I began to stir awake. I wanted to open my eyes, but the headache forced me to close my eyes even tighter. I groaned as I rolled away from the window. I squinted my eyes even tighter since light was still shining on me even though I turned away from my window. I groaned once more before slowly opening my eyes. I blinked a few times, allowing my vision to adjust.

My brows scrunched in confusion as my eyes ran over the foreign room. The room was massive. A lit fireplace was on the left side . A simple desk was placed in the corner of the room, overlooking the skyline. Half of the room was dedicated to enormous windows. So that's why I couldn't escape the sunlight. The windows surrounded the corners of the room! There was a patio directly outside of the windows. I'm guessing those are the types of windows that are able to recede so that you can walk outside.

A chandelier hung in the middle of the room. I had to take a second to marvel at the ornate design of the crystals. I stared at the different paintings on the walls. I had a feeling that those weren't bought, but created by the owner of this place.

I looked down to see that I was still fully clothed. I then looked to the other side of the bed, but it was neatly made. It was like no one slept there. I saw Advil and water on the bedside table so I quickly took those. Ugh! Why'd I get so drunk last night? And where am I ? And how did I get here?

"Knock, knock." I turned to see Lara knocking on the door. "You're finally up. You're a heavy sleeper, by the way." She walked over with toast and a banana. "This should be light on your stomach and provide you with some nutrients." She smiled and sat next to me.

"Thanks." I took a piece of the toast. "How'd I get here?" I munched away.

"Well, you passed out and I didn't know where you lived. I mean I could've found out, but decided not to invade your privacy, so I brought you home." She smiled before blushing. "My-my home. I brought you to my home." She plastered on a smile.

"Thanks." I took the water from behind her and began drinking it. I was seriously dehydrated.

"Are you feeling alright?" She asked, concerned. I hummed and began eating the banana. "Nothing weird plaguing your mind or anything?" She seemed anxious as she asked the question, but I just shook my head and ate another piece of toast. I was too busy satiating my empty stomach to notice the look of relief that passed over her.

"How do you not have a hangover after drinking so much?!" I looked to see her chuckle.

"I have a high tolerance I guess. It's just how my anatomy is designed." She shrugged. "Would you like to freshen up?"

"Is that your polite way of saying I stink?"

"Nah, I'm quite aroused by the female's natural odor." She moved closer.

"And I'm gonna take a shower and rub synthetic creams all over my body." I jumped up, but cursed at the headache.

"Bathroom is over there." Lara pointed through a fit of giggles. "You should find the necessary stuff inside."

I nodded and practically ran into the room. I closed the door and slid down until I was seated on the ground. Why must she make my heart race like this? I took a chance to survey the room. A toothbrush wrapped in plastic was placed on the counter, along with some clothes. I got up and entered into the extravagant shower. It could probably fit around 8 people, perfect for someone like her who loves orgies. I decided against using the fancy buttons and opted for a simple shower.

I got dressed and brushed my teeth. I was relieved to get that alcohol taste out of my mouth. I looked at my face in the mirror and sighed. How did I get into this crazy situation? I threw the toothbrush out and decided to stop prolonging the inevitable. I opened the door to see Lara lounging on her bed. She stopped scrolling through pictures of bikini girls on Instagram.

"Huh, guess the horniness never truly dies." I walked to the window.

"Well, I had to do something to relieve myself after seeing you in that sheer top and lacking panties." I blushed at her comment. "I'll have it washed for you." I didn't get a chance to respond since a maid quickly bowed to us before grabbing my stuff from the bathroom.

"Well, I guess I have no choice in the matter."

"Not at all." She smiled up at me.

"So..."

"So..." She mimicked me. "Would you like a tour of the place?" She got the hint.

"Thought you'd never ask." I walked out the room with her following me.

It was more like I was wandering around her massive condo and she'd explain the different rooms to me. I was correct before. All the pictures in the place were created by her. She loved reading so much that she had a two story library built. She showed me her music room and the different instruments she played. She teased me about seeing her red room, but I ignored her joke.

"Would you like a laté?" She called over her shoulder as she fiddled with the machine.

"Didn't know you were a barista."

"Ha! It's more like I slept with a barista in exchange that she'd teach me her trade, so I could impress girls." She laughed. "Is it working?" Her voice took on a serious tone.

"I haven't tried it yet. As far as I know, it tastes like burnt cardboard."

"Burnt cardboard? Are you struggling that much you've resorted to eating paper?" She giggled.

" Not all of us are billionaires."

"More like a zillionaire, but who's counting?" She shrugged. "Try it." She handed me a cup.

"You know... my momma always told me not to accept drinks from strangers."

"Strangers?!" She placed a hand over her heart. "And to think I let you sleep in my bed!" She dramatically sighed.

"It's good." I sipped the laté. "Like really good." I was amazed at her skill.

