Page 60 of Finders Keep Her
"Since when?" He wouldn't tell this Bruce handler all this.
"Those orders are long-lived, and this is the first time his ass has left Russia in years. I didn’t tell the handler anything."
“I didn’t ask.”
“But you thought it.”
I shrug. I didn’t think he would, but all of this can be out of my scope. I know how to lie low and keep myself off the radar or set small traps that Z has taught me.
I never gave a shit about knowing about the ins and outs of the tech world, but things have changed. I’m on new ground and can’t afford to lose my footing. "I get it." Z's hand comes down on my shoulder. "Fucking messes with your head."
"You get used to it." War tries to reassure us or maybe himself. "Parents are here."
"What?" I stand too, as War comes around his desk.
"Wasn't me." Z holds his hands up.
They come back to the farm every now and then but have been traveling since retirement. They have a place in the city.
"How about your other half?" If it was anyone, it's Cosima. Mom and her talk most days. Both of them had pushed for a quick wedding with War and Tova, and they know Cosima and Z are solid. It was only a matter of time before their sights were set on me.
"You'd have to ask her." That confirms it for me.
I'm fine with introducing my parents to Ellie; I just don't want to overwhelm her, and I'm sure it's going to be overwhelming meeting our mom. She is very affectionate and mom-like. It will kick things up about her own mother.
“It’s better that we’re all here while there is still a threat. We can get Dad up to speed. He may have retired, but we still give him the respect of letting him know things. And maybe Mom mentioned that he’s bored.”
“It was you.” I stare down War. “You told Mom.”
“Cosima had already told her.”
“But he agreed to make sure everyone was here for dinner?” I toss back to my brother.
“You know Mom is likely already on Marks.”
“Nice save.” I head out of the office, passing Dad in the process. I don’t stop and say hi, but I hear his chuckle behind me. They’re all too excited about me having a woman. This place is turning into a henhouse, and I can’t say that I’m hating it.
Chapter Thirty
ELLIE
“Mom, stop staring at her.” Cosima laughs. Since Rochelle came whirling into this house, she hasn’t gone far from me. I’ve been peppered with compliments and questions. I don’t mind it at all. Actually, I’m finding that I’m enjoying her trying to get to know things about me because I can tell it’s genuine. It makes my heart hurt a little because she reminds me of my mom.
“I’m not staring; I was only thinking.” Rochelle picks up her champagne glass, taking a sip. Both of Ro’s parents have been very sweet. It’s hard to believe this is the Marino family that so many others fear.
They’re not scary, but one is obsessed with me and could murder a whole room of people in seconds, so not many rooms will be intimidating to me when Ronan is next to me. Right now his hand is resting on the back of my chair, his thumb stroking my back gently. His mother is on the other side of me. We just finished dinner.
“She wants you to ask what she’s thinking about,” Cosima prompts.
“Right, so, what are you thinking about?” I ask Rochelle, following Cosima's lead.
“Weddings.”
“Knew she was going to say that.” Cosima laughs. She and I are going to talk later because she led me right into this trap.
“Well, since my only daughter at the time”—Rochelle pauses, glancing at me then Tova—“went and got married without telling me anything—” She gives Cosima a pointed look before her attention comes fully back to me. “Can you believe that? My princess Cosima didn’t let me throw a grand wedding for her.”
I think she’s nudging me to let her throw me a big wedding. I have never given weddings much thought. Not sure that’s my vibe, but I don’t want to disappoint her. I could tell her that I was the one that helped Cosima run away to the country she ended up getting married in. Then she might not want to have a wedding for me.
