Page 82 of Cruel Love

I hold Lucy’s hand a little tighter as we make our way down the long hallways of the Lutrova estate. There are several armed guards standing between the front entrance and the guest wing. Each one eyes me carefully as Nina leads us through the house, sizing me up just as she had before.

“So, what do you do?” Nina asks, casually peeking back at us.

I clear my throat. “I—”

“Not you,” she says with a wink. “I can tell what you do. I’m talking to Lucy.”

Lucy hesitates. “I’m a dancer.”

Nina’s eyes open wider. “Ballet?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She claps her hands together. “Oh, I love the ballet. We have some of the best dancers in the world here in Moscow.”

Lucy nods. “I know. I auditioned for the Bolshoi a few years back, but I wasn’t nearly good enough.”

Nina throws her head back and smiles as she pauses in front of a large doorway. “My sister studied at the Bolshoi.”

“Really?”

“She’s long retired now, but she could dance,” she says, looking pensive. “Always hated her.”

Lucy chuckles.

Nina pushes the doors open for us and stands back as she motions us inside. “You two can stay in here. The linens are fresh, and I’ll have clean towels delivered to the washroom.”

We step inside but I don’t feel any less nervous. It’s a nice suite, decorated with a bit more color than the rest of the house, with a large bed and several shelves lined with books and other trinkets. I walk in far enough to confirm the other doorway leads to a bathroom. One doorway means one way in, but the two windows mean another way out if needed. My training runs deep.

I look at Nina Lutrova and she smiles at me. “Madam Lutrova,” I say.

“Yes?”

I squint. “How can you tell what I do?”

“People are my business, Mr. Hart,” she simply says. “I’m sure my sons will be with you shortly. I’ll leave you to get comfortable.”

“Thank you.”

The door closes behind her.

Lucy rushes into my arms before it even latches.

“Oh, my god…” she whispers.

I press my lips against her forehead. “It’s all right.” She clutches my shirt. I hold her tighter to stop her from shaking. “We’re safe now. You can relax.”

“That was so scary.”

“Shh.” I lay soft kisses on her head.

Lucy looks up and kisses me on the lips, hard and deep. “I thought we were dead for sure.”

“I wouldn’t let that happen to you.” I kiss her again and smile. “Fox was right. You held your own.”

“Barely,” she mutters.

“I’m proud of you, Lucy.”

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