“People don’t just leave a lofty position in the governor’s mansion,” he mused. Obviously, this troubled him.

A sticking point she’d anticipated. Fortunately, the governor had agreed to allow her this small tidbit for the sake of her new cover. “All right, I’ll admit there’s more to my vacating the position than simply abandoning the frantic pace.” She paused for emphasis. “What I have to tell you cannot leave this room.”

“Goes without saying.”

“Recently, there was an attempt on the governor’s life. The authorities kept it very hush- hush and the men involved were taken into custody.” And dispatched. “The whole thing was frightening.”

St. Laurent frowned. “I’ll bet it was. I’m sorry to hear this, but I’m glad the criminals were caught. So, this is why you’re seeking greener pastures?”

“Yes. I hope you don’t think less of me for wanting to work in a safer environment,” she said, letting a tiny tremble into her voice. Even the strongest of normal women would have been afraid.

“Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their job,” he assured her. “While I can’t promise the excitement of politics, I don’t believe you’ll be bored living here, working for me.”

“Does this mean I have the position?”

He grinned. “It’s yours if you want it.”

She smiled back, even if he couldn’t see. “I accept. And please, call me Lily.”

“Jude,” he returned in kind. “Mr. St. Laurent is a mouthful and makes me feel ancient.”

“Which you certainly are not.” She eyed him in appreciation. “You’re, what? Thirty-five?” She knew the answer from his file, but wanted to hear it from him.

“Close. Thirty-seven. Feels double that sometimes, especially these days.”

“Because of your accident?” She studied his reaction carefully.

“Yeah,” he said on a sigh. “Car crash, or so they tell me. I sustained a head injury and lost my sight as a result. You should know I have headaches, at times so bad they lay me out for an entire day. I have medication, but the pain can get so intense I might need you to get it for me and help me take it. Liam lives on the estate as well, so you can work out taking turns with him if you want. It’s not fun for anyone. I have nightmares, too, though not as frequent as the headaches, so I’ll apologize in advance for waking you.”

For a few seconds, he looked so sad her heart went out to him.

“No need for apologies,” she said softly. “You have no control over what’s happening to you.”

A knock at the door interrupted their talk. Lily turned in her seat to see a man stride into the office. He appeared a few years younger than Jude and moved with a confidence that belied his youthful appearance. He was of medium build, lean, and had a small, tight ass, a very fine ass, to go with the rest of him. He parked his rear on the corner of Jude’s desk and glanced between them. His black hair was cut shorter in the back and longer in the front, falling attractively over gray eyes.

“Hi, I’m Liam O’Neil,” he said, his tone friendly as he reached for her hand. Curious. “Jude told me to give you guys a few minutes, then come and introduce myself.”

“Lily Vale.” She shook it and liked his grip. Firm, warm. “I’m Jude’s new PA. I assume you’re the chef, since he was bragging about you making something fabulous for dinner.”

He took his hand back and smiled, pleased by the compliment. “That’s me. I make sure his appetite is satisfied, and believe me, it’s huge.”

Immediately, his face reddened, and he shot Jude a pained look. Oh, Liam was too cute. Lily couldn’t help but tease him.

“Really? Just how voracious is his hunger, Liam? Or is it ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ around here?”

Liam launched himself off the desk. “Um, I’d better get to work. Any special requests for tonight, Jude?”

His boss’s lips quirked with humor. “Whatever you want to make is fine. Just prepare enough for Lily from now on. Oh, and tonight, I’m having a guest, so you can bring the cart to my suite.”

“Sure thing. See you later, Lily.” With that, Liam fled.

The door shut behind the young chef and Jude grinned, propping his chin in one hand. “Oh, you’re evil, Lily dear. I do believe we’ll get along just fine.”

“I’m beginning to think you’re right. I’m going to like it here.”

And for the first time ever, Lily hated her job with a passion. For once, she longed to be one of the general population, able to forget the sacrifices that must be made in the name of national security. That the innocent must be protected at any cost.

That the gorgeous ray of sunshine sitting across from her was a very real threat to said security… even if he no longer remembered his own treachery.

She couldn’t fall for this man. Had to hold on to her reason for being here. To do what she did best.

Locate the information. Assess and neutralize the threat. And eliminate the source.

Sitting across from Lily, Jude stared at her shadowy form and mourned the loss of his sight, as he did every waking moment. He wasn’t quite so casual and accepting of his situation as he’d led her to believe. Not by a long shot.

The pain never ceased. Relentless, the agony and the confusing images battered him physically and emotionally until he wanted to scream. Most days, he wished he’d been born a different man, one who wouldn’t hesitate to down every last one of the pretty capsules his doctor had prescribed for the migraines and just drift away. Separate himself from the mockery his life had become.

What was my life before? Gallery showings, plentiful sex, one endless party after another filled with beautiful people, the world his for the taking?

Yes, sometimes. But those good memories had yawning, ragged holes in them. In those dark recesses, something terrible lurked.

And he was too fucking stubborn to give up without learning what.

Score one for Liam for encouraging Jude to hire an assistant. The younger man, who’d become his best friend over the past few years, had been after him for weeks to take on some extra help, someone to oversee the details of his day- to-day existence. Maintain his schedule, run errands, coordinate the business end of his showings, serve as his escort at various society functions.

Then, once she proved herself trustworthy, perhaps he’d take her into his confidence. Enlist her aid in his search for answers.

“Jude?”

Lily’s soft smoke-and-whiskey voice jerked him from his musings, sent tiny little fingers down his spine. In a pleasant way.

“I’m sorry. Where were we?”

“I said I’m going to like it here.” Her tone held a trace of amusement.

“Right.” He smiled, hoping his expression didn’t look as tight as it felt. The dull pressure in his head usually signaled the onset of a side trip into hell, and he prayed for a break this once. “Wait until you see how hard I’m going to crack the whip before you decide.”

“Whips? Ooh, now I’m convinced this is where I belong.” He laughed. Damn, he wanted to see her. Really see her, without relying on his hands or Liam’s description. “Why don’t I give you a tour of the grounds while we discuss your duties?”

“Good idea.”

He rose and grappled for his cane, wishing he were the man he used to be. That he were whole and trouble free instead of feeling as though he were teetering on the edge of a cliff with someone’s hand at his back.

Knock it off, St. Laurent. Self-pity and paranoia will make you an old, bitter man before your time.

He led Lily out of his study, aware of her at his side. Pushing away his unpleasant thoughts, he focused on her light scent, the dainty click of her heels on the tile, her light step. A small woman, then? Was she as attractive as her smoky voice?

Dammit, he hated not knowing for sure. Again, he squashed the useless anger and frustration, forced himself to concentrate on familiarizing her with their routine. On getting to know each other. Moving through the foyer past the staircase, he turned left, stopping when his shoes touched carpet.