Page 56 of Mercenary Princess

A dull ache set up residence in her heart after the rapid beating finally settled. The sense of dread in the pit of her stomach wasn’t helping. “Jean Luc was the first name on that list.”

“I saw.”

Was he as protective of all the women who’d shared his bed? The fact that he worried about her at all only made things worse. Viktor had the power to rule her, and when she finally freed herself from her family, she wouldn’t be in any more position to be with him, not with her secrets. She would still be sneaking around with no good excuse. And it wasn’t as if she could tell him. Her lies weren’t her own. That was all saying he actually wanted her in his bed for more than the next week.

She’d always seen Viktor as a dark hero. He was the only man she’d ever dreamed of having a happily ever after with. It was ridiculous since she was well aware those didn’t exist, not in a world where it was so easy to trade in wives and husbands when the newness wore off.

“And now I have to use him.” That knowledge was a weight in her gut that threatened to tear her apart. Falling for him had been inevitable. She’d fallen for the fantasy aspect years ago. How could she not start to fall for the man who’d shown her just how pallid that dream version had been in comparison? It wasn’t the sex; it was the tenderness, the protectiveness. It was the way he held her.

“You don’t have to do anything,” Jen pointed out.

Sophia heaved a breath. “If he has information on Jean Luc, we need it.”

“There were a few men on that list I didn’t get a good vibe from but I wasn’t aware we should be watching. He’s already given us more than we had. I sent a copy of the names to James.

“Are you going to tell Irina and the others tonight?”

“I don’t want to wake Riot. Forde’s out, and Irina probably has her hands full with Mischa’s physical therapy. I’ll deal with it in the morning. I’m better off seeing him tonight. Finding out what other information I can get first.” Taking a deep breath, Sophia resigned herself to exploiting the advantage they’d been given.

“You’re sure?”

“I have the element of surprise and righteous indignation on my side since he cornered me tonight. It’ll be easier to stay on the offense.” Plus, she wouldn’t sleep until she knew what Viktor had on Jean Luc. It had nothing to do with wanting to see him. “Let’s go. It’s late, and you will need sleep at some point.”

“We’re still heading back tomorrow night?”

Sophia nodded while Jen appeared to be pondering something.

“There’s something else.”

Dread tensed Sophia’s shoulders. “What?”

“The jammer he used was the same model as ours.”

Sophia had already guessed as much. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

Sophia ran a hand through her hair. “Now we know why we didn’t get anything from his feeds. He had safeguards in place.”

“That would make sense.”

If that was the case, then he knew they tried to get his information. Why hadn’t he said anything? She’d had every right to use her own deceptive tactics, considering the ones he’d implemented to get her to his home, but still, he should have taken offense.

“He used it tonight on purpose.” He’d wanted her to know.

---