“You’ll be here again tomorrow?” she asked softly, her fingers brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. The touch lingered just a moment too long, and her eyes darted nervously around the room, scanning for anyone who might see.

Someone of her status had no business being in a place like this, and the thought of being caught made her stomach twist. The consequences would be bad enough, but the rumors? The judgment from people who already had too much to say about her? That would be unbearable.

Caitlyn never thought she’d find herself here—not once, let alone night after night. It had all started so innocently: an assignment, a lead to follow, and you, her informant.

You were supposed to be nothing more than a means to an end, a stepping stone in her investigation. But somehow, against all logic and every ounce of her better judgment, you’d become so much more.

She caught herself staring, her eyes tracing the curves of your face. You were beautiful—achingly so—and it unsettled her how often the thought crept into her mind.

It wasn’t just your looks, though. It was the way you carried yourself, the way you spoke to her with an ease that made her feel like she wasn’t an enforcer or anyone of importance. Just Caitlyn.