When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey. - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The important thing is not to stop questioning. – Albert Einstein

With such a mindset, Briel mistrusted herself when she arrived home and paused outside. Did she really sense the presence of an intruder, or had her imagination twisted her earlier misgivings into corporeal form? Think, she commanded herself, running through the security checks that she always did when approaching a potentially dangerous situation. Though she wanted to ignore her feelings of fear, suppressing them beneath her braver instincts, Briel reached onto her belt and pulled out her 238 just in case. If nothing awaited her, she had no reason to regret drawing her weapon except for vanity. Still, Jase's speech about ProtoComm had awakened her anxiety even more, and she didn't want to be caught off-guard.

As she gingerly placed her key in the top lock, Briel bit her lip in consternation. While the bottom lock caught and clicked as she unlocked it, the door creaked open an inch before Briel had a chance to place her key in the top. She had certainly locked both locks when she left.

Under normal circumstances, Briel would call for backup as she moved into an unsecured setting, but who would she call? Who did she trust? At the moment, no one. She could have avoided the situation, hopping back into her car and driving to a coffee shop, but then what? How long would she stay gone before she returned? Nothing in her circumstances would improve by leaving, and she might give whoever had entered her house the opportunity to set up all sorts of hazards that would cost her later. If she went inside now, maybe she could end the situation immediately.

Instead of entering through the front door, she walked back down the half flight of stairs to the ground and crept around to her garage. Proceeding cautiously, Briel glided like a specter through the garage and gingerly let herself into her apartment.

Gun raised, she inched up the stairs until, close to the top she became aware of several things at once: first, a somewhat strong but pleasant scent filtered down the stairs to her nose. Secondly, a shuffling sound flitted occasionally past her ears, and last, several unexpected silhouettes pushed up against the light that filtered through her large living room windows. Had someone amassed an army just to kidnap her? Still, if someone had come for her, she could hardly accuse him of stealth.

Forcing herself forward, Briel pressed down the unbidden fear that crept to the surface of her mind. Now she knew for certain that whoever had entered her home remained inside, and she stood unbreathing near the top of her stairs for several seconds, uncertain of how to proceed. Finally, just as her mind restarted, the blinding glare of her living room lights smashed against her eyes, rendering a concussive blow to her sight. Before she could lash out in defense at her unknown intruder, she felt the gun wrenched from her grasp, an arm encircling her waist. A boisterous laugh assailed her ears, and a strong hand arrested the hand she jabbed at her assailant's nose.

“You always use that move,” Liam's unexpected voice greeted her pounding heart.

“What in the...” Briel began accusatorily. As her eyes adjusted, she raised her fist to punch him on the chest, not intending to hurt him, but to communicate her frustration. “What are you doing here?” she demanded angrily as he grabbed her by the elbows.

“Settle down, Briel. I didn't mean to scare you.”

Briel bristled at the accusation of fear, even if accurate. As her eyes adjusted, she could make out the unusual shapes surrounding her.

“Scare me!” she protested.

“I talked to Drew,” he ignored her, releasing her arms.

Nervously, Briel flitted through her conversation the other night with Jase, Nessa, and Drew. How many insults had she aimed at Liam? She extricated herself from his grip and strolled as casually as she could manage to lock her front door.

“You were pretty sloppy there, Liam. You'd make a lousy spy.”

“I wasn't trying to hide from you. I just thought I would have things set up better before you got home. And don't worry about what Drew told me; I'm not offended,” he assured her as the anxiety passed over her brow. “With that impression of me, I understand why you broke up with me.”

“How did you get in here?” Briel tried to convey curiosity with her tone rather than the ire that she actually felt.

“Remember when you went out of town a couple of months ago? For reconnaissance on ProtoComm? You left me a key in case I needed to send you something. Did you forget?”

Briel noted that he had answered her question with his own question rather than a direct answer. As he talked, she registered the cause of both the scents and the silhouettes she had noticed before. Several bouquets of flowers lined the tables throughout her living room, and their contour had outlined against the windows.

“What is all this?” she demanded, her repressed irritation leaking into her tone. Did Liam know so little of her as to think that some sappy romantic gesture would win her?

Liam's amusement nearly sent her over the edge of decorum. If he hadn't been her only teammate who could possibly compete with her physically, she probably would have knocked him to the ground for the smug smirk on his face. Instead, she stood almost impotent as he reached for her. He restrained her wrist firmly in his hand, pulling her toward him. “Don't be mad, Baby,” he cooed as he wrapped his free arm around her waist again.

