Page 57 of Seduction (Wicked Vows)

“Fine, fine,” she says. “But if someone hurts you?—”

“You’ll let me handle it.”

When she doesn’t respond, I suspect she’s made up her mind but isn’t going to argue with me right now. With another low growl, I turn around and hold her by both arms as if to forcibly remind her to stay put.

I draw my gun and head into the community room.

It’s empty. I move ahead cautiously, checking every corner, but there’s no place for anyone to hide under the bright overhead lights. It’s a standard office-type room you’d find anywhere with collapsible tables, a coffee maker, and a threadbare couch.

I move quickly. When under attack, the worst thing to do is hide and wait for your attackers to find you. I open the door.

“Markov!”

Irina stands outside with Morozov. I quickly tuck my gun away, but if either of them saw it, they don’t give any indication.

“What’s going on?”

Irina heads to me, dressed in loungewear, while Morozov is wearing a robe.

“It appears there was an explosion in a nearby lab,” Morozov says, peering at his phone. “We’ve called in an emergency, and we’re waiting for them to arrive now. Never fear; all is fine, though. We just need to be sure no contaminants were leaked and that whatever caused the explosion won’t detonate again.”

I don’t buy it. I heard it here, not in a lab. Or were there explosions in both places as a cover?

“I definitely heard one outside of the lab.”

“Mmm, did you?” Irina asks. “We will have to investigate.”

Jake and the silent blond man join us.

“Ah. Quick thinking,” Irina says. “Thankfully it looks like no one was injured.”

“Yes,” I say, still disbelieving. “I’ll be right back.”

I head back inside and get Vera, who’s standing at the entrance to the community room, her arms crossed over her chest, glaring at me.

“They say there was an explosion in the lab.”

She shakes her head. “That’s bullshit. We were there. It was way too close to our room to be explained as an explosion in the lab.”

“Right.” Something’s definitely amiss.

“Am I allowed to come in now?” she asks petulantly, rolling her eyes at me.

We’re alone in here but may not be for long. I reach her in three long strides and hold her chin in my hand. Her fiery gaze meets mine, and she doesn’t back down.

“Behave yourself, little girl.”

“Markov,” she says, even as her eyes widen. “This is not the time or place —”

I lean in and put my mouth to her ear. “To make sure you stay safe? The fuck it isn’t.”

“Well, no, I mean to start like. . . flirting with me,” she says in a whisper.

I pinch her chin and speak more harshly. “I am not flirting.”

The door behind us opens, and we pull away.

I hate this. I hate that I’m concerned for her safety, but my hands are tied. I hate that the two of us have to hide who we are and what we want. I hate that I’ve had to lie to her. I hate that there can’t and never will be anything between us but what we have here because of who we are.

---