Flawless Prize

Caleb’s shaking his head in disbelief. “But… Olivia? I’ve known her forever. We played as kids, for Christ’s sake. I know we’ve had our differences, but she’s not capable of something like this. She can’t be.”

“She’s capable of more than you can imagine,” I tell him. “Staging the takeover, hiring me as a mole to get close to you?”

I look at Logan for support. He nods. “I’ve seen jealousy make people do some fucked up shit. All the pieces fit together, though. We thought it was Nero, coming for you, but this is all about Juliet.”

Caleb paces, still clearly trying to wrap his head around it. I don’t blame him. Olivia can play sweet and innocent when she needs to, and besides, people break up all the time. It doesn’t mean they’re going to turn into a psycho bitch and try to kill someone.

“Fuck.” He finally curses, looking resigned. “You’re right. It could be her. Which means… she tried to kill you.”

His expression changes. He stalks for the door.

“Wait. Where are you going?” I leap to stop him.

“Where do you think? I’m going to confront her. And if it’s true…” Anger flashes in his eyes. “She’d better pray it’s not.”

“You can’t!” I protest.

“Juliet’s right.” Logan moves to join me, blocking his path. “We don’t have any proof. She’s untouchable. And with the takeover hanging in the balance, you can’t fuck this up even more.”

“Promise me,” I demand. “Promise me you won’t confront her.”

There’s a long pause.

“Dammit!” Caleb slams his fist into the wall, shattering the plaster with his frustration. “She can’t get away with this!”

“She won’t,” I say, getting an idea. “We can set a trap, catch her in the act.”

The men’s eyes snap to mine. “Trap? What kind of trap?” Caleb asks.

I know I have to tread carefully with this. “We can coax Olivia into trying something again, and take her down when she does.”

“And by trying something, you mean hurting you.” Caleb shakes his head. “No fucking way.”

“It won’t get that far,” I reassure him. “You, Logan, hell half the NYPD can be keeping watch. The important thing is for her to believe she has a chance to get rid of me. She’s so blind with jealousy, she’s not thinking straight. If we dangle that opportunity… She won’t be able to resist.”

“Use you as bait? Fuck no.” he swears. “No way in hell. I’m not putting you in danger again.”

“Caleb—”

“No.” He bites out the word with such finality, if I didn’t know him better, I’d have cowered in the corner.

Instead, I go to him and put my hand on his forearm. “Look at me, Caleb.”

He does, but reluctantly.

“I want this over as much as you do. Until we catch her, I’ll always be looking over my shoulder. You and I won’t be able to move on. Listen to me, we can end this.”

He starts to shake his head, but Logan adds, “She’s right. It might be the only way.”

Caleb pulls me to him so he can wrap his arms around me, almost as if he doesn’t ever want to let go. His eyes bore into mine, searching. “Are you sure about this?”

I nod. “Absolutely. Let’s finish this.”

* * *

I walkinto the office with Caleb the next day, my pulse skittering with nerves. It feels like I’m undercover all over again, sneaking in with a hidden agenda, but this time, I’m working against Olivia, not for her.

I’m trying to pretend like everything is normal as I drop my things at my workstation. Caleb stops in front of Victoria’s desk to retrieve his messages, then turns to me.