“Get off of me!” she struggled without effect against him. Though she wanted to resist, she had allowed him an advantage, and now the only way to get away from him would involve an actual, physical altercation.

“Briel,” he spoke soothingly, “Don’t be mad, baby.”

“I’m not mad…” she denied sullenly.

Liam just laughed. “You gritting your teeth, Bri. It makes your lips twinge into a taut little bundle, and I want to kiss you. Which of course would just piss you off.”

“I guess you are smart after all, Liam. Because, yeah. Now I’m mad.”

Raising his hands defensively, Liam took a very small step back as if to give Briel space. Of course, because he was Liam, he held no actual intention to let her breathe. A fact demonstrated when he stepped back toward her and placed his hands on her arms. “I want you to understand about me. I'm not as simple as I seem.”

Almost word for word what Ted had said. He's not as simple as you think. “Let go of me,” she tried to sound threatening, but she couldn't muster quite enough intention to sound compelling - even with Ted's words bracing her resolve. She just couldn't ignore the most compelling reason she had dated Liam – the magnet of his presence. When his breath brushed across her cheek and down her neck, her will faltered.

“What is all this?” she begged again, much less petulantly.

A look of satisfaction flickered across Liam's face as he registered her tone, and he released her, no doubt to make her regret his absence, which worked better than she would admit.

“I wanted to show you that I'm not as shallow as you think I am; I have substance. Briel, I kept things simple for your sake, not mine. I thought you preferred a relationship that functioned on a superficial level.” He sought her eyes, and he narrowed his in a knowing expression. “I saw the pain on your face when I tried to delve too deep.”

Genuine shock froze Briel's features. Such insight from Liam took her completely off guard, and she felt her usual hard indifference crumbling. “So, you broke into my apartment to show me how deep you are?” she tried to retain some annoyance, shifting the subject to one less personal.

“I wanted to surprise you, as I can see that I did.”

“Yes, you did.” She murmured almost longingly, though she managed to sound derisive. As she spoke, Briel took a step away from Liam, resenting the effect his presence had on her resolve. He seemed to have similar thoughts, though, and since they worked to his advantage, he pressed that advantage, gliding confidently in front of her and grabbing her by the waist again with one arm as he pulled her up against him. Despite her usual self-discipline, Briel's breath sped, and her eye's closed at the sensation.

“You're regretting your decision,” he asserted in a whisper, as his face leaned close to her cheek. “Why don't you come back?”

Whatever denial she intended, Liam cut it short by lowering his lips and pressing them gently but firmly onto hers. For several immeasurable seconds, she couldn't think, awash in the intensity of his heat. By the time her mind cooled, he had stepped away from her and moved toward the door.

“Where are you going?” she wondered, more breathless than pleased her.

His cocky smile brought back all of her fury.

“I want to give you time to think over my request,” he grinned pleasantly as he opened the front door. Without waiting for a response, he shut the door behind him.

For several minutes, Briel stood stock still, unsure whether she trusted herself to move. How could I have underestimated him? she chastised herself. Rarely had Briel doubted her ability to resist a man. Liam, however, had just subverted almost every strand of self-control that she possessed.

When she had met Liam, she had convinced herself that his only superiority lay in his physical prowess, and she had never feared physical strength, only intellectual fortitude. Her own aptitudes ensured that she would never fall subject to the aggression of a man, or so she thought. Liam's sudden new assertion of mental backbone shocked her, intriguing her despite herself.

Briel wondered if she had unwittingly fallen prey to her visceral tendency, the tendency to admire powerful men. When she had initially acquiesced to Liam's attentions, she had convinced herself that Liam would do nicely as a diversion, nothing more. Somehow, though, in her attempt to find a comfortable relationship, she wondered if she had sensed Liam's latent intensity and power. Now, face to face with his true nature, Briel felt almost powerless to resist.

What was wrong with her? Finally confident of her legs, Briel moved to the nearest chair, collapsing into it. She rested her elbows on the desk and her chin in her hands. I am falling apart, she lamented, concerned at her apparent weakness. Maybe I'm suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after my kidnapping. She had to find some explanation for her sudden madness. Why else would someone like Liam have such an effect on her? All of the unusual emotions piled up inside her like water behind a dam, and if she did not find some release for the building pressure, she might just burst. Briel had no idea what that would look like, but she was smart enough to know that for someone who had corked up her emotions for more than a decade, the resulting flood would prove catastrophic.

