Page 64 of Fortress of the Heart

“Yes, you can use my office,” I tell her, because I know it has to be done so we don’t rouse suspicion. “But you’ll understand I can’t leave you alone to do that.”

She nods, strangely compliant. It has me on edge.

“I also need to call that guy … um Vlad,” she says, biting her lip.

I glance up from my plate.

Even the way she says his name is laced with resentment.What is it with these two?

My gut tells me none of it is good.

“Why do you need to phone him?”

“Because everyone will be getting suspicious. I’m supposed to be on vacation by myself in Europe.”

“By yourself?” I raise an eyebrow.

“I needed some time away,” she tells me.

Somehow, I figure there’s more to it than that, but I certainly don’t push the issue for the moment. I will get to the bottom of it. The more we know going forward, the better.

I urge her to tuck into the fettuccini, it smells absolutely divine. Once again, we eat in silence and, occasionally, our eyes meet but it’s strangely companionable.

“You have an amazing chef,” she says eventually.

I actually like watching her savor the food and enjoying the wine. I haven’t dined with anyone like this in a while.

“He’s the best. I would seriously be lost without him.”

“You have an amazing home,” she tells me, resting her knife and fork down. “I mean, if I weren’t a prisoner in it, that is, then it would be amazing.”

I rest my cutlery down too. “Katiya, you know this is for your own good.”

She swallows hard. Something flashes in her eyes, then she says, “Are you going to use me to get to my father and uncle?”

I shake my head. “I would never do something like that.”

“No? But your brother would.”

“It serves nobody to think or act like that, my brother may be many things, but he would never throw you to the wolves.”

She frowns. “Those wolves are my family.”

I tip my glass to her. “Exactly my point.”

Her eyes assess me as she takes in my words.

To my surprise, I see none of that fire, and she doesn’t fight me on it.

This woman is a conundrum, one I cannot fathom, but I can’t escape the feeling that I’ve actually had an enjoyable evening.

Even more remarkable, she got me out of my mood.

That’s a miracle in itself.

13

MARCO

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