Read Online Lies (Phoenix Undercover #1) by C. A. Harms - Free Book Online Page B

wrong, brother,” Grey cut in, and in that moment I had never wanted to punch him more. “She has everything to do with this. Things are changing between the two of you, getting more serious than you messing around with some girl you met at a bar. I saw it last night. You care about her.”
    “So?” I said, holding up my hands. “Why the fuck does that matter?”
    “Because you know how things will turn out. You’ll be forced to make choices where she might get hurt physically or emotionally no matter what you do. We just need to know when you are faced with that choice, you’ll be able to put this mission first, regardless of the outcome.”
    “I know the things I have to do to close this case. I know the target, and I will do whatever it takes to bring him down.” I had a silent stare down with the man who was more like a brother to me than a just a friend. “You guys just take care of what is expected of you and leave my job up to me.”
    My patience was running very thin, and having everyone within the bureau questioning my dedication was frankly starting to piss me the fuck off.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 14
     
     
    Gabriella
     
    I had texted and attempted to call Josh a few times since he left yesterday morning, but I finally gave up. I had to accept that sometimes he would be unable to respond right way.
    But when he finally texted back just after eight the following night, my thoughts of being patient flew right out the window.
     
    Josh: Busy, don’t know when I’ll be free.
     
    I knew he was busy, but I had to admit his words stung a little. Instead of spreading my work out over a few days like I normally did, I busted my ass scheduling nonstop showings and closings in a single day. The need to avoid being home was weighing on me. I wouldn’t wait around for him to find time for me.
    On the third day after that night of steamy sex, he finally called. I stared at the screen, and after the third ring, I swiped my finger across it, sending it to voice mail.
    “This place is perfect,” Mrs. Germaine said. I tucked my phone into my jacket and looked up to find her walking toward the balcony. “Rodger, look at this gorgeous view. I could see myself enjoying my morning coffee in this very spot.” She trailed her hand along the railing of the balcony that surrounded the sixth-floor condo.
    Her husband grinned at her, and I could tell at that moment he would give her just about anything she wanted. His loving gaze left his wife and turned toward me. “Looks like you may have just made a sale.”
    Mrs. Germaine clapped her hands in excitement, and I couldn’t control the smile that graced my lips. Her happiness was contagious.
    After we completed the paperwork and I called the selling Realtor to make an offer, the Germaine’s insisted on taking me to dinner to celebrate. They were thrilled at having found the place they planned to retire, so who was I to decline their offer? After all, going out with them assured I would arrive home late once again, which was exactly what I wanted.
    Yes, I was being ridiculous. Yes, I was avoiding talking to Josh, but I felt discarded by his silence over the last few days, and I refused to let him think I was just sitting at home pining for him.
    I didn’t expect to return home to find an irritated-looking Brook at 9:00 p.m. on a Thursday.
    She glared at me as I placed my briefcase on a barstool.
    “What crawled up your ass and died?” I asked as I walked toward the refrigerator and opened it to grab a bottle of water.
    When I turned back around, she pushed off the counter and took a step in my direction. “Your boy toy showed up here looking for you. He refused to go away until I let him in to see for sure you weren’t hiding here to avoid him.” She shrugged, and her brow wrinkled in a frown. “Mind telling me what the hell is going on?”
    “There’s nothing to tell,” I said, leaning forward to remove one heel at a time. Flexing my sore feet,