She was sick of all the mysterious women in Ray's life. First Satoshi, now Themis. Who was this bitch? An exotic Greek super model who might want to be part of a threesome? Accusing her of being a spy was the icing on the cake. "Rrrgh!"

In an empty storeroom, Evelyn kicked off her sneakers. She pulled off her skinny jeans and orange sweater. She ran a hand through her hair and gathered it into a tight ponytail.

Hadn't she and Dennis found a way to save that thankless man and CENTIEN? While he had been busy self-isolating on his goddamn private island. Wasn't she risking her life to help him? She jammed her leg into the black neoprene tights and noted with satisfaction how the flexible fabric sheathed her leg like a seamless glove.

She laughed, mirthlessly. How had she become a ride to die girl?

A memory of her mother surfaced in her mind. When Camila Simmons wasn't wearing her Texas Sheriff's uniform and silver star, she was out of her comfort zone. Her mother had forgotten birthdays, never made it to school plays on time, and let Evelyn be a tomboy to her heart's content. Despite the lack of traditional mothering, Evelyn loved Camila. As the local sheriff, she had commanded the grudging respect of the entire county's hardened male law enforcement department. Evelyn had wanted to be just like her.

"Help me, mom," she murmured. She closed her eyes and rubbed her fingers over the barrel of the Glock she had selected from the stock room. She couldn't delegate things and had to do everything herself. This was her mother's legacy—being self-sufficient and independent. She had traded sharp shooting for surfing, but she still remembered the pleasure of plinking a tin can off a stump at fifty yards.

That was why she had pursued a corporate career. Boardrooms were just another version of the dangerous streets her mother had patrolled. She had wanted to make a change in the world, as her mother had. Have men look at her with respect and admiration.

Instead, she'd become the coffee girl.

I don't need Raymond Sinclair. Deep inside, my heart is Texas tough.

She had been embarrassed to answer him when he asked her about her family after they made love on the beach. That was her mistake. Always hiding and being ashamed of her humble origins. Trying to metamorphosis into a California Golden Girl when she was a Texas girl—as fierce and temperamental as a Texas Summer—but also polite to everyone and salt-of-the-earth wholesome.

Satoshi knocked on the door to the cubicle.

Evelyn looked up. "What do you want?"

"I came to give you some advice about Ray." Satoshi strolled into the room and looked Evelyn in the eye. "You should know there's another woman in his life. He thinks the world of her. She's his treasure. Her name is Themis."

Evelyn's heart pounded. Raymond had said weird things to her and asked her if she had taken his Tesla's keycard. He was so smart, yet easily manipulated. Could he have an exotic girlfriend in the wings?

I wouldn't be surprised.

She looked at the beautiful hacker. "This has nothing to do with me." She picked up her Glock. "Here's some advice, Satoshi. If you interfere between Ray and me again, there'll be hell to pay."

She stuffed her discarded clothing and sneakers into a duffel bag and knew what Sheriff Camilla Simmons would do. Single handedly rescue Lear and secure the ICARUS app. Raising her chin, she stood up and headed to the door. She hesitated and glared at the other woman. "Stay the fuck out of my way."

The rubber in the sole of combat boots gripped the floor for maximum traction as she stalked to the control room. She gritted her teeth. Let Raymond have his doubts about her. She would show him what she was made of—she wanted to make him eat his words and lick her boot heels.