Page 167 of Pervade London
“No, thank you.” I rubbed my stomach to ease the ache.
“I would have shared with the Home Secretary that you’re the most exhilarating woman I’ve ever met, but I didn’t want to stir up any more intrigue.”
That made me breathless. “Of course.”
James pulled his napkin off the table. “How was your day?”
“Fine.” I looked toward the door where the Home Secretary had exited. “What was your meeting about? Was it to discuss a possible war?”
He flashed me a mega-watt smile.
I flashed one back as he poured the golden wine into our glasses.
“You’re here to clean my palate.” Seeing my confusion, he added, “I need to cleanse myself of the bitterness of politics and have my fill of something pure.”
“I’m flattered.”
He studied my face and then leaned back. “Did something happen today?”
The car ride had rattled me, but I chose not to tell him that. Instead, I used his conversation with the Home Secretary to segue into mine. “So, sending her to Russia would be bad?”
“The KGB are still a thing.”
“Is it okay to talk?” I arched a brow, glancing around the room.
“Yes, this place was swept for bugs. The location was chosen spontaneously so there would be no time to plan something nefarious.”
“Good to know.”
“What’s up?”
“What are your thoughts on Russians who are on our home soil?” I went for it.“As in the Russian Embassy?”
“Are you fucking joking?”
“No, why would I be?”
He waved a hand in the air. “The Russians have a thing for poisoning operatives…ours and theirs.”
I frowned. “Which is bad, obviously.”
“They’ve also developed a tsunami bomb. The last thing Europe needs is a thousand-foot high wave coming at it. One could go as far as to say they’re the biggest threat to national security. But I’m sure you’re aware of this from the news?”
“Uh, sure.” I decided to change the subject. “So, is Xavier joining us?”
“Yes. He has a surprise for you. In the meantime, I thought I’d get a read on how you’re doing?”
“Without Xavier here?”
“Yes, no pressure.”
He continued to stare at me, so I added, “I’m still getting used to everything…the idea of living in Primrose Hill.” I smiled. “It’s close to the Academy, which works out great for the commute.” I could be there and home in a heartbeat—back with my boys.
James straightened in his chair. “How does it suit you? Us all being there?”
I grinned. “It suits me fine.”
He was trying to read me. “You’re okay with me staying there with you?”
