Page 87 of Goodnight, Sinners

“It’s beautiful.” Her voice was hushed. “Do you want me to put it on?”

He nodded.You are lovely as you are, but I think this will make the statement that I am in the company of a beautiful, intelligent doctor and if anyone touches me, you will cut them.

Shaun burst into laughter and hugged the fabric against her chest. “Where should I change?”

Here is fine, I will make sure no one comes up the ramp.

Jozef went to stand in front of the door, blocking the view of Shaun as she changed. Suspecting he’d bought her a complete outfit, she dug through the other bags until she found shoes. She chose a pair of matching soft purple heels.

She changed quickly, ducked into the bathroom, and patted down her hair, which made absolutely no difference, then met Jozef at the door. As she looked at the tarmac, she caught sight of several cars, all black with tinted windows.

“Are those for us?”

Yes, they will be our escort to the palace and our bodyguards to a nearby town.Jozef must’ve caught her worried look. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her before signing,they’re here for our protection. We are assets and we are in Bratva territory. If anything were to happen to us here, it would be an embarrassment to the organization.

She shuddered, the old feeling of being out of her depth creeping back over her like an icy blanket. She hated that feeling. She was no longer balancing between two worlds. She had chosen which side she was on, and her choice was to be wherever Jozef was.

She slid her hand into his and squeezed, giving him the best smile she could manage. “I trust you.”

His gaze softened for a split second before hardening to his usual unreadable expression. It was time to put on his business face.

As they walked down the ramp, Shaun teased, “Of all the places I’d imagined our honeymoon to be, this wasn’t one of them.”

Jozef’s face was set in serious lines, but his eyes danced for her. He dropped her hand so he could sign to her.When we have our honeymoon, you will know it. This is business.He seemed to think about it and then signed,although you should reserve judgment until you see the palace. You might think this is a relaxing holiday before we’re through.

Somehow Shaun doubted it, but she appreciated his attempt to ease some of her tension.

Jozef was correct about the palace. It was the most spectacular building Shaun had ever set eyes on. Though Canada was a relatively young country compared to most European countries, there was some beautiful architecture in Montreal. Nothing could compare to the palace, though. It was a step out of time and reality. With its blue spires, stained glass domes and white painted brick walls, it looked like it should drift in the clouds somewhere.

“How much do you suppose a place like this would run?” Shaun asked, taking Jozef’s hand as he reached to help her from the car. “For a summer home, I mean.”

Jozef chuckled.I am a wealthy man now and I would happily set the world at your feet.He shook his head.But this place? It would take more than my current fortune.

Shaun shrugged.I prefer a cottage in the countryside anyway.

That is why I love you, my beautiful wife.

That’s the only thing?She arched a brow at him.

He seemed to think about it.What else is there?

She laughed and smacked his bicep before sliding her hand across his arm and allowing him to escort her inside.

Though the palace was indescribably beautiful, it held a chilly feeling to it that Shaun couldn’t shake as they were shown through the corridors to the guest wing.

The suite that they would call home for the five days they would be in Russia put the Koba mansion to shame. It gave opulent a new name.

Shaun slid her hand across a marble column inlaid with gold, speculating that she probably didn’t need to ask if it was genuine gold. She shook her head as she imagined the many uses the money that had gone into decorating the mansion could have gone to. With the columns alone, Doctors Without Borders could say goodbye to their funding problems.

She followed Jozef and their footman into the bedroom where their luggage was being dropped off.

Jozef was handing the footman some cash, then he handed over his phone, placing it in the footman's palm.

Give him your phone, Jozef told her.

She frowned and reached into her purse. Jozef had warned her on the airplane that she would have to give up her connection to the outside world. The official stance of the palace was that it was a vacation home and phones would interfere with the ambience. Of course, Shaun didn’t believe that for a minute.

Her heart beat a little faster as she gave up her symbol of independence, her ability to call for help, her connection to the people she loved. Honestly, she told herself, it was silly to get so worked up. If the Bratva intended to kill them inside the walls of the palace, they wouldn’t be given the opportunity of calling for help.

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