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The ," she continued "After that, we’ll take turns doing it Make sure you pay attention to brands and sizes" She narrowed her gaze "You will do your own laundry, and you will not leave clothes in either the washer or dryer In this house, I don’t work for either of you Is that clear?"

More nods

They would have to get a cleaning service in, but they had ti went more smoothly when she took care of the details up front Otherwise, she was going to have to knock a few heads together, and that alwayshurt Not her, of course, but so her warily "I know both of you Everything’s a competition I have no problem with that, but leave it outside"

With that, she turned and walked out of the house

FELICIA WAITED OUTSIDE Brew-haha Consuelo had sent a text saying she was on her way She watched anxiously, excited to see her friend

During her military career and later with the security company, Felicia had mostly worked with men Women had not been allowed in combat Ipso facto, she hadn’t had much of a chance to make female friends Consuelo had been one of the few on the team She was beautiful but deadly and had often been sent on assignments that required covert contact and distraction

There had been tiained the infor into the night A different kind of assassin, Felicia thought Snipers took lives, but what Consuelo had done was ht sight of her friend crossing the street Although Consuelo was only five foot two, she was strong A sexually appealing coape at her But when they looked into her dark eyes, they usually backed off Consuelo had perfected what she jokingly called the "don’t eff with lare, but when she tried it people tended to ask if she wasn’t feeling well It ift

Now she watched the petite fighter walk along the sidewalk She wore jeans, a lireen tank top and sandals She should have looked like any other tourist, yet she didn’t Fro, shiny ponytail to her controlled stride, she radiated confidence and danger

Consuelo saw her and smiled They hurried toward each other and embraced

"Finally," Felicia said with a set here Of course it’s only been threeyou makes time seem to move hed "You are such a freak"

"I know"

"It makes you special and me love you more" Her friend sed again, then headed into the store and ordered iced coffees After collecting their drinks, Felicia led the way outside, and they sat down at one of the tables shaded by an u," Consuelo said before taking a sip of her drink "What is this place?"

"Fool’s Gold? It’s such an interesting town Large enough to have an assorth for the residents to connect with each other"

Consuelo wrinkled her nose "It’s not natural Have you seen the house Angel and Ford picked? It was built in the ’60s or so"

"A ranch style They used space efficiently, separating the living area of the house from the bedrooms Very traditional"

"It’s weird and I don’t like it"

Felicia knew her resistance came from her unfa in the field or living in a city S

Her friend looked at her "My complaints aside, you look happy"

"I am," Felicia said, and realized it was true "I’ve wanted to find a home, and I believe I have I have a new job"

She explained about the festivals and how she would be in charge "I’ everyone’s expectations"

"You’ll do great"

"I’istics than the undefinable ‘people’ factor"

"You do better with people than you give yourself credit for," Consuelo told her "Everyone has a different style You have yours It works Go with it"

"I wish" Felicia shook her head "I understand the futility of wishing"

"That doesn’t ht side At the end of the day the worst anyone is going to find out about you is that you’re even sht After that, it’s all easy"

Felicia understood the unspoken part of her friend’s statement The worst someone could learn about Consuelo hat she’d done in her past Those who didn’t live in the gray area of black ops and covert ht not see that behind the attitude and killer reflexes was a lonely wo

Early in their friendship, Consuelo had told Felicia a little about her past At first Felicia had thought they were practicing traditional fe, but over ti to see if she was a real friend or someone who couldn’t take the truth Eventually Felicia had convinced her she was unshockable She frequently participated in s The soldiers she kneere killers Consuelo was no different and had her own ghosts to deal with

"You need a man," Felicia said

Consuelo stared at her "Whatever you’re thinking, stop If I want to get laid, I’ll find soh that’s very pleasurable You need a relationship, a place where you can allow a man to really know you and believe he cares about you"

Dark eyes turned dangerous "We are not having this conversation"

"All evidence to the contrary?"

Consuelo rowl "Don’t make less You’d never resort to physical force, and you’re only uys" She allowed herself a small smile "I’m smarter than them"

"You’re also a pain in hed "Yes, both cheeks Fine, I can’t threaten you into silence I don’t want a "

"It’s sure not here"

"Why not? You’re taking a job here Logistically it makes sense to find a relationship close to your ee the ele while you’re here, it wouldn’t hurt to look"