Page 38 of Hidden Attraction

Chase turned to Thorne. “Commander, if you can spare Rezvan for a short time…?”

He waved a hand in what was meant as a gracious gesture, but Chase picked up the terse nature of it.

“Then we’re ready. Shall we?” Chase touched Alyssa’s elbow, and she glided forward.

“Ambassador, this way, yes?” Rezvan clutched his hands in front of him in a reverent manner. There was a cultural modesty about the man, but something about it felt off.

He was being too careful.

They took their leave of the commander. Outside, Rezvan led them to a car small enough to get into the tightest corners of the old city. After Alyssa took the front with Chase in the back where he could watch the man better, Rezvan started the engine.

“I will guide you around the city another day. I’ll take you back to your accommodations.”

Alyssa turned her head to look at Chase.

He flicked his eyes to the back of Lieutenant Rezvan’s head, hoping to probe it for answers. “Is there any reason in particular why you want to show us around the city at a later time, Rezvan?”

“No time today, sir.”

“I see. That’s fine. We appreciate the ride.”

Chase could see Alyssa nibbling at her lips as if trying not to blurt anything out. But she clearly wanted to question the man.

Chase gave him directions to a spot a block away from the safehouse, and Rezvan pulled off the street to let them out.

Before Alyssa closed the door, she peered in at the man. “We look forward to seeing you again.”

“Another day. Another day.”

As soon as the doors shut, he shot into traffic, leaving Chase and Alyssa staring at the back of the car.

“What was that about?” she whispered.

He felt the prickle of awareness that always came with a threat—something he never ignored.

With a sideways glance at the street, he pressed Alyssa against the wall of the building, cloaking her body fully with his.

Her chest heaved. “Julian!”

“Play along.” He nuzzled her lips but kept his head angled toward the street, scanning, waiting.

Her lips moved softly against his. “Are we in danger?”

“I don’t know yet. Something feels off.”

She clamped her fingers on his side, and he felt a small shudder roll through her.

Several more heartbeats ticked by, and his sixth sense relaxed.

Chase took her by the arm. “We need to get off the street.”

Her eyes flared, the depths blazing with worry as she allowed him to guide her to the alley.

They slipped into the cooler shadows, passing several doors that led to various businesses, which was a good cover for the place they were staying.

But he didn’t stop at the door of the safehouse either.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

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