Page 33 of Seduction (Wicked Vows)

“Be careful!” I can’t help but exclaim as his sleeve brushes against a particularly delicate setup.

But before he can finish, Markov intervenes. With a swift motion, he steadies the vials that Jake’s careless movements had nearly toppled. The room goes silent, all eyes suddenly on them.

“Thank you,” Irina says. “You must be more cautious. This isn’t a place for reckless behavior and those of you at this caliber ought to know that.”

With a scowl, Jake gets up from the table and walks away. Markov glances my way, his gaze sharp and protective. My heart beats faster not only from the near-miss but from Markov’s look. He’s here to ensure my safety in every sense of the word.

Wordlessly, he gets up as well and follows Jake.

Uh oh.

I open my mouth to protest but don’t want to cause a scene. My heart, however, hammers rapidly in my chest at the thought of what Markov might be doing.

The rest of the group is occupied with observations, noting things down on their lab sheets, but I’m hyper-focused on Jake and Markov. Markov leans in, washing his hands in the sink while Jake dries his. Jake’s ears are beet red, and he looks like a terrified child.

Oh, God.

They come back and Jake walks to the front of the room, says something in Irina’s ear, then takes his leave.

“Markov,” I hiss. “What did you say to him?”

Markov’s eyes darken when he shrugs, but he responds quietly. “Do not worry. I didn’t overstep.”

“Markov. . .” I give him a pleading look.

Leaning over, he whispers in my ear. “I told him under no uncertain terms what would happen to him if he disrespected my wife again. And then I casually suggested that he wasn’t feeling well and could maybe take a bit of a break from this morning’s rotation.”

My jaw drops even as warmth spreads through me.

He stood up for me.

No one’s ever done that before.

The next second, I realize he just threatened a coworker.

“Markov, this is a crucial lab, though. This is where they decide which of us gets chosen for the leadership roles for the rest of the program.”

Markov only shrugs. “I know.”

“Vera?” Irina says with a smile. “We’d like you to lead our fieldwork.”

CHAPTER NINE

Nikko

It was a long but productive day for Vera. She takes a quick rest while I check in at home.

Aleks: All good on the home front. We’ve run background checks again on all the participants in the program as you asked, and there’s nothing amiss. It doesn’t appear there is anyone there out to hurt you or Vera.

Thank you

I’m surprised to find one from the Ivanov captain, Shevchenko.

Apologies for the belated reply. There was a delay in the delivery of your text. Please tell us how things have progressed.

Interesting.

We have a new lock on the door and no further interference that I’ve noted.

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