Page 62 of Killer Sins

She stood next to the lead vehicle while an underling opened her car door, then turned back. “Give my compliments to your team. You’ve got good people.”

“Will do.” Tai watched them drive away, excitement surging. This was their first real break in days. Tenaya’s tormentor was finally going down.

Which meant an end to their fake marriage act. No more reason for Tenaya to stay in his world after they eliminated the threat.

But as he headed back to the Porsche, an unexpected pang of regret pierced him. Did he have the courage to ask her to remain in his life, if she wished it? Did she have the courage to accept such an offer?

And even if so, would Graham kill him for daring to dream of a future with his daughter?

36

The next morning, Tenaya leaned back in the leather chair behind her desk, watching Tai pace her office. Even in the bespoke designer clothing Tenaya and Paige had selected for him, he still looked out of place in her oh-so-civilized office. His muscular frame dwarfed the stylish furniture. He moved with a silent grace belying his large stature, more like a prowling panther than a businessman. Everything about him spoke of controlled power and latent danger.

Next to his intimidating presence, the office’s polished surfaces and abstract art pieces suddenly seemed almost absurdly benign. He possessed a feral alertness that made the other lawyers in their smart suits appear oblivious as grazing sheep.

Even in his disguise, his keen eyes continuously scanned the environment for trouble, missing nothing. He’d never blend in with the urbane professionals Tenaya worked alongside daily. Not that he’d want to. He was too powerful, too primal, too dangerous for that. Her colleagues were masters of words and contracts while Tai was a master of strategy and combat.

Tai and her father were on security detail while the rest of the team was off to intercept Svetlana at the meet she’d scheduled with the Golden Dragons.

Certain now that Svetlana had masterminded both the woman’s murder and the threats against Tenaya, the team felt confident leaving her with Tai and Graham while they handled the op. Neither Tai nor her father were happy to be short-handed, but Tenaya trusted the two warriors implicitly.

Fear wasn’t the issue this time. It was knowing that Tai would be leaving sooner than later.

She glanced at her watch. Ten minutes until she had to leave for court. It was probably a good thing she had that case on the calendar. Better to keep busy while they waited for news.

Tai paused to smile at her, his dark eyes warm. “You were amazing during that car chase. I’m still impressed with how calm you stayed.”

She waved off the compliment, ignoring the little flutter in her chest at his praise. “It was exciting, but that was probably the last of the action for me. This whole mission will be over soon, maybe even tomorrow.”

She tried not to sound wistful, but the thought of no longer spending time with Tai once the threat was neutralized left her unexpectedly melancholy.

He seemed subdued as well, though perhaps she only imagined it. He kept adjusting the tiny earpiece linking him to Graham as he paced, clearly on edge despite the progress they’d made. His steps were jerky, almost frenetic, as he crossed back and forth in front of her desk, raking his hands through his long hair. His jaw was clenched, the muscles feathering as if he was grinding his teeth.

Tenaya watched him pace, concern rising. She had never seen him so visibly agitated before. The former Marine was always the picture of stoic calm and control. He radiated a restless energy, like a caged panther. His eyes flashed each time he turned, as if his thoughts were churning and chaotic.

She hesitated to interrupt his rapid pacing, not wanting to add to his tension. But she couldn’t stand by without at least asking if he was alright. “What’s up?” she ventured gently. “You seem distracted.”

He halted abruptly, blinking as if just realizing she was there. “Yeah, sorry. Just impatient.” He tried for a reassuring smile but it came out more like a grimace.

Tenaya’s concern only deepened. Tai was clearly wrestling with some strong emotions beneath that warrior facade of his. She wished she knew how to help ease his turmoil, but whatever was bothering him, he didn’t seem ready to confide in her yet.

She checked her watch with a sigh. Tai and her father insisted that Tai remain at her side until the threat was neutralized for certain. Which meant having to continue the newlywed charade.

Though with the revelation that Svetlana was likely behind both the murder and renewed stalking, maintaining their fake marriage pretense seemed unnecessary now. And definitely detrimental to Tenaya’s equilibrium. The longer she spent around Tai, the more it was going to hurt when he disappeared.

She sighed. Life was going to be even more colorless without the high-octane Marine.

Her loss.

Megan popped her head in the door, smiling brightly. “Good news! The Sandoval case was just cancelled. Opposing counsel called. His client is willing to agree to your terms.”

She gestured at the open calendar on Tenaya’s computer screen. “Looks like your afternoon is wide open now.”

Megan shot her a hopeful look. “You should take off early. I’m sure you guys have lots of packing to do before Bora Bora.”

Tenaya managed a small smile at the mention of the fictitious tropical honeymoon, tamping down the melancholy threatening to swamp her. Megan meant well with her cheerful comments, oblivious that it was all an act.

With a conspiratorial glance down the empty hallway, Megan lowered her voice. “Between you and me, you might want to slip out the back way. Jarrod’s on the warpath about something today.” She grimaced comically. “I think one of his big clients is threatening to switch firms. Just avoid him if you can.” Megan sighed dreamily. “I really admire what you two have. I hope I find a romance like that someday.”

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