For the first time she could remember, Briel felt like she needed to talk to someone. Nessa had already proven herself untrustworthy, as it seemed that whatever Briel divulged, Nessa would share with Jase. Maybe Briel should follow a more traditional route and ask Sara for the name of the company therapist. Yeah, and never get contacted for a job again! Briel scoffed.

Absent-mindedly, she reached for the mouse that sat inches from her fingers and pondered sending Sara a message. No, not Sara. Not Nessa. Briel still faced the same dilemma. Whom could she trust?

Who were you talking to? the message flashed at the bottom of the screen.

For one second, Briel stared at the computer uncomprehendingly. When she realized what she had read, she clicked on the chat app, her hands shaking with contained rage.

You were listening?!?!? The violation she felt lifted her out of her despondency, but the tempest of her earlier emotion transformed into a red fog of violence. How much had he heard? Liam had confronted her no more than two feet from the computer desk. If Ted had listened to her entire conversation? The accusing anger of embarrassment prepped her for an instant tirade.

“...why don't you come back...” Liam had whispered seductively. Could Ted have heard the soft sound of Liam's lips on hers? She closed her eyes, unwilling to risk that Ted would mock her or call her out. After a few seconds reliving Liam’s kiss, Briel forced herself to confront the screen. She would rather face a faceless screen than revel in the heat of Liam’s touch.

Yes, I was, the screen read. I'm sorry. The apology somehow allayed her desire to throttle Ted, his repentance so opposite Liam’s imposition. Looks like I picked a bad time to finally break the silence, Ted continued.

Is that what you call it? she accused. Does 'breaking the silence' usually involve eavesdropping?

Do you mind if I ask who you were talking to? he pressed, apparently unencumbered by her irritation. Was it the same guy whose computer you were using last time you contacted me?

The question revealed that Ted had paid attention earlier at Jase's, and the realization did nothing to lessen her ire. Where have you been? she leveled.

Ted had avoided her question; Briel would avoid his. What right did he have to even ask? Not only had he traced Jase's computer, he might have listened in on the conversation about himself between Briel, Nessa, and Jase.

For a few seconds, Ted didn't respond, and Briel wondered if her confrontational nature had scared him off again. Not that she could regret him, as angry as she felt.

I wasn’t sure about this, he finally revealed.

This?

Seeking you out. Contacting you – it’s a security threat for both of us.

Not the right thing to say if he wanted to smooth things over. Not sure? So you just set me up then disappear. It's not like I wanted to find out about the guy who helped me escape from human slavery or anything.

That’s the problem! I was having second thoughts after Mexico. I mean, don't get me wrong; I wanted to continue our friendship, but I'm worried about your state-of-mind right now. Briel, have you considered how dangerous it is to keep up this correspondence with me? You have no idea who I am. And you were crazy to have contacted me on your last mission, though I'm glad for your safety you did.

Briel couldn't miss the congruence between her own thoughts and his, and his tone spoke genuine concern. Maybe her initial impressions of him hit close to the truth after all. Still, if he was actually her friend, wasn’t he putting her at a disadvantage by removing himself as a resource? His ambivalence grated on her insecurity. Don't flatter yourself. Contacting you was a minor risk at most. The only real danger was that you were somehow in league with them.

In league with them? he countered. Even though I helped you escape?

If you were in league with them, she explained, you would work by a whole different set of rules. If helping me escape furthered your agenda in some way, you would help me even if you wanted to harm me.

That's stupid.

Briel snickered, but sucked it back in so Ted wouldn’t hear. Yes, it is stupid, but surely you know that's the way things work in this business. I mean, even my best friend betrayed me.

Not like I’m in the same business as you, so I wouldn’t understand, I guess. It certainly seems like a different world. Do you mean that Nessa had something to do with Mexico?

No! Briel insisted, tacitly wondering how he had known Nessa’s name. Jase would, but Jase would never let it slip. Nothing that dramatic. She just told someone about Mexico, someone I don’t trust. The point was that in my business, motives are always ambiguous – if not in intention, then in effect. Which is why I have to be careful.

Without warning, Ted interrupted her conjectures, returning to the one topic she had desired most to divert him from. You say you’re being careful. Will you please tell me who you were talking to a few minutes ago?

