Chapter 28

It had been a week since Russo had left for that business meeting. A week of silence, a week of feeling his absence like a phantom limb, a week of confusion and growing attachment that I was reluctant to admit.

I should have known that a man like Russo who would always accuse me of running would do the exact same thing once he gets the chance. I was really giving him multiple grace to be honest. I shouldn’t but let’s say my mission requires it. I knew it wouldn’t be long before I wrap up this stupid party and head back home.

On one hand, I was plagued by the realization that my heart had inexplicably found a place for Russo, even as I knew I had to find a way to sever the burgeoning connection.

On the other, I felt an overwhelming guilt for not making more progress with my mission. I knew it took time, often years, to build the kind of influence needed to bring Russo down. But with him too present from my life for this long, my focus had been anything but steady. I was getting lost