Page 52 of Saint

“Mia.” Of course, he sounded surprised. She very rarely called the number.

“What’s The Agency?” she asked without preamble.

He hesitated briefly. “A group of like-minded individuals with plans to change the world. How did you hear about us?”

Us. That confirmed her next question before she even asked. He was a part of it. “Change the world?” she echoed. “For better or worse?”

“Always for better. Who may I ask have you been talking to?”

“It doesn’t matter. But, for once, I’d like to have a transparent discussion with you. No secrets.” She pulled in a shaky breath. “What’s your role in this group? And how exactly are you changing the world?”

“Dr. Grendel introduced me to the other members,” he said, and her skin crawled. She’d had the misfortune of meeting Malcolm Grendel once and she couldn’t get away from him fast enough. Yes, he’d made her uncomfortable, but it was more than the lingering looks from his piercing, light brown eyes. The man radiated something she could only describe as evil.

“They needed financing to help with their operations,” he continued smoothly. “Once I learned more, I jumped aboard. They see the future with open eyes and I found their beliefs aligned with mine.”

“What beliefs?” she asked warily.

“There’s only one thing worth risking everything for, Mia—money. My faith in the almighty dollar triumphs everything else. You know that. It’s how I’ve been able to keep you fed, clothed and living in the lap of luxury. Do you think those schools you went to were free? Do you think groceries are cheap and the mansion you’re living in pays for itself?”

Here we go.

Her blood pressure skyrocketed, but she kept her voice down, afraid she might wake up Nik. “I’m sorry law school didn’t work out, but please don’t change the subject. I want to know why you need a certain Russian scientist. What does The Agency plan to do with a deadly neurotoxin?”

“What do you know about that?” he asked, tone neutral.

“I know more than you think and I’m trying not to doubt you, Dad. I’m trying really hard, but I have a lot of questions.”

“Ask me whatever you want, Mia. If I know the answer, I’ll tell you. Complete transparency. Just like you want.”

Surprise rippled through her. “I know we barely have a relationship,” she whispered, voice ragged, “but you are my father. I just…I just want more.”

Once again, she reverted back to that lonely, little girl wishing for her father’s approval and love. A love she’d been denied her entire life.

“Mia, this isn’t a conversation to have over the phone. When I get back home, let’s have dinner and talk. You may not believe me, but I’d like more, too.”

Her heart swelled. “You would?”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll call you when I’m back in San Francisco.” He hung up and she cradled the burner against her ear for a long moment, playing their conversation over again in her head.

She had no idea if she’d just made things better or worse. Only time would tell.

Eventually, Mia fell asleep, her face pressed against Nik’s firm chest. For a man who claimed he didn’t cuddle, he held her so close.

It felt like only minutes had passed before her eyes fluttered open. She rolled and stretched, hearing Nik talking on the phone. Sitting up, pushing her hair back, she pulled her knees up to her chest, unable to miss the twinge between her legs.

Nik paced back and forth, looking on edge. After a few grunts of agreement, he hung up and turned his attention to her.

“What’s going on?” she asked sleepily.

“My team is airborne and on their way, courtesy of Dash Slater’s jet. They have an exact location here in Perm for your father.”

Straightening up, a million questions flew through her mind. “H-how?”

“Zane cloned Elizabeth Salinger’s phone. She and her husband Benedict, a good buddy of your father’s, have been exchanging texts. Their conversation confirmed he’s here with Carlisle and my team managed to hack into his GPS.”

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