Briel gritted her teeth; she had just started to relax and enjoy the discussion. That is none of your business.

Maybe not, but I would still like to know. I mean, for one thing, if you’re putting yourself in danger, you might need some advice.

When he didn’t continue for several seconds, her curiosity overcame her avoidance. I didn’t ask for your advice, so what’s the other thing?

Well…The cursor blinked for far too long, and Briel wanted to punch the screen. When he finally replied, his answered stunned her – partially appalled her and partially fascinated her. I had hoped that you wouldn't start dating anyone else for a while. Not before I could see you again.

Briel blinked in surprise. Again, she had to ask if she was crazy as a thrill ran through her at the words. What was wrong with her? The frankness of his admission drummed up an ache in her chest. Unlike the overwhelming sensual pleasure at Liam's kiss, Ted's comment evoked long forgotten sensations. She felt like a seventh-grade girl whose secret crush just brushed up against her in the hall – prickling with shivery anticipation.

How pathetic, she commented to herself, but she decided Ted’s first statement was a safer topic than his second

Whatever your advice, you really don't need to worry about me, she assured him. I'm well trained.

Okay, Ted seemed to allow the diversion. If that is what we're going to talk about, then I will tell you I have never really worried about your training or abilities.

Briel didn't know whether to feel flattered or suspicious. And so you don't need to waste your time being concerned about my safety. I am a professional.

Don't be offended, he retorted, but you didn't sound very professional a few minutes ago.

She was offended – or at least embarrassed – and the color rose to her cheeks. As she tried to suppress her discomfiture, she celebrated the fact that Ted couldn't possibly have access to the camera because she had unplugged it. Again, none of your business, she reprimanded him.

I know – for now. I wish I could just charm you with my wit and convince you to be careful, but I'm not there, so I can't. I'm really worried about you… I mean, what happened in Mexico was too close for anyone's comfort. I don't care if you're a freaking ninja, there are some things that are too big even for you to handle.

Somehow Ted seemed to be able to place his finger right on the pulse of her problems, and she had to wonder how. If not complicity, then could he have some inside knowledge of her and her situation? If he did, maybe he could offer her some insight; even the thought felt dangerous. Still, the opportunity dangled seductively before her. Only moments before, she had honestly contemplated going to a counselor. Maybe a faceless and anonymous conversation would prove the perfect compromise between seeking help and doing nothing.

Is your computer secure yet? she took the plunge.

As secure as any computer ever is; why?

What if mine's not?

Download this program, he commanded.

A link popped up on her screen, and Briel’s finger pause above the keyboard. He sure was presumptuous. Arrogant? Eager? Or just highly competent? Repressing her instinct to reject the link as a possible breach, Briel carelessly clicked on it, and a flash of activity flitted across her monitor. I think I have a deathwish, she worried to herself. By her clicking on that link, Ted could install almost any software he wanted, any spyware or virus on the planet. And she didn’t have the expertise to trace it. Maybe she could kill two birds with one stone and ask Jase to trace it if – because she felt no greater confidence in Jase than Ted. Or maybe she should restrict her risky behavior to one threat at a time…

It looks like you have pretty good security, Ted interrupted her thoughts, and from my end, I don't see any problems. But you didn't answer my question. Why do you ask about my security?

Briel took a deep breath. If she were to dive in, she would do so head first and without looking up. Because I’ve been looking for someone to talk to, she explained. And you are unimportant enough that if you think less of me, I don’t care. If he stuck with his pursuit beyond that statement, he either had a professional agenda or he was really determined to have a personal relationship with her.

Ha! Okay, then. Are you sure you want to trust a stranger?

Sighing, Briel pressed forward. I mean, I don’t have to look you in the face tomorrow – at least I won’t know if I do. And there’s way too much emotion involved if I have to read everyone’s reaction to me. This black and white exchange is so much less complicated.

Makes sense, I guess, Ted agreed. I’ll do my best to be objective.

In that case…Briel plunged in head first. I’m doubting my instincts, and it’s creating problems for me professionally.

Several seconds of stillness followed, and Briel's aversion to vulnerability made her palms start to sweat.

Finally, Ted replied in the most unexpected way possible. I know you want the impersonal computer, but I wish I could be there with you. I know you well enough to know how to help when I’m with you. Easier to confer reassurance with some eye contact.

