Capture

Stalled Hearts

"This is a stupid plan," I snapped, glaring at Liam.

"Do you have a better one?" he asked coolly, not even looking at me.

"Yes. Not breaking into Harry's apartment," I hissed, knowing full well I had no actual alternative. But this? This was reckless, criminal, and deeply, painfully stupid.

"I'm doing it with or without you," he said flatly.

I sighed, dragging a hand through my hair. "Fine. But for the record? This is unbelievably dumb."

"Noted." He gave me a tight smirk. "Call him."

I stepped a few feet away, heart pounding as I pulled up Harry's number. He picked up on the second ring. "Hey!" he said warmly.

"Hey," I replied, the word stretched out awkwardly. "What're you doing tonight?"

"Nothing. Why?"

"I was thinking maybe I could take you to dinner."

There was a beat of happy surprise. "I'd love that."

"How's seven?" Liam, behind me, held up eight fingers. I rolled my eyes. "Actually, make it eight."

"Perfect. I'll swing by your place?"

"Yeah. See you then." I ended the call and turned back to Liam.

"Happy?" I asked bitterly.

"Ecstatic," he said, checking his watch. "It's six now. We've got work to do."

He started walking ahead of me, already heading for my car like this was just another Tuesday night errand. I exhaled heavily and followed him, because apparently, this was my life now. I fired up the engine. "What kind of 'work' are we talking about?"

"We'll talk at my place."

"Why not just tell me now?"

"Because I don't want to," he shot back.

I groaned. "You continue to amaze me with how much of an asshole you can be."

"It's a gift," he said with a smirk as we pulled into the apartment complex.

Once inside, he didn't wait—just marched toward his unit, expecting me to keep up. The elevator ride was silent, tense. He unlocked the door, stepped inside, and motioned for me to follow quickly before shutting it behind us.

Liam disappeared into the closet, returning with a duffel bag. He unzipped it and shoved it at me. I looked down to see a tangled mess of wires, tiny devices, and things I couldn't name.

"Put this on," he said, handing me a wire.

I stared at him. "Why the hell am I wearing a wire?"

"Because I need to hear what's going on—and if you're coming back early. This way, you can warn me if things go sideways."

"Fantastic," I muttered. "And how do I know you're in the clear?"

He held up a small earpiece. "You'll have this. I'll be in your ear the whole time."

"Oh, great. You in my ear, just want I need."

"If you do your job and distract him, you won't have to hear my voice for long," he said dryly.

I crossed my arms. "Won't Harry notice I'm literally bugged? He does work in security, you know."

"No, he doesn't," Liam said dismissively.

"Yes, he does! That's what he told me," I shot back, though the conviction in my voice wavered slightly.

Liam tilted his head. "Then for your sake, doll face, let's hope he's not very good at it." I scowled as he handed me a piece of tape. "Put the wire under your shirt," he instructed.