"Gen? What are you doing here?" My brother asked. I froze up as he walked closer to me leaving the men he was chatting with. I couldn't understand how he was here right in front of me. Eve and my brothers friends stared at us puzzled. Looking around my eyes widened as I shook with fear.

"Please stop calling me that. I-I'm here for work." I said pulling him aside away from the crowds looking around nervously.

When I had first gotten my job, I had told Nick a slight fraction of the truth. I could never be able to confess the truth to him. That I was easily capable of killing people for money. No matter how horrible the people I hunted were. He thought that I worked for people who tracked down bad people and turned them into the police. A bounty hunter. I couldn't risk him thinking I was a cold-hearted murderer. Even though I sometimes felt like I was.

"Right. Well, that makes sense. I'm sure there's lots of crooked people here." He said looking around making me do the same. Seeing Eve looking puzzled over at us. "What are you doing here? Where's Stephanie and Rose?" I asked quickly knowing him being a college professor he had no reason to be here on Christmas Eve.

"At home baking. Though I assume Rose has been tucked in bed by now." He looked down at his watch. "One of my friends works for a firm and invited me." He finished. "You can't tell people who I really am. You need to go-" I started until someone interrupted us.

"Hello, I'm Nathan Vanderbilt. You must be Carmen's brother." Nathan said walking up to us before shaking hands. Closing my eyes in frustration feeling overwhelmed by everything seemingly to go wrong tonight. My eyes burned holes into Nick, silently pleading for him not to say anything to ruin my cover.

"She's mentioned me?" My bother smiled making me roll my eyes. "I told him I was in town for Christmas visiting family." I spoke. I knew he was beyond confused at what was happening and not knowing what to say. "Hey, Carmen. Who's this?" Eve smiled looking at Nick walking up to us making my lips part.

"Her brother, Nicholas." He introduced as he shook her hand making Eve smile wider. "You should've told me you had a hot brother." She smiled up at him as I tried to force a smile. "Gross, Eve. And he's happily married." I replied sarcastically making Nick glare at me.

"I was actually on my way to leave-" I began until Eve cut me off. "What? It's not even midnight yet. And your brother is here." Eve said making me smile weakly. "I-I have a really busy day tomorrow And he will see me tomorrow." I stuttered looking over at him anxiously.

"Fine. Then I will just have to learn more about you through him. I'm sure you have lots of embarrassing stories to tell." Eve smiled mischievously making Nick chuckle. I looked over at Nathan seeing he was studying me closely making me even more shaky and agitated around them.

Through the years we have grown further and further apart mainly my fault due to me never having the opportunity to visit them as often as I'd like. "A-Alright, I'll stay a little longer." I gave in. "Only to ensure no lies are spread." I joked ignoring the irony in my words at the fact that all I've been doing is lying to everyone here.

"So, you're married? That's a bummer. What's she like?" Eve asked with a curious smile making me scoff as Nick was eager to reply. "If we're going to be talking about Stephanie, I need a drink." I breathed walking away as Nick filled with annoyance.

Walking through a few crowds of people following the closest waiter to grab a champagne flute. "I take it you don't get along with your sister-in-law?" Nathan asked grabbing a champagne flute as I chugged my own. I can't believe I came here to kill you and yet here we are having just slept together, meeting my brother and now you're asking me about my personal life. I was beyond horrified with this entire situation

"No." Shrugging off my thoughts trying to stay casual and unaffected by everything. "I really wasn't expecting him to be here." I answered not looking at him. "Isn't it a good thing to celebrate Christmas Eve with your brother? You were going to see him tomorrow anyways." Nathan said curiously making me look up at him.

He was studying with his hands in his pockets making me scoff. "You're such a lawyer." I mumbled looking away making him chuckle amused. "Well, yeah." He let out a deep chuckle making that familiar feeling erupt in my stomach again.

