the spy who stole his heart

Rose Bennett was twenty-four years old, and she had learned early that the safest face to wear was an innocent one. She stood in front of the mirror in her small apartment, studying her reflection. Long, dark-brown hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders. Her skin was warm and smooth, her eyes a deep brown that often made people underestimate her. She had a delicate face, a small nose, full lips, and a quiet beauty that made her appear far more harmless than she actually was. Tonight, she wore a simple cream blouse, black trousers, and low heels. Nothing remarkable. That was exactly how she wanted it. Rose reached for the small black earpiece on the table. "Agent Rose," a man's voice said through it. "Are you ready?" She slipped the earpiece into place. "Yes." Her voice was calm. Her hands weren't. She picked up the file beside her. **MOSES CORPORATION** The photograph attached to the front made her pause. Ivan Moses. Thirty-one years old. CEO of Moses Corporation. Six-foot-three, broad-shouldered, with thick black hair that was always neatly styled, sharp features, a strong jaw, and cold gray eyes that seemed capable of seeing through lies. He was known as one of the youngest and most powerful businessmen in the country. He was also rumored to be ruthless. No one knew much about his personal life. No girlfriend. No public relationships. No scandals. No weaknesses. Rose turned the page. **MISSION: INFILTRATE MOSES CORPORATION.** **OBJECTIVE: Obtain confidential information concerning Project Blackstone.** **COVER IDENTITY: Rose Bennett, Executive Assistant Applicant.** **DURATION: Until mission completion.** She swallowed. "What happens if I fail?" There was silence on the other end. Then the voice answered. "You won't." Rose closed the file. That wasn't an answer. She had been trained for three years. She knew how to lie without blinking, how to pick locks, how to defend herself, and how to read people. But none of that prepared her for what it felt like to walk into a man's company knowing she was there to betray him. "Remember," the voice continued. "Ivan Moses cannot know who you really are." Rose stood. "He won't." She grabbed her handbag and headed for the door. Before leaving, she glanced at herself one last time. Quiet. Sweet. Innocent. Exactly what they needed her to look like. --- ### **Moses Corporation** The next morning, Rose stood in front of the tallest building she'd ever seen. Moses Corporation dominated the city skyline. Glass walls reflected the morning sun, while black cars moved constantly through the private entrance. Rose took a slow breath. "You're Rose Bennett," she reminded herself. Not Agent Rose. Not the woman who had spent years learning how to disappear. Just Rose Bennett. A nervous young woman looking for a job. She walked inside. The receptionist looked up. "Good morning." "Good morning. I'm here for an interview with Mr. Moses's office." The receptionist checked her computer. "Rose Bennett?" "Yes." "Thirty-second floor. Someone will meet you there." "Thank you." Rose stepped into the elevator. The doors closed. Her heart began beating faster. Thirty seconds later, the elevator opened. A woman in a black suit approached her. "Miss Bennett?" "Yes." "I'm Clara. Mr. Moses's assistant." Rose smiled politely. "Nice to meet you." Clara studied her for a second. "You seem nervous." Rose gave a small laugh. "I've never interviewed for a position this important." Perfect. Nervous. Inexperienced. Harmless. Clara smiled. "Don't worry. Mr. Moses can be intimidating." Rose's stomach tightened. "Is he?" Clara gave her a knowing look. "You'll see." She opened the office door. "Go ahead." Rose stepped inside. The office was enormous. Dark wood. Floor-to-ceiling windows. A city view that looked almost unreal. And behind the large desk sat Ivan Moses. Rose stopped. The photograph hadn't prepared her. He was even more intimidating in person. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit with a white shirt, no tie. His black hair was slightly tousled, and his sleeves were rolled just enough to reveal a silver watch. His gray eyes lifted from the document in his hands. They met hers. And stayed there. Rose suddenly forgot how to breathe. Ivan closed the file. "Miss Bennett." His voice was deep and calm. "Sit." Rose walked toward the chair. Don't stare at him. Don't look nervous. Don't make mistakes. She sat. Ivan leaned back. "You're twenty-four." "Yes." "Graduated with honors." "Yes." "Excellent references." Rose nodded. He studied her. Then he asked the question she had been expecting. "Why do you want to work for me?" Rose smiled gently. "I've heard Moses Corporation is one of the best companies in the country." "That's not an answer." Her smile faded slightly. Ivan leaned forward. "Try again." Rose looked directly into his eyes. "I want to prove myself." For the first time, something changed in his expression. Interest. "Prove yourself?" "Yes." He studied her for several seconds. Then he stood. Rose's eyes followed him before she could stop herself. He walked around the desk and stopped directly in front of her. "Look at me." She did. His eyes were colder up close. "Do you always tell the truth?" Rose's heart skipped. "Yes." It was the first lie she had told him. Ivan stared at her. Then, unexpectedly, the corner of his mouth lifted. "Interesting." He returned to his desk. "You're hired." Rose blinked. "Excuse me?" "You're my new executive assistant." She hadn't expected it to be that easy. "Thank you, Mr. Moses." Ivan looked at her again. "One thing, Rose." "Yes?" His gaze sharpened. "I don't tolerate secrets." Her blood ran cold. But she smiled. "Neither do I." Ivan's eyes remained on her. "Good." Rose stood and walked toward the door. She had made it. She was inside Moses Corporation. She had access to Ivan Moses. The mission had officially begun. But just before she reached the door, Ivan spoke again. "Rose." She turned. "Yes?" His expression was unreadable. "Welcome to Moses Corporation." She smiled. "Thank you." Rose walked out. The moment the door closed behind her, she released the breath she'd been holding. Inside the office, Ivan remained still. He looked toward the closed door. Then he picked up Rose's application. His eyes narrowed. "Too perfect," he murmured. He reached for his phone. "Find everything you can about Rose Bennett." A pause. Then Ivan smiled faintly. "Because I don't believe a word she said." **And just like that, Rose's mission had become much more dangerous than she'd imagined.**