling up b
arm.
“Would missing one night really hurt?” His voice got softer, quieter. I’m getting better faster than we work twice as hard tomorrow.”
thought. If I lose ground, I’ll
His eyes met hers, more open than she’d ever seen them. “I don’t want you wearing yourself out. We’ve skipped before and everything was fine.”
Irene felt her resolve crumbling. Adam’s progress had been remarkable–she’d never seen anyone respond to the treatment so quickly.
“You wouldn’t risk my health,” he said quietly. “And I won’t risk yours. If you get sick from pushing too hard, what happens to my
treatment?”
His fingers brushed her shoulder, so quickly she might have imagined it, except for the warm feeling that stayed. “So…) tonight?”
just
The honesty in his voice caught her off guard. This was Adam Haven the same guy who made everyone nervous in meetings- looking at her with real worry. The difference between public Adam and private Adam surprised her every time.
Irene looked into his eyes and felt that now–familiar flutter in her chest, happening more often these days. Those eyes seemed to see right through her, making her heart beat faster whenever they looked at her like now, His moments of kindness made it harder to keep things professional.
It’s getting harder to pretend, she thought to herself. Each little nice thing he did made keeping her distance more difficult. Her brain listed all the problems–three kids, complicated past, his powerful family–but her heart didn’t seem to care, drawn to him like she couldn’t help it.
“Fine,” she sighed. “Just tonight.”
“Thank you.” The words came out softer than she’d ever heard from him.
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Chapter 265
His fingertips brushed against the back of her hand, making her heart jump. Their eyes met and held for just a second too long before both looked away, the space between them filled with feelings neither was ready to talk about.
Miles away in Silver City, Samatha’s phone buzzed. Her finger tappel the screen as a cold smile appeared.
“Miss Wright, update from M Country. Sterling and Haven are busy with García. They’re not paying attention to much else.”
Samantha’s smile grew wider. “Finally.”
She sat up straight, suddenly all business. “Even Adam can’t watch her all the time. Follow the plan. Wait for my signal.”
After hanging up, she opened her laptop and checked every part of her plan one more time, her eyes cold and determined in the dim
room.
“The good doctor needs to learn,” she said quietly to herself, “what kind of game she’s gotten into–and who she’s really up against.”
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