Page 21 of Tangled Vows

I sneer, cupping my jaw. “Okay. We date her separately. I’ll ask her out first.”

“Agreed.” He nods, a smile bursting across his face. “Now’s the time for that drink,” he continues, rising from his seat. “You want one?”

“Sure,” I accept, my pulse slowing.

I can relax now. I can enjoy a drink with him, knowing that whatever we do with Clare, is not going to destroy our bond. That bond was forged through hardship. We had to break bones to get closer. We had to suffer equally in the organization. It’s great to know that neither of us is prepared to throw all that away for the sake of a woman—that we won’t turn on each other just because we are both interested in Clare Jensen.

Clare

I spent the last couple of days considering breaking out once more.

If there wasn’t a chance of running into Leonid or Ivan, I would do it without thinking twice.

However, this turned out to be wishful thinking.

Their men had not appreciated my little escape. After I got back, they doubled the watch on the exits and even set a watch on the backyard. Crossing the Atlantic on a canoe would be easier an sneaking past them. Furthermore, Leonid’s words are still vivid in my mind:“You can’t walk around alone in the middle of the night.”

If I magically got past the men in the backyard and he found out, I’d never get to hear the end of it. As for the worst part about this? He would be right. I’d seen firsthand what my recklessness could cause. If he hadn’t stepped in, the least that would happen to me would be a scar. The worst? Death. Those two drunks didn’t seem nasty, no, but there was no telling what would have occurred if Leonid had not intervened.

A nice cup of coffee is my companion out on the balcony when a knock on the door forces me to step back inside.

“Who is it?”

“Leonid.”

My heart jumps in my throat at the sound of his voice. This man loves to surprise me. Yet, this is more than a surprise. I had no idea he was coming.

I set the mug down on the nightstand and shuffle off towards the door. I pull it open, the view intensifying my shock. Along with that, though, comes a warm, fuzzy feeling that envelops my heart. Leonid is in a suit with a bouquet of lilies in his embrace.

“Oh, my...” I whisper, looking up into his eyes. “Talk about unexpected.”

“Apologies for dropping by unannounced.” He assumes a gentle tone, offering me the flowers. “I thought these would help you forgive me.”

“Leonid...” I giggle, bringing the bouquet up to my nose. I let their wonderful scent flood my nostrils, his gesture pulling at my heartstrings. “There’s nothing to forgive. Please, come on in.”

“No,” he refuses, leaning against the doorframe. “Get dressed. You must be dying to go out.”

“Yes!” I cheer with a grin. “God, you can’t imagine how desperate I am to go out! Where to?”

“You’ll see,” he answers, reaching forward to the doorknob. “I’ll be waiting. No rush; take your time.”

Yeah, right...

Take my time?

Hell, no.

I haven’t just been desperate to get out of that safe house. I have been dying to get some fresh air. I don’t care where we go. It can be the ballet for all I care. All I want to do is enjoy myself. Do things that an ordinary person does, like have a drink or a decent meal. Getting to do something with Leonid is a bonus. I’ll share the experience with him and get to know him a little better. Win-win.

I choose a red mini dress and low heels, wishing I had my makeup with me. I want to look my best for him, but I just can’t do that. I would have asked his men to buy me a simple set, had I been expecting this. Truth be told, I hadn’t. The situation between him and Ivan hadn’t been clear, so the notion of me worrying about secondary things like makeup and perfume was a little trivial. Striking a pose in the mirror in the corner, I realize I have to ask Leonid about that. It’s obvious that something has changed.

“Wow,” he says, the moment I emerge from the room. “Definition of a knockout.”

“Oh, come on,” I giggle, waving my hand in front of my face. “You’re exaggerating. Anyway, you said you’d talk with Ivan about our little situation. I take it you did.”

“That’s true,” he confirms with a nod. “We came to an understanding. We both want to date you, but it’s all up to you. I’ll understand if you want to choose one of us, even if that’s not me.”

Aren’t you sweet...?

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