The words stirred confliction: his hypocrisy at making such a statement while remaining anonymous raised her ire. But his compassion reached into her isolation and grabbed her by the virtual throat. She chose to focus on the former sentiment, because the latter threatened way more vulnerability than she could allow. It’s your choice to stay hidden, she complained. As it stands, you won’t even let me know who you are, much less see you. The only reason I'm still talking to you is because you asked, and I happen to need someone to talk to right now. All the emotion doesn't help, though, so could we stick to your helping me think, not feel?

Of course, I know better than that. Sentiment is not really your style.

Briel laughed a desperate kind of laugh at his familiarity before continuing. This is very much a professional concern, so yeah. Since I left Mexico, I keep thinking that someone is watching me. All of the signs I've been trained to watch for are missing. I just have this sense. And I unplugged my camera, so I know it's not you!

Haha. No, it's not, he agreed. If you're thinking someone is there, though, I'm going to venture that it's true because your instincts are usually right. With your training, I doubt that you're just imagining things. More likely your senses are picking up on signs that your mind is unable to processes consciously. You should get a second opinion from one of your teammates.

Who? she scoffed. Who exactly can I ask? My team is just as likely involved as not. The company would crucify me if they thought I was imagining things. My friends expose me to potential threats. There is no one who can help me.

There's not anyone you can trust?

No. I obviously don't trust you either, but I...

Briel paused. She had absolutely no rationale for doing what she was doing, revealing her weaknesses and struggles to a complete stranger. Just another evidence that something had come loose in her mental structure. For so long, she had prided herself on her mastery of logic, even looking down on the more emotional masses as lesser beings. She felt as if she had betrayed herself.

See? Ted didn't wait for her to decide to finish, catching her thoughts though she did not share them. This irrationality is exactly why I didn't respond to you before. I'm afraid I'm partially responsible for your lapses in judgment.

Don't be ridiculous, she scoffed. If I am irrational, you're more a symptom than a cause. Every recent event in my life has led me down this path.

Briel, I'm sorry you can't trust anyone. If I only had myself to worry about, I would be there on the next flight. Of course, I don't expect you to trust me, either – I'm not even sure I want you to – so maybe the only thing I can offer you is a word of encouragement. Even though I can't tell you how, I know you. I know you well, and I've never met anyone more competent than you. Only by freaking out and doubting yourself will this dilemma master you.

Briel paused, temporarily forgetting everything about the past few days, forgetting everything around her. Even forgetting to mistrust Ted. Regardless of his intention in saying so, his words rang true. Briel's reason hadn't abandoned her; her confidence had. Manipulators thrived on making people doubt their own reason, so if someone was messing with her, it didn’t seem to be Ted. He was completely right: doubting herself had muddled her ability to analyze her situation. With Ted’s words, Briel felt a calm infuse her mind with strength; a calm that had eluded her since Mexico. Something in his confidence soothed her and set her world aright.

Thanks. I...

She halted again, not sure what she should say. To express such confidence in him seemed foolish. She satisfied herself with a much less intimate admission than she felt. If she had told the truth, she would have agreed with his earlier wish to find him before Liam could seduce her again. One man reveled in making her doubt herself; the other in giving her confidence. I really needed to hear that.

I'm sorry I bowed out before, he acknowledged. I'll be here if you need me.

Despite herself, Ted's promise comforted Briel. Comforted, but did not calm, at least not to the point of resting easy. No doubt, the sense of vulnerability bothered her. With her curiosity temporarily sedated by positive feelings, she longed to end the conversation, not willing to risk that something disturb her. As she began to type her farewell, though, her fingers quickly backspaced and typed the thought that had arrested her.

Wait…if my computer is so secure, she challenged, why haven't you told me who you are? No response. Are you still there? Briel pressed.

When he finally responded, all of her irritation rose once again to the forefront of her mind, but for different reasons. Well, for one, I can’t risk that anyone find me. I have other people beside you to worry about. For the other, though…The screen sat blank for several seconds. I don’t think you wanted me to find you.

Briel shook her head in disbelief. Wait. That’s right. I know you. I know you, I didn’t want you to find me, and you tracked me down anyway? So, you completely disregarded what I want? She typed with all the fury she felt. Though she had pushed the thought to the back of her mind, Briel had let herself forget that she apparently knew Ted from somewhere. She had begun to think of him as someone entirely new; someone she could look forward to knowing and liking and – most of all – trusting. His admission reminded her that he continually lied to her as long as they continued to correspond in such a manner. And to find out that he was disrespecting her wishes? It was like Liam all over again.