Knowing that last thing I should've been doing was be talking about my personal life with the man I was sent here to kill. But I also had to act like a normal girl with a normal job and a normal family. While keeping Nick away from saying something he shouldn't. So, taking a deep breath, I applied the best fake smile and attitude I could reply as if everything were okay.

"It's just an unexpected surprise is all. I haven't seen him in a long time." I said looking over at Nick and Eve talking and smiling. "And I was hoping to get some sleep but now I guess I have to stay and ask what he's been doing with his life." I said placing my now empty flute on another passing waiter walking back over to them.

"You better not be telling the story where I tried flat ironing my hair for the first time and almost burned the house down." I joked with fake friendliness making Eve smile as he looked at me surprised that I had actually come back. "He was actually just talking about his daughter, Rose." Eve smiled making me look at her. "What?" I breathed looking back over at Nick with hurt and disbelief.

I could tell he knew how upset I was as Nicks eyes softened and his lips parted making me look away to calm down. "Right. Well, I remember when his daughter was born. Do you remember, Nick?" I asked through fake intrigue through a wide smile. I was struggling to push away the hurt knowing he didn't remember because he wasn't there for me.

"No, really it's a great story." I continued through a fake smile wanting him to answer. Eve sensed the tension between us as Nick and I stared at each other making Eve clear her throat. "A friend is calling for me." She said walking away.

"As long as it doesn't get too detailed." Nathan joked making me jump not realizing he followed me. Turning around to look over at him shooting daggers. "It was nice meeting you." Nathan said as he got the hint and walked away with an amused smirk sipping his drink.

"I'm sorry, okay? It just came up." Nick said walking quickly towards me making me scoff. "So, you lied? She is not your daughter she's mine!" I beamed with tears in my eyes. Only a few people around us looked over. Looking around making sure no one important heard me, I quickly grabbed his elbow and pulled him into a nearby hallway. "Ow, you're really strong." He said making me let go.

"You-" I began until he cut me off. "What was I supposed to say? 'Yeah, she's my sister's daughter that I take care of'? I assumed that would've been bad for your cover." Nick said frustrated making me look away. "You shouldn't have even said anything." I said making him sigh knowing I was right.

"I'm sorry. It's nice to see you by the way." Nick said. "How is she?" I asked ignoring the emotion in my voice making him smile softly. "She's at home waiting for Santa to come." He said making me laugh lightly as a tear escaped my eye picturing her tomorrow morning. "She asks about you every day." Nick continued making my heartache.

"I should probably get home to put the presents under the tree. I wasn't planning on staying all night." Nick explained making me nod. "Yeah, of course." I replied quickly looking away wiping my tears away hating how emotional I was. "I hope to see you early tomorrow." He said as he brought me into a tight hug. Breathing in his familiar smell closing my eyes and I grabbed his suit in my fists not realizing how much I had missed him.

Watching him walk away before saying goodbye to his friends and Eve. After seeing him leave through the crowds of people I looked around for Nathan among them. He was talking to his sister, Valerie with Hannah on his arm. I couldn't believe I believed Nathan when he said he broke things off with her.

"Good night, Eve. Merry Christmas." I smiled walking over to her after gaining enough strength to face everyone again through a fake facade. Giving each other a hug before I was on my way towards the front door for my coat.

As the men helped me put my coat on, I turned my head to see Nathan already looking over at me with soft eyes and parted lips. Ignoring him as I left walking under the falling snow.

During the car ride back to my hotel I went through everything that had happened tonight facepalming. I knew Nathan must have been someone dangerous since my boss knew him and needed him killed. Yet I couldn't deny the attraction I felt for him and letting myself get close to him anyway. Wanting to blame it all on the champagne on an empty stomach. But I knew I wasn't nearly drunk enough to have a one-night stand with the man I was sent here to kill.

Remembering how utterly amazing and mind blowing it actually was only made me clench my fists. Stiff posture, rigid muscles letting out a large huff in annoyance walking into my hotel. I hadn't been with a man in years before today, yet it felt comfortable to be around Nathan. Which was what made me uncomfortable. How was I ever going to accomplish anything after what I let happen?

