The Six: Genesis | A Reverse Harem Novel

Ninety-Four

"Are you blackmailing me?"

Jason's wicked grin answers my question without him uttering a word. Whatever he thinks he's caught on tape is enough to convince him to try his luck. What is wrong with these men?

Have they romanticized augmentation? Do they think it'll make them invincible? Freeze them at their age and they'll never have to worry about death?

I'd say we're closer to death as an augment. My skin itches and goosebumps pop as my system constantly surveys my surroundings for danger. It's exhausting to constantly be on guard. A necessary evil, but drawn nonetheless.

And now, Zhyv has dropped this man at my door. She's off to who knows where, doing who knows what, for who knows how long, and I'm tasked with convincing Jason to change his mind before Lewis returns. I dig a hand into my pocket and clutch my burner phone tight, fighting the urge to check his location.

He knows what to avoid. He knows to call if he runs into trouble. He knows he has a commercial plane ticket waiting for him when he gets back.

Still, worry gnaws at me. Until he's in my arms, safe and in one piece, I won't get a single lick of peace. Perhaps letting him go alone was a mistake?

"I'd like to think of it as... healthy encouragement. I've wanted to join your security team for a while and I figure this is the perfect time," his smug smile makes me want to punch his handsome face. Hard.

"What happened to liking your job and not being able to imagine anything else?" I ask, crossing my arms.

We were just speaking about this days ago. He was adamant he loved his position. The freedom, danger, and rewards were what drew him in.

"What changes?"

His smile melts and his eyes heat. Clearing my throat, I glance away. He'd better not-

"I see the opportunity for something more and to help millions."

"You don't know what I do."

"No one does," his eyes narrow, "but I know and understand your convictions. If you can convince a man like Charlie Hendrix to denounce his father, I want in."

I scowl, "Charlie didn't denounce his father or anyone else for me."

Surprise flickers across his face, then confusion. His features twist. With his eyebrow pinching and the edges of his mouth downturned, Jason's emotions bring doubt bubbling to the surface.

The cold indifference of my countertops sends a jolt of icy pain up my limbs as I drop my palms to them. My nails squeak, squelching while I drag them across the flat surface. There's no way I had it wrong.

Charlie hadn't betrayed his family for me. He'd shown and said as much at the Fortress. It didn't matter what Jason thought.

I could only embrace what is known.

"That's not what I heard."

"Heard or know?"

A grunt leaves him as he clenches his teeth. "Charlie would never hurt you."

Cringing, I lift my hands from the counter and wrap them around myself. Maybe, if I hold tight enough, it'll keep me from shattering to pieces before this man. This man who knows Chris, Charlie and Michael, knows I left and knows they're looking for me. The same one who now knows my location.

"Don't look at me like that, Blue," his head shakes. "I've done nothing to make you suspect me."

"Did you tell them?"

He frowns. "Tell them what?"

Shaking my head, I stomp to the other side of the room. "Tell them you have my location."