Wait, don’t take it that way. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I know you didn’t mean the words you said. There are…circumstances…that made our relationship unusual, and you felt a professional responsibility to leave me.

A professional responsibility? What could that mean? Still, it sounded plausible coming from Briel. Most of her decisions had sprung from professional motives, and now that she had grown dissatisfied with the professional paradigm, what if she had driven away a personal contact she otherwise would have pursued? The possibility meant that she might be willing to let Ted off the hook.

Not completely unbelievable, I guess, she allowed, her pulse quickening as she realized how out of character the statement ran. She had to adapt a little bit or lose all self-respect. But if I get the slightest hint that you are trying to manipulate me or have some goal besides friendship, I will hunt you down and inflict a world of pain on you.

Ha! I have no doubt that you will…I have to add a caveat, though.

Briel's curiosity rose again. I don’t like caveats.

This one is important: you can hunt me down if I have some goal besides a personal relationship. If I am successful in this correspondence, though, friendship is not my ultimate goal.

When her breath hitched, Briel tried to mask the sound with her shuffling feet. She had never considered herself susceptible to romance, but Ted had just struck some chord that Briel had not known existed. Not that she would admit such a fact to him.

As long as you’re not trying to undermine my job, she offered awkwardly, I won't hunt you down even if you fall in love. It's not really my problem if you want to pursue an exercise in futility.

That’s my Bri. I miss you.

Briel blinked at the screen for several seconds. Had that been an appropriate response to her statement? Only if Ted held some inexplicable affection for her. Well, she might enjoy the mystery, but the sentiment was a bridge too far.

Too much, she discouraged. Just go to sleep, and if you refrain from whatever emotionalism just happened, we can talk tomorrow.

Sounds like a date, he teased, an obvious contradiction of her terms.

Grrr, Briel thought with annoyance. Not willing to offer him an acknowledgment, she repeated her declaration. We'll talk tomorrow.

Anxious to end the uncomfortable exchange, Briel reached hurriedly up and switched off her computer. She felt extreme discomfort both at having revealed so much strategic intel and at having exposed her emotions in such a way. Professionally, she knew that telling him her misgivings gave him valuable information if he proved hostile. Personally, she hated letting anyone in quite so deep into her inner thoughts and emotions. If he proved unfaithful like Nessa had, she could not predict how it would affect her. Then again, unlike any other relationship in her life, if she didn’t like him, she could just switch him off.

She smiled to herself.

When her phone vibrated, Briel rolled her eyes. Liam had sent her a message. The smell of the flowers still permeated the room, but as his presence had fled, so had the effect of his physical proximity, and the very deep stimulation of opening her thoughts to another had eclipsed the sensation of Liam's lips.

Do you want to come over on Friday? Liam queried in text.

She hesitated in rejecting him outright, but though the inferiority of his offer should have rendered him impotent to affect her, Briel felt too much danger in his physical presence: she didn't trust her will-power with him. I don't think that's a good idea, she replied to him. Maybe when we've put some more time between us. I need to be able to think.

So tonight didn't affect you at all? Briel noted the pique behind his question.

Yes, tonight had affected her. Tonight with her mysterious Ted, tonight when she let her defenses down, tonight when she had taken a risk based on her instinct. And the Liam she knew just didn't sound as appealing.

I'm sorry Liam. It's too soon. I'm...she paused in her typing, trying to ascertain the best way to state her sentiments. How to be kind without giving him encouragement? I know you want to show me that there's more to your character than I've seen, but that kind of task takes time. I think we should just be friends for now.

She winced at the clichéd phraseology and bit her thumbnail as the seconds ticked off before his response.

Okay, he replied tersely.

Liam sent no other response, and Briel debated whether or not to send some conciliatory message to him. Ever hesitant to drudge up emotions, though, she decided to leave Liam to his thoughts and let herself revel in her own. The tonic haze of her earlier conversation with Ted still surged through her mind obscuring her discomfort at Liam's propositions.

Even as she double checked her locks and reset her alarm, making sure to turn on the motion sensor, Briel revisited the brief exchange between Ted and herself.

Even though I can't tell you how, he had insisted, I know you.

Though the mystery of Ted's identity still tore at her peace of mind, the dilemma had grown less unnerving and more exciting. Replaying their conversation on a loop in her mind, Briel drifted into slumber. Friendship is not my ultimate goal...