Page 56 of Unbreakable Vow

At least he’s honest.

“Fine.” I tuck my feet under me and press my elbows to my knees. “That cop was there again and this time he met someone.”

“You were back at that same coffee shop? Didn’t I tell you to stay away from there?”

“Do you want to hear this or do you want to get your panties in a bunch because of where I had coffee with my armed bodyguard present?” It’s best to slide that part in, so he can’t start using safety as an issue. I was safe.

“Go on.” His jaw clicks. I think he might actually break his teeth if he clenches his jaws any tighter.

“The cop’s name is John; I don’t remember if I told you that before. But anyway, John was there and some other guy—a Russian guy—came in and sat with him. They had a quick conversation, then left together.”

“How do you know he’s Russian?”

“His accent was super thick. More than yours,” I answer. “Why is yours so light anyway? It only comes out when you’re really irritated.” Or if he’s being overwhelmingly sexy, but I’m not telling him that.

“I’ve lived here for a long time. Did you hear his name?”

“No. The cop never said it. But he has a big scar that goes from here to here.” I trace my cheek from my mouth to my ear. “It’s fat, like it didn’t heal right.”

His eyebrows rise.

“What did they say to each other?” he presses, dropping his hands to his sides.

“The Russian guy wanted to know why the cop hadn’t moved on ‘him.’ Which I assume he means you? Or maybe your cousin, I’m not sure. But the cop said it was because he hasn’t given him anything useful yet, and asked if he had anything now.”

“And?” he pushes when I stop.

“And that’s it. The Russian guy looked around the coffee shop and he seemed to get nervous, so they left to go talk somewhere else.”

He cocks his head. “There’s more you’re not telling me.”

“No.” I slide my feet to the floor.

“Yes, there is.” His eyes narrow with suspicion. “Not telling me is the same as lying to me, Cora, and when I find out what it is—and I will always find out—you’ll wish you’d just told me to begin with.”

I stare at him. A short game of interrogation might be fun.

“You won’t like what I do to liars, Cora. I promise.” He sounds sincere in this threat.

I sigh. “He saw me.”

“What?” If tone could cut skin, I’d be bleeding all over this very expensive carpet beneath my bare feet.

I jump off the couch when he steps in my direction, but he’s quick and is in front of me within a blink. Stepping back to give me space doesn’t work because he comes with me. Though I try, step by step.

“He was looking around,” I start explaining quickly. “And when he turned enough, he saw me.”

“He saw you what?” He has me caged against the built-in bookcase.

“He just saw me. I was looking at him, and he saw me looking at him. That’s all.” I try to slide to the side, but he slaps his hands against the shelves on either side of me, locking me in.

“Did he say anything to you?” His nostrils flare.

“No,” I answer immediately. “He didn’t. But I think I was what made him nervous because they left right after.”

He searches my eyes.

“I’m telling you everything, Sergei. I swear, he didn’t say a word to me or about me, we locked eyes for a second and then they left.”

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