Deceit [h.s]

Six

Elizabeth:

"Ben, this is overwhelming. The six of you have developed such an intricate work." I was, officially at least, promoted. Benjamin, Diana, John, Claire, Sebastian and Thomas were in charge of Harry's case. They were, to say the least, an odd arrangement. None of them fitted a profile, or seemed to be alike, although that was probably the reason why their work was so accurate.

"Yeah, I know." He simply answered, giving me a tight smile. "This time we're gonna get him, Liz. Fucking finally." He seemed way too passionate about that, although it was understandable. Benjamin had invested a lot of time and effort in the case. He pecked my lips almost forcefully before sprinting away.

Since we had been reunited, Benjamin looked way more exultant about Harry's so called crime. He almost didn't speak to me, not to mention his barely hidden annoyance once my father told them that I was the only link between Harry and the agency.

"Don't mind him. This case has become his baby." Sebastian said to me. He was Benjamin's best friend and I had had the opportunity to go out with him a couple times.

"He's being an ass right now." Sebastian laughed, nodding in agreement.

"Oh, don't even tell me about it. I have been working with him for two years on this case." I looked him in the eyes, mocking pity clear on my features.

"I am so sorry for you." He pouted and before we had the chance to continue the conversation, my father called everyone back to the conference room. I dreaded every second of it, having to listen to them conjuring up strategies to attract the boy I kissed not even five hours ago.

"Elizabeth, just try to contact him, go to the place you met and the coffee shop he took you. We need surveillance on those places. He is also wanted for murder." My father spoke and I felt my cheeks heating up involuntarily. Seven people were watching me with different emotions across their face, but Benjamin particularly bothered me. He was almost scoffing, as if I was not capable of doing what my father had asked. Besides that, all I could think about was Harry, and the fact that I had no idea where he was.

"Sure, I'll do it as soon as I get home." Dad nodded and after that I zoned out. Every second inside this room was a second I worried about Harry. I wanted him safe and I wanted to know where he was, if everything was alright, not to mention our small pecks earlier. Unlike the kiss we had shared on his house, I didn't regret those.

"You are all dismissed." My father spoke. Everyone started to get up, including me until Benjamin pulled me aside.

"Hey stranger." He spoke, flashing me a dazzling smile. I reciprocated faintly, still annoyed at him for being such a jerk when it came to me working with them.

"I could say the same. We barely spoke since you got back." I told him, looking down at our entwined fingers. I couldn't help but compare them to Harry's. His were much bigger, much more inviting, not to mention the way he caressed my knuckles, a small action that I loved.

"Sorry, I am just overly excited we will finally be able to find this guy." I nodded along, not trusting my voice to speak about Harry.

"How about we go to your place and I cook you some dinner?" He offered, placing small tender kisses along my jawline and neck. I resisted the urge to back away. It didn't feel entirely right. He pressed too hard, his lips weren't as soft as Harry's and every action he made became passable of comparison inside my head.

"Sure, that'd be great." I answered faintly, dragging him with me until we reached the lift. Dad held the door open for the both of us, and I smiled genuinely at him. Watching the way his eyes, a perfect duplicate of my own, fleeted between Benjamin and I.