"How'd it go?" Julian asked as I called him back. "It didn't. He was never left alone in a secluded area long enough." I lied. "That's fine. I called because Boss was giving you until the New year." Julian said making me frown. "Really? Why?" "Don't know. Take it as a Christmas gift." He replied before he hung up making me slowly pull my phone away from my ear.

Letting out a breath feeling my entire body ease utterly grateful I had some more time to get it done. I knew I had to get my act together I couldn't let our moment in the bathroom happen again.

Rifling through my bags for an outfit pulling out red trousers and a black sweater. Once I was finished getting ready, I grabbed my coat, purse, and the gift I had for Rose.

I quickly made my way downstairs to the cab waiting for me. Telling the driver my brother Nick's address and waited impatiently to see my daughter I haven't seen in months. Raising my hand to knock on their front door hesitating for a few moments hearing Rose laughing from inside.

Stephanie opened the door after knocking. "Hey, Merry Christmas." I smiled weakly as she opened the door wider for me. Her dirty blonde hair was curled perfectly with her infamous red matching pajama set she wears with Nick every year. "Merry Christmas, Genevieve." She said with a fake smile as she closed the door before waking into the living room.

"Mommy!" Rose beamed placing my bags on the nearby table before squatting to her height as she ran towards me. "Hi, baby." I breathed as she ran into my arms before engulfing me. Closing my eyes as I squeezed her tight.

"I missed you so much my little munchkin." I said as I pulled away slightly to give her kisses making her giggle and squirm in my arms. "I hope you're being good for Uncle Nick." I said as I let go of our hug making her nod proudly.

"What did Santa get you?" I asked softly with a wide smile grabbing her hands running my thumb over the top of her hand. "He got me the stuffed animal I wanted. And a new bike!" Rose beamed as I twirled her dark brown hair through my fingers. "How exciting! Do you want to see what mommy got you?" I asked making her nod quickly as she smiled wide. I gave her the Christmas bag before she quickly took out the tissue to reveal the gift. It was a teddy bear with a sweater of the Canadian flag and a snow globe from Germany where my last missions were.

"I love it!" She beamed as she pulled out the warm teddy bear. "Watch this." I said as she pulled out the heavy snow globe. I shook it showing her the falling show making her smile brighter in awe. Rose took it back from me to shake it herself when I looked up to see Nick walking towards us.

"Do you want to get mommy some hot
chocolate?" Nick asked with a smile

making her nod as she stumbled into the kitchen with Stephanie. "I'm sorry I wasn't here for Thanksgiving." I said as we stood making him smile weakly.

"You were out of the country I get it. But she's getting older, and she needs her mother. Are you thinking about settling down somewhere? Buying a house nearby?" Nick asked making me look away. "Of course. But I have my job. It isn't that easy." I explained making him nod. "I have two more years until I'll have all the savings, I need for us." I lied knowing I had enough money to live comfortably for the rest of our lives. Two years was when my contract would be terminated, and I would choose for myself if I wanted to stay longer. We heard Rose and Stephanie come back into the room with my hot chocolate.

"Got any candy canes?" I smiled up at Nick nostalgic for when we were kids.

Nathan's POV

"Carmen seems nice." Valerie said with a smile as she drank red wine. "It's barely eight in the morning, Val." I said making her roll her eyes. "It's the holidays. Do you really think I can handle mom and dad all day sober?" She asked making me fight my chuckle.

"What happened to your secretary Riley?" She asked making me shrug. "Carmen is more efficient." I said simply making her hum in reply. "And I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact she looks like a Victoria Secret model." Valerie smiled making me look at her with annoyance.

"No. You know I don't date. " I stated making her hum amused before finishing her wine glass. "Tell that to Hannah." She smiled watching her with Valerie, my youngest sister and Jane talking to my mother. "I hope you're easy on her." Valerie said leaning into couch beside her.

