Page 26 of Smoke and Shadows

“You wanted me, boss?” Ali entered the room.

“We’re a man down.”

“Yes, your men told me.”

“I’m turning over the information Matthews gave me to you,” Rafiq said. “I want you to start eliminating every person on that list. The CIA and AGS probably know we’re behind their deaths, but it’s time to step out from the shadows. I want you to send them a strong message.”

Ali gave him an evil smile. “With pleasure. Do you still want me to pursue our other plan?”

“Of course,” Rafiq replied. “I want to destroy everything Viktor Baran has worked for. My uncle wishes this as well. Besides, it’ll be easier for our end game. Our couriers are coming in on separate flights tomorrow with the final draft of our plan. I will handle that personally.”

“As you wish.” Ali bowed out of the room.

Viktor drovehis Charger into the massive garage of a three-story concrete building. Marissa had never been on this particular property. From what she remembered, he’d been contemplating buying this place right before they broke up. It was an old structure built in the 1950’s. Its nondescript walls bore faded paint and its long rectangular windows were built with practicality in mind. They also appeared to be outfitted with blackout shades. Viktor was a very private person and in his line of work, one couldn’t be too careful. The gate of the garage trundled down on its tracks and shut decisively with a resounding clang.

He parked behind a black Ford Explorer—a standard AGS-issued vehicle. There was also a Lamborghini Countach—a classic from the 1970s, and she was pretty sure, not a standard-issue. And then further off to a corner sat an expensive custom-built Ducati. The garage was as spartan looking as the building, with unpainted shelving and pegboards lining the walls.

They exited the vehicle, Marissa hesitating by her door, as she regarded Viktor who was walking around to the trunk to pick up her bags. He strode to the entrance of the house/building, paused and looked at her with a raised brow. “You coming?”

She closed the car door with a heavy sigh. She wasn’t sure she’d survive staying in such a sterile environment because she was already missing her Victorian row house on Dupont Circle.

The door opened to a long hallway with a flight of stairs right beside it.

“I live on the top floor,” Viktor told her. “There’s an elevator, but I think we’ve seen enough of those today.” He led the way up the stairs, Marissa trudging slowly up behind him.

“What do you have on the other floors?” she asked.

“Stuff and shit. I can give you a tour tomorrow if you want.”

“Don’t we have an early briefing at AGS?” Marissareminded him. “You think Tim will have a hit on the guy we have?”

“I’m sure he will.”

The top of the stairs revealed an open-space floor plan. The industrial-looking interior fit right in with Viktor’s personality—efficient, no-fuss. A king-sized bed was set against a wall. The bed-frame looked custom made with a steel-slatted headboard; its purpose not lost on Marissa, and sent a wave of heat to her face.

There was a wall-to-ceiling mirror between a set of windows that reflected the expanse of the loft. Black leather on metal-framed sofas and chairs were arranged around a glass coffee table to form a living area. A multi-level entertainment center had a flat screen TV and several consoles that Marissa suspected were not meant for entertainment.

Stainless steel countertops and appliances decked the kitchen and reminded her of restaurant kitchens she had seen in the course of her undercover work.

“Welcome to my lair,” Viktor announced as he plopped her bags on a long bench in front of the bed. “Wide-open floor plan, except the bathroom, which is through here.” He pointed to the lone enclosed room on the top level.

Thank God, Marissa thought. She did not fancy carrying out bodily functions with no walls between her and the outside world.

“No guest rooms?”

“Second floor. I like my privacy.” He frowned. “You’re sleeping with me.”

“Don’t you think we’re moving a bit too fast, Viktor?” Marissa said, ignoring the darkening scowl on his face.

“Wasted eight years, Marissa, not wasting another second,” Viktor said. “Get settled. I need to make a call.”

Billows of steamfollowed her naked body as Marissastepped out of the shower. She wrapped her long dark hair in a towel bun and covered her still-damp skin in a comfy terry robe. She was glad she brought all her girly toiletries because Viktor definitely had the bare essentials in his bathroom—soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and other minimal stuff. She remembered he didn’t even bother with cologne. She also remembered that this soapy scent, when mixed with his masculine essence, was lethal. He was pure rugged male.

She shivered.

She used the sleeve of her robe to wipe the fog off the mirror and nearly jumped when she saw Viktor’s reflection. He was leaning against the doorjamb, watching her intently. He wasn’t there when she got out of the shower, was he? And she had locked the door—not that locked doors meant anything to Viktor.

“Uh…I should be done in just a sec…oh—” Marissa gasped as his arms suddenly wrapped around her, the heat of his body branding the length of her back. “Viktor . . .”

---