Chapter 484

noveldrama

"So, you've got secrets then," she says, closing one eye as if doing so will help her see me better. But then she laughs, leaning forward. "I actually like that you're kind of cagey - I think it will make you a better spy. Damn," she says, shaking her head at me. "I'm really glad dad got me here. I'm going to enjoy the hell out of transforming you into an agent. And the best part is that not a single person will ever see you coming."

"Dad?" I ask, sitting up straighter in my chair, not understanding.

But the door opens again, and suddenly all of my questions are answered as Neumann steps into the room. I huff a little laugh, looking between the two of them as Neumann presses the door shut and steps to the side of Faiza's chair. Because - I mean – it's not like they look alike. But the confidence with which they move, the way they each control every room they walk into?

Damn, I should have known.

“Daughter,” Neumann murmurs, bending down to press a fond kiss to her cheek. She returns it, patting him on the shoulder as she smiles up at him. "And how are introductions going?"

"Good," Faiza says, her grin deepening. "I like her. She's so cute and spunky that it's barely going to take an effort to convince everyone that she's an air head. And then no one will hide a damn thing from her. Plus, I think she's smart." Faiza turns her attention back to me, narrowing her eyes. "You're smart, right?"

"She's smart," Neumann says with a sigh, frowning down at his daughter. "And behave yourself, Faiza - you know I don't enjoy it when you're intentionally glib."

"Aw," she says, turning again to grin up at him. "Shame, then, that I do enjoy it."

Neumann's mouth twitches as he fights a smile. "Cadet," he says, turning back to me. "Faiza is tasked with teaching you everything she knows about the art of espionage which - though she seeks to hide it by being brash and arrogant - is a great deal. I've taken quite a bit of care with this one," he smooth a fond hand over her hair, even as he looks at me. "She's the best."

"I'm starting to believe it," I say quite quietly, excitement building in me.

"You have about twenty minutes," he says, glancing at the clock on the wall. "To formulate a plan with your tutor. Do attempt to use the time wisely." His voice is characteristically dry as he pats Faiza again on the head and moves back to the door. "Don't be late for chemistry. And Faiza?"

She turns to him with interest, lifting her chin.

"Don't give her any knives," he says, dry, glancing over at me. "Not yet. She's more likely to cut herself than someone else at this point." Faiza laughs and nods as I blush, not bothering to deny it.

Neumann pulls the door shut behind him as he goes and I turn my eyes back to Faiza. "So, I guess I can trust you," I say quietly.

"Why do you say that?" she asks, peering at me again like a cat.

"Because I trust him," I say, nodding towards the door and making her smile.

"He likes you, you know," she says, quiet. I scoff a little but she just laughs and shakes her head. "I know, he keeps it close to the vest. But he wouldn't have called me in if he didn't think you were worth it. Seriously, Ariel, I think we can do...great stuff here."

"Why are you so sure of that?" I ask, leaning towards her, curious.

"Why do you doubt it?" she asks, likewise leaning closer.

"I don't," I say, shrugging, confident. "I just...want to know your reasonings."

"I'm sure," she says quietly, holding my gaze, "because everyone on earth already thinks they know you, Ariel. Perfect miss Princess, prim and proper and cloistered away in a nunnery? I mean, I could have done without that stunning dress the night you decided to make your mating to the boxer perfectly clear," she says, smirking at me and making me burst into a grin. "But beyond that?"

"What do you mean?" I whisper, still not getting it.

"The media has convinced everyone on the pl that you're a cream puff, Ariel," Faiza says, her grin deepening. When my face falls she just shakes her head. "No, it's great - they think you're weak, and bubbly, and vulnerable, and sweet. You can't pay for that kind of stainless reputation. So, when we release you on an unsuspecting target? Ariel..." she shakes her head, her eagerness growing with every breath, "they're never going to see it coming."