"Why thank you." She sat next to me. "Let's play 20 questions!" She suddenly announced.

"Why?"

"Is that your first question?" She teased.

"Is that your first question?" I teased back.

"You're down 2 questions while I'm only down 1 question." She pretended to ponder her first question. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better thanks to the medicine, water, and food. So thank you." She smiled at my thanks. "My turn!" She chuckled at my excitement. "Why do you put on a persona?"

"That's a bit complicated. From a young age, I've heard insults thrown at my family name. I've also been told that I'm a mini version of my mother." That's true since they look alike. "Both physically and emotionally. It's something about being compared that pisses me off!" She took a moment to calm down. I could've sworn I saw her eyes darken. It must've been the lighting since they quickly returned to their natural green color. "I guess I wanted to make a name for myself and differentiate myself enough that I never fit the mold of a SangPure- heh, i think the last name is funny when you separate it." She looked at me. "Question for you now... do you honestly think you're going to find what you're investigating?"

It took me a moment to answer. I thought long and hard about her question. What the department wanted or what the CIA wanted? Both missions proved futile since it was highly unlikely I'd find something. Their people were used to the game. It was like they had years of experience over me. I was out of my league and couldn't compete with them. There was nothing out of place!

"I'm not a quitter." I simply stated. She hummed and didn't press me. A thought occurred to me. I could totally turn this on her. "Is there anything in your company that an investigation could potentially dig up?"

She smiled and leaned back into the chair. Her eyes danced with amusement and pride. She was... happy that I thought of that question? I think she was applauding my cleverness in how I phrased and asked such a question that impacted the future of our jobs. She ran her thumb across her bottom lip as she debated how she would answer my question. I assume she came up with an answer since she leaned close to me. I could feel her breath against my face. Her eyes glanced down to my lips before connecting with my eyes. She focused her gaze on me as she spoke.

"Yes." She whispered.

I was full of questions now. She admitted to the company's participation in illegal activities. She admitted it! I got her to admit it! I was about to grill her, but she asked her next question, which caused me to outwardly gasp.

"What is your real name?" Her eyes pierced mine with such intensity that I felt I would pass out. A knock resounded on the front door. "Looks like you're saved by the skin of your teeth." She smirked and moved to answer the door.

I had to place my hand over my heart to calm my rapid breathing. I was sure I was about to die from a heart attack. This isn't good. I'm not sure if she knows exactly who I am, or who I work for, but my cover is semi blown. This isn't good.

"Huh, you have a guest. I guess I shouldn't be surprised it's that girl." I turned to see Hailey and Lexi enter.

"Ooh, are we interrupting?" Lexi asked Lara.

"Nope, I'm just leaving." I announced.

"Are you sure? We wouldn't want to-"

"Ya! I have paperwork and stuff to do about your company and stuff." I gathered my stuff and hurriedly left the two guests in confusion.

I saw Lara watch my every movement like a predator searching for a potential weak spot. I didn't give Lara any more of a chance to notice the weak spot in my armor. I stumbled down the steps when I realized I didn't have my car. I groaned, but ended up flagging down a taxi.

I texted Zayn to meet me at my apartment. It was an SOS text so his ass better be there. This wasn't good. This wasn't good. That thought kept repeating like a mantra in my head. I'm so screwed.

I threw the money at the driver before quickly ascending my stairs. Thank God, Zayn was waiting outside. He turned and was confused by my erratic state. I debated asking Jade to come, but it was definitely too risky now that I was aware Lara knew I wasn't just a contractor. I'll just put Jade on FaceTime.

I grabbed Zayn and dragged him to the living room. He began asking what was wrong, but I ignored him and set up the call to Jade. She answered on the third ring. I assume she was working out from her sports bra and yoga pants look.

"What's u-"

"My cover is blown." I blurted out. My friends' eyes widened. "I don't know if she knows I'm working with the CIA, but she knows my real name isn't Nicole. I don't know what else she knows about me."

"How'd you let that happen? You're the best! No one has ever cracked your persona!" Zayn was in shock.

"I know! I don't know how she found out!"

"It's only time until she finds out who you work for and your mission. We need to pull you out." Jade firmly stated.

"No!" They looked at me in confusion. "We have a-a connection." I ignored their confused looks. "She trusts me for some reason. She has obviously known about it, but didn't care that much. Though, she was the one to suggest 20 questions so..."

"Do you realize how dangerous this is?! They participate in the selling of illegal arms and have been acquainted with people who were murdered under suspicious circumstances. They've also intimidated other companies into selling their shares! Those people are corrupt!"

"I know, I know, but I'm not pulling out of this. I can still complete this mission. I just need something to have leverage over her." I shushed my friends before they could begin. "Help me, please?" They sighed before reluctantly nodding. "Cool, we have a little over a day before I have to see her at work."