Free The Monte Carlo Affair: Across A Crowded Room (IATO Series Book 2) by Eliza March, Elizabeth Marchat Page B

a glass.
    She took the glass when he handed it to her, then the two pills before she asked, “What’s the deal with Mosel?”
    “When he comes back I have a feeling he’s not going to want you working much after that incident.”
    “But that’s ridiculous—”
    “Men are strange about endangering women they feel strongly about, and I’m betting he’ll blame himself. Besides he’s going to go all macho after he finds out you rescued his ass.”
    “Jason, you rescued his ass and mine.”
    “That’s a technicality I won’t let him forget, but in theory, you—the petite woman—pulled him from the burning debris and treaded water keeping him afloat until help arrived. He’ll be all over you.”
    “Oh, please, I’ve always been a strong swimmer.” She finished putting her shoes on and brushed through her hair. There was no hope for it, so she clipped it up.
    “I know that and you know that, but I’ll feel better if he isn’t fawning all over you while you’re trying to do this part of the job.”
    “Okay, then let’s go. I’m ready.”
    “The explosion looks like it worked right into our hands. We may not get another clear shot at this after today.”
    “Do you have any idea what happened?” Emily was sure it was some sort of intentional explosive.
    “No, but if it interrupted what I think was happening, then I’m grateful. Sorry I didn’t think of it myself.” He held up his hand to stop her from arguing. “And I don’t want to talk about it.” His jaw tensed and his fist clenched on the glass of water she handed back to him.
    Time for a change of subject. There was no convincing him about what hadn’t happened with Mosel. Hell, she hadn’t convinced herself she would have stopped him if the yacht hadn’t exploded. Guess she’d never know now if she would’ve done whatever was necessary to find her father’s killer, even if it meant sleeping with an accomplice to his murder.
    Jason helped her out the door and down the back steps.
    “You okay?” he asked.
    “Sure.”
    “I’ll drive you to work.”
    “That’s not—”
    “Uh, yes it is. Doc said no driving for a week. Call me when you’re ready to leave. I’ll be watching the front, Harrison will be out back.” He stopped and turned to her in the stairwell. “Emily, if anything, and I mean anything at all, seems suspicious, back off. Don’t fuck with it. We have time. You can abort and reset the mission. Don’t risk blowing the whole thing to get it done early. Okay?”
    His eyes were dark with concern, and she knew this was all business.
    “I know how important getting that technology out of there is. I won’t risk world annihilation. Don’t worry, I’m really good at this part of my job.”
    He looked like he was trying to hold back his smile and lost the battle. “Oh, dammit, Em, I know you are!” The smile turned to a frown. “I’m not worried about that. I’m just worried about you.”
    “I’m worried about you, too. We’ll be okay. Just you wait and see.”
    And she believed it, for now. She had to, she was about to steal a nanochip from one of the most notorious men in the world and keep the world safe from terrorists, for the time being, anyway.

 
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
    Although she was feeling better, Jason said he wasn’t going to let her out of his sight, not until after she’d switched out the chips. Mosel had returned to work, but he’d told her to stay home and relax, just as Jason suspected.
    She’d finished forging the new chip. The copy was almost an exact replica of the original. Almost. Mosel called this morning and asked her to stop by to verify the authenticity of the chip for his buyer. It was the only chance she’d get to exchange the forgery for the original without anyone noticing. She couldn’t wait for Jason.
    He hadn’t called this morning, but she’d see him tonight at the Charity Ball where she’d pass him the authentic chip. She’d checked in with Harrison, and since