Slowly rising to his feet, Will tucked the note into his pocket. As he tamped down the small flicker of hope in his chest, Will schooled his face into a neutral expression. He couldn’t allow anyone to find out he’d been accosted by two women during his run. Considering the two women had chosen the only blind spot he’d noticed along the path, they had to be professionals.
The question was why did they need him? And moreover, if it truly was Leyna he’d spotted earlier, why had she waited until now to show her face?
His earlier enthusiasm about starting his new research faded. As he scanned the surrounding hills, Will knew he would constantly be thinking of the upcoming meeting at the restaurant. The trick would be in acting as if everything was normal. Not only was Giovanni observant, the head warden of the facility—Liang—was more so.
The only good thing was Will had ten hours to think of an excuse to visit the local restaurant. During that time, he’d also tuck away any lingering feelings he still possessed for Leyna. For all he knew, the mysterious woman wanted to use his past against him. If she thought Will was an easy target, she was in for a big surprise.
~~~
The instant Petra and Millie were inside the abandoned house they used as a base, Millie turned on Petra. “How could you keep this from me? Partners don’t keep secrets that could cost them their lives.”
Petra sighed. “Stop being overdramatic. My connection to Will had no impact on the mission. When it became relevant, I told you.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, Millie raised her brows. “Too right it’s become bloody relevant. Tell me what happened or I’ll risk Larsen, Sinclair, and the lot by running away.”
The only person who knew about Petra’s real identity was her brother, Dominick, and for good reason. Not just because they’d both changed identities together, but also because when someone worked as a mercenary, enemies always looked for weaknesses. Former friends and lovers were at the top of the list of targets.
Yet as she studied Millie Ward, Petra didn’t think the woman would sell her information to the highest bidder. After all, Petra knew of Millie’s involvement in trying to free the first-born magic users. That information could be useful to the right people. In a way, they were at an impasse until trust developed. “It’s not overly complicated. My brother got into some trouble and needed my help. To protect Will, I faked my death and created a new persona.”
“You can act all indifferent now but I saw the way you brushed his forehead. Hell, you were about to kiss him.”
Petra kept her expression neutral. “A momentary lapse that won’t happen again, I assure you.”
“Right, and the sky is turning green.”
Petra growled. “Drop it, Millie. You know enough to complete the mission. Don’t expect any more.”
Millie continued as if Petra hadn’t spoken. “You know what I think? I suspect you go back and forth about your choice every day. But was it worth it? Finding love isn’t easy. If I did, I’d never toss it away.”
Petra debated walking away. But if Millie was to be her back-up for her meeting later on, she needed to keep the woman on her side. Petra raised her brows. “Oh, really? You have two brothers. Imagine if one of their lives depended on your help. I bet you would’ve done the same.”
“I don’t like hypotheticals. But that scientist bloke doesn’t look like the type to marry a mercenary. I have a feeling you did a hell of a lot more than fake your death to help your brother.”
Millie was right, but Petra wasn’t about to tell her. “Look, the other details of my past are irrelevant. We need to prepare for tonight. While I don’t think he will turn me in, there’s always a small chance Will’s changed as much as me and we need to be ready.”
“One last question and I’ll hold off until at least after this meeting. Deal?”
“Fine.”
Millie tilted her head. “Someone’s grumpy.” Petra opened her mouth but Millie beat her to the reply. “Why did he call you Leyna?”
Petra didn’t hesitate. “Because when I faked my death, I changed my name. It’s Self-Preservation 101. Now that your questions will cease, let’s both figure out a number of escape routes.”
Millie replied, “Why not just kidnap him? I’m sure we could find somewhere for you two to run off together. Then you’d both be safe and you could enjoy life a bit m
ore.” Millie flicked her hand to Petra. “You’re far too tense. A little sex could go a long way toward relaxing you.”
Petra had considered going with Will, but had decided against it. “His current position is powerful. According to both of our contacts, his boss is Giovanni Sinclair. We definitely don’t need his adopted father—the uncle dearest of your brother’s girlfriend, by the way—getting wind of Will’s disappearance. Remember, he has his own strange power and James Sinclair is out to rid the world of all magic.”
“Don’t remind me,” Millie muttered before raising her voice back to normal levels. “But you want Will to disappear, remember? That’s our entire reason for being here, unless you’ve changed your plan without telling me.”
Petra shook her head. “No, the plan is to make Will disappear on his own. It’s far easier for him to blend in and create a new identity without me since I’ve made more than a few enemies over the years.”
Millie rolled her eyes. “I believe you think you’re more badass than you actually are.”
“Millie,” Petra growled.
“Fine, fine. But back to tonight. The AMT research facility usually sends out bodyguards to watch over their employees. Do you think a bodyguard will follow Will around tonight, too? Or is he stealthy enough to lose a tail? Since he hasn’t left the facility since we’ve been here, apart from his runs, I worry about unexpected surprises.”