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“Yeah” His s that no one outside of the US government knows about me”

Rachel pretended she didn’t notice that her arms had unfolded and her hand had sneaked across the table to cover his “And I bet you were far too stubborn to tell theo Honestly, that stubborn streak of yours is a danger to you and everyone around you I should know”

The corners of his ain, she pretended it wasn’t happening Because Rachel Ford-Talbot did not hold hands in public Especially with a fake fiancé

“Next tioods,” he said “Although Al-Qaeda isn’t known for setting prisoners free if they cooperate Just sayin’”

“Well, hoould you know if you didn’t even try?” Her hand flexed in his, squeezing tightly for a second “We’ll never know the answer to that anye? Because you aren’t a spy anymore?” Had that last part co tricks She didn’t care if he still worked for the US government

“No” His voice softened as though reassuring her, which was just silly “No, I’m retired from all that”

Rachel knew she should leave it there Harvard’s business was none of hers, but she couldn’t help asking, “Why did you retire? Do spies age out of the CIA?”

“I got fed up being alone,” he said, staring into her eyes “It’s hard to have a faer, and being forced to lie about it Some try, but I wasn’t one of them I want honesty in my relationship And I want to be home with the woman I love”

The rooaze Her heart raced; her mouth went dry She wasn’t sure if she wanted to run or surrender And she wasn’t sure why she felt she needed to do either

“This is so ro Rachel’s attention back to their waitress

She pulled her hand from Harvard’s and folded her ar, pretending there was a relationship between theues who’d had a physical slipup? The , and she couldn’t help but think he was using some tricks he’d picked up in the CIA to lull her closer to him

Well, she was onto hi now

“Sorry to interrupt,” the waitress lied as she clearly showed no remorse “I have your order”

Once the woone, Rachel helped herself to some food fro from olives and roasted mushrooms to lamb strips and prawns

“I’d like to be clear,” she said as she dished calaoing hoht, as usual” She took a bite of the cala wide