Page 25 of Silk Shadow

"Any news from the police on the letters?" Viper asked.

"Not yet. Fingerprint analysis didn’t turn up anything and we’re still waiting on the DNA results, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.”

"Understood, sir."

"How is our girl?"

"She's doing good, sir. She's right here if you'd like to have a word?"

"She's with you now?" He heard the surprise in his boss’s voice. It was late—going on midnight. Pat would have assumed Izzy would be fast asleep in her own room by now.

"Um, yeah. We've been discussing the situation in Mexico."

"Put me on."

Viper handed Izzy the phone. She shot him a reassuring smile before she turned her focus on the call. "Uncle Pat, it’s good of you to check up on me. Yes, I'm absolutely fine. Viper's doing an awesome job. He literally doesn’t let me out of his sight.”

Viper tensed, as he felt her gaze wander back to him, but he purposely didn’t look up.

“Don't worry, I won't take any risks. He's already given me a stern talking to. Of course I will. Take care. Bye." She handed the phone back with a smug little grin.

"Thank you." He slid it into his pocket. "You didn't have to sing my praises."

"It's the least I could do," she said. "Considering you've been so attentive."

Was she teasing him? Flirting with him? Her eyes were sparkling as she tossed her glossy hair over her shoulder. Suddenly, he wished he’d had more personal protection training, although he suspected this wasn’t in the rule book. The men he’d guarded before had been dignitaries or businessmen, not gorgeous, young—What was the word again?—Influencers.

"How about another beer? You're off duty now." Technically, yes, but she was still his responsibility. While he was on this assignment, he would never be fully off-duty.

"Sure." He wouldn't drink it all—just a few sips to be sociable. He felt they were building a rapport now, which was good. It made things less awkward. It would do her good to get used to him being around, to start trusting him, even if he found her presence… complicated. But that was his problem, not hers.

He got two beers out of the mini-fridge and handed her one.

"Here's to a productive week." She lifted the bottle, her eyes meeting his.

He ignored the flutter in his belly, clinked it, and took a long pull.

"What's your story, Viper?" She leaned back in her chair and studied him. "I know you are ex-military and Pat speaks highly of you, but apart from that, I don't know anything about you.”

He shrugged. Where to start? What did you tell your principle about your personal circumstances? Usually very little. Keep it professional.

“Are you married?" That definitely wasn’t in the rule book.

"No," he replied, a little too quickly.

"Significant other?" She raised an eyebrow.

"There's no one."

She smiled, like she was pleased to hear it. They were verging into dangerous territory here. Talking about his personal life was not his strong suit.

"And why is that? A guy like you must have plenty of options." She raked him over with her gaze.

He hesitated, then took a seat opposite her. "I'm not in the right frame of mind for a relationship."

She tilted her head to the side. "Oh, why's that?"

“Do you always ask so many questions?”