Page 107 of An Indecent Longing

Ben recognized the driver from this morning but now he saw the way Dorrie smiled at him. As if they were friends. It made his teeth clench.

Well, damn. Look at that. Maybe he was as bad as Ian.

Without moving, he watched Dorrie exchange a few words with the guy, who walked her into the building and disappeared. The guy returned a few seconds later.

And headed straight for Ben’s Patriot.

Ben waited until the guy knocked on the passenger window before he unlocked the doors so the guy could get in.

At a few inches over six foot with the build of a runner, he didn’t immediately identify as Russian thug, even with the nose that’d been broken at least once and the faint scar on his cheek.

And his blue eyes held an open warmth Ben hadn’t expected.

A second later, he held out his hand. “Gennady Marcov.”

No hint of an accent. If he hadn’t mentioned his name, Ben might not have pegged him as one of Antonoff’s men.

He took his hand. “Ben Shaw.”

“I understand you and Keller are taking on Dorrie until Blank’s back in shape.”

Fuck that. It wouldn’t only be until Blank was back.

And now who do you sound like?

“Yeah. I take it you work for Antonoff.”

The guy didn’t respond. Stupid question anyway. “Dorrie and I have been friends for a very long time. I would hate for anything to happen to her. If you need help, you call me.” He pulled a card out of his pants pocket and handed it over.

Ben took it, but only to be polite. Then he smiled so the guy knew it. “Thanks. I’ll keep it handy.”

The guy’s smile widened. “Yeah, I’m sure you will. A little advice? Anything happens to her, you better hope you get caught in the crossfire. Have a good one.”

Marcov got out of the car, shut the door behind him then walked up the street to his car.

Jesus, what the fuck did we get into here?

And did it really matter?

Ben had realized this morning that Ian loved Dorrie. The guy might never admit it but Ben knew his cousin. The way he looked at her, the way he touched her, his entire body language when he was with her. Ian loved her, no doubt in Ben’s mind.

So where does that leave me?

Damn good question. And one he couldn’t answer. And how about this one?

What happens when she decides two men are too much?

Would he step back?

He hadn’t known Dorrie as long as Ian had, but given the opportunity…

Hell, best not even to think about that.

Getting out of the car, he headed for the building, growling his name to the guard at the desk before heading up the elevator. But his brain wouldn’t shut down.

Get out now. Before it’s too late.

Everything in him rejected that idea. He’d made his military career out of stepping into situations, not stepping back.

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