"Hannah can handle it. She knows this is just an arrangement." I replied. A waiter waked by with a tray of breakfast food making me wave him away. "I was talking about Carmen." She replied as memories of last night consumed my mind.

The smell of her perfume, and shampoo. The way Carmen laughed and smiled with her friend. Not to mention what we did in my parents restroom. How soft her skin was as he wrapped her legs around me grabbing my arms. The sounds of her soft moans made me go dizzy wanting to do it all over again.

"How's Ben?" I asked desperately wanting to
stop thinking about Carmen. "Still sleeping on the couch. He wants us to go through counseling but I'm not sure." Valerie said trying to hide the sadness in her voice as she continued to look away from me.

"I don't feel like trying to fix something that he broke. He should've thought twice about cheating on me if he's trying this hard to fix our relationship." She stated bitterly. I knew I would have put Ben in a hospital if Valerie hadn't explicitly told me not to. Ever since I met him, I knew he would end up being bad news. "Breaking his knees is still on the table." I replied seriously making her fight her smile.

"Thanks, but I did enough damage on him when I found out." Valerie said making me chuckle remembering her telling me she threw all his things out of their bedroom window and broke all his valuables. "Remind me not to get on your bad side." I replied making her laugh lightly as our mother interrupted us.

"Are you two just going to talk amongst yourselves the whole day?" She asked with fake annoyance making me reluctantly get up. "You're right. I'm sorry, Mom." I said walking towards her before kissing her cheek softly.

Whenever I was left by myself or caught in a less than interesting conversation, I caught myself thinking about Carmen. Ever since I met her, I wasn't able to go very long without keeping her out of my mind.

After last night I thought it would've fixed the rush I needed. But it only backfired and made thing worse, craving her more. As I got to know her, I realized how often she lied and put on a fake friendly persona for appearances. Seeing it noticeably all night during the party yesterday. Because of that I felt similar to her in a way. The more she lied and faked being happy around everyone the more I wanted to get to know her and figure her out.

Noticing how confused and nervous she was around her brother last night. It was the first and only time I have ever seen her like that which made me even more intrigued. Carmen was the only one I've met who wasn't intimidated by me and the title I hold. She seemed more annoyed and frustrated with me than intimidated. She was very confident and head strong.

But I knew I couldn't fall or have a real relationship with anyone. Not wanting to risk letting them down because of my job and needing to stay focused on my work. But I couldn't deny the pull I felt around her and attraction I felt for her.

"We need to go over some things later. Just some more forms to sign before you officially take my place." My father said in my ear before slapping me on the back encouragingly. I couldn't help but remember my brother, Lee. Remembering when he had confessed to me how unhappy he was here. Which made me self-reflect on my own life and if I really did wanted what was now passed down to me.

Their laughing snapped me out of my thoughts. My family were all talking about my sister, Jane's children. "How are your cases doing, honey?" My mother asked after they all laughed lightly from whatever Jane said. "Closing them as always." I replied shoving my hands in my pockets making her smile.

"How has Carmen been as your new secretary?" My mother continued making me look over at Valerie. She smiled innocently taking a sip of her wine. "She has some much more for me than Riley has. I decided to let her learn under me before she went back home." I answered. Valerie snorted amused into her wine glass at the choice of words I used making everyone look at her.

"What happened to Riley? She seemed very competent." Jane asked. "I think he just wanted new eye candy to stare at." Her husband answered making me roll my eyes but not denying it because it was true.

"Oh, hush." My mother said full of annoyance "That's very kind of you, honey. I'm sure she will go back to California and impress her coworkers with the new talents you've given her." She smiled before she walked away to join the nanny with the children. My two sisters stepped away to talk when my father walked up speak to me.

"I'm glad you're having fun but make sure you know how important it is for you take on this responsibility. Keep a level head don't let women distract you like it has for your brother. I need to know I have a trustworthy son to fill my shoes when I retire."