"Every day may not be good . . . but there's something good in every day" ~ Alice Morse Earle

Sydney's POV

The way Kalinda looked at me was like a punch to the gut. She saw me as a monster. My best friend couldn't even look me in the eye. My chest tightened and my stomach ached as my throat tightened with pain and regret.

I didn't even realize where I was going until I was knocking on Cole's door. But when his arms enveloped mine everything slowed down. The woodsy scents from his aftershave and the way his hand slowly ran through my waves were an oasis in this shit storm.

Just as I almost believed life was good, the agency called. They moved a larger assignment up and I went to home to pack and meet up with Cole.

01010011

"What do you mean you have to leave now?" my parents exclaimed as they stood in my doorway, watching me systematically pack.

I zipped up my bag and threw it over my shoulder, "Something changed and an assignment was moved up. I have to leave now."

"How long will you be gone?" my mom asked, a look of concern barely concealed across her features.

In a different lifetime, I'd make sure to hug both my parents and laugh off their concern. I'd tell them they need to stop worrying because I'm just going on a trip with some friends or remind them that I'd be leaving for college in a few months. I'd promise to call them when I arrive and keep them updated. But I can't promise them anything.

"I'm not sure. It may a few weeks...or a few months. Everything has already been taken care of with the school and truancy," I state as they follow down the stairs, "I won't be able to contact you until it's over. I know you guys will worry, but I'll be okay."

"As long as come back to us okay, we'll be okay," my father states.

I nod as I throw a leg over my bike and take off.

01110100

"I was surprised when the agency called to say this assignment was moved up," Cole says as he zips up the garment bags for his suits and my gowns, "What happened?"

I load extra clips, "Rodriguez has dropped her latest flavor and is on the prowl for another. She happens to like mixed girls of affluence and stamina."

Cole eyes some of my outfits before he turns to glance at me. His eyes darken as I can guess what's on his mind.

"Then why am I needed for this?" Cole asks, his voice thick with lust as he swiftly steps forward to hang the last of the garment bags on the rack to be loaded on the jet.

My lips curl into a seductive smile as I purr, "She already trusts me. Eventually she'll let slip about a nasty issue she has."

His tongue darts out to wet his lips, "Which is?"

Placing a hand over his heart, I feel how rapid it's beating, "She needs a hot, new weapons dealer who happens to look a lot like you."

His hands find my waist, "Fine, but only if you model a few of those outfits."

"Deal."

I pull away and begin to load the rest of the equipment knowing full well Cole is staring at my ass. Once the jet takes off, I shoot right to the front to act as co-pilot and avoid Cole. When we land in Punta del Este we're escorted to where temporary HQ will be.

Never did I expect HQ to be to multimillion dollar beach front mansion. As beautiful as it is, I know the big five had many killed to acquire it. But once everything goes into action, I'd be spending most of my time with Sofía Rodriguez and Cole would need a mansion for his cover identity. We quickly unpack, change, and go out for a quick dinner. When we return, Cole gives me that look like he wants to ask the about the other night. So I glide over to the pool and drag down the zipper of my shorts allowing them to fall. My tank top follows before I swan dive into the water.

Cole follows suit and we end up in the hot tub, the master bathroom, and then the master bedroom. When it sounds like he's asleep, I breathe a sigh of relief.

"You can only put this off for so long," Cole's voice rumbled over the soothing rhythm of the waves.

I sighed, "I went to talk to Kalinda."

The sheets rustled as he turned on his side to face me, "What happened?"

I swallowed, "I told her everything, Cole. She'd find out eventually and I needed her to hear it from me first...the way she looked at me. My best friend in the whole fucking world couldn't even look me in the eye without feeling disgust."

Cole reached up to cup my cheek, "I'm sorry, Syd."

Everything hurt and I couldn't find the energy to stay strong. With everything stripped away in this bed, I allowed myself to lean into his touch. To relish in his warmth and let his strength calm the tempest in my head.

"I hope you never look at me like that."

01101001

The next night we suited up in our finest attire to attend a gala for some the most notorious criminals and all the corrupt elite who associated with them. On a previous assignment, months ago, Cole and I made sure our cover identities were added to that guest list. Cole was already there and mingling and I was about to arrive fashionably late. Dressed in slinky, deep gold dress that perfectly complimented my figure, sporting a plunging neckline, open back, and a generous slit that showcased my freshly waxed legs, I knew damn well I looked hot as fuck. I had tamed my mane into soft waves targeting my inner Zendaya and perfectly applied a smoky makeup look to top off my seductive aura.

Upon entering, I surveyed the crowd searching for Sofía and making brief eye contact with Cole. Sofía was one of the youngest ones here, but just as respected as those with three times her experience. After her brothers and parents were killed by a rival family, the weakest link surprised everyone by organizing one the swiftest and most brutal revenge killings. She was on the rise in the criminal world which is why she had to be stopped.

Gliding over to the bar, I flirted with the bartender while he fixed me a drink. That's when I felt her approach me, no doubt with her two bodyguards.

"Lilliana, I thought that was you. You always did know how to make quite the entrance," Sofía greeted me as the bartender handed her her glass, a sharp look in her eyes.

I turned to face her. She looked just as good as last I saw her. Sun kissed skin, raven waves, full lips, and calculating copper eyes. She wore a bold red gown that clung to her body like a second skin and sky high heels that only helped to elongate her already endless legs.

I had helped her acquire some much needed technology that was vital to her operations as well as help seduce a business partner that tried to screw her over. Now, the agency also prevented any consequences of that, but nothing that could be connected to me, so I was still good in her good graces.

"I only do it for you, Sofía," I quipped as I sipped my drink.

She let out an amused chuckle, "God, I needed this. These events are always such a bore. You interested in getting out of here?"

"Always so blunt," I downed the rest of my drink, "but it's one of the things I always admired about you."

"Well let's see if there's anything else about me you admire."