Lexy could still feel the weight of James' wife's eyes on her long after she left the office.
She told herself she was being paranoid, that the woman had no reason to suspect anything. But the way she had looked at her that slow, assessing gaze made Lexy's stomach twist.
She wasn't stupid.
And that meant Lexy and James had to be more careful than ever.
The Warning
The next time Lexy saw James, it was in a dimly lit bar, their usual place neutral territory where no one would question why they were together.
James was already there when she arrived, a whiskey in hand, his jaw clenched.
"She said something, didn't she?" Lexy slid into the booth, her voice hushed but sharp.
James didn't answer immediately. He just watched her for a long moment, then leaned in, voice low. "She asked about you."
Lexy's pulse spiked. "What did you say?"
"That you're part of the project. That it's strictly business." He took a slow sip of his drink, his eyes dark, unreadable. "She didn't believe me."
Lexy exhaled, pressing her fingers to her temple. "Shit."
James reached across the table, his fingers brushing hers. A small touch, but electric.
"We just have to be careful," he murmured.
Lexy nodded. But deep down, she knew it was already too late for caution.
The New Threat
Lexy had barely begun to breathe easier when the real problem arrived.
A text.
From an unknown number.
Unknown: You look good in red.
Lexy frowned, her stomach tightening. She was wearing a red dress. Right now.
Unknown: Does James like it as much as I do?
Her blood ran cold.
She glanced around, scanning the café she was sitting in. Was someone watching her?
Her phone buzzed again.
Unknown: Be careful, sweetheart. Secrets have a way of coming out.
A chill ran down her spine.
This wasn't just suspicion anymore.
Someone knew.
And they were playing a dangerous game.