Duplicity

Part 2

"Ah, I see the lovely Mademoiselle has decided to once again grace us with her presence. Monsieur Gardner has been telling me what your plans for France are, but I must admit he drones a bit. Plus, how can I subject myself to that when such a beauty as yourself is without a dance partner? I must request a dance. Monsieur?" He spared a small glance at her and gave a questioning look to her "father."

John nodded. "I'm not the one you should be asking, but you do have my permission." He leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek. "See what you can get out of him, Parker," he whispered before handing her off to Gerard.

Anna bit back a sigh as she extended her hand. He took it, gracefully bowed and bestowed a gentle kiss at her wrist, all the while looking up at her beneath well-groomed brows and a wicked smile touching his mouth.

As he led her onto the ballroom floor and into the throng of twirling couples, she geared herself to keep the charade going. She had two missions to accomplish while in France. She had to help the Company find a traitor and prove to her superiors that she was field ready. After all, Murdock chose her because of her test scores.