Page 46 of Emerald

None of these things should mix.

Ivan is watching my face, trying to guess the thoughts that are spinning around and around in my head.

He has a hesitant, almost hopeful expression.

Does he want to ask me to come with him today?

Does he think because we were strategizing last night, that means I’m on his team now?

No. That’s not happening. I’m not on any team.

I sit back in my chair, putting a little more space between Ivan and me. I add a splash of cream to my coffee and stir it, keeping my eyes on the mug so I don’t have to look at the gorgeous man sitting across from me.

“Well, good luck today,” I tell him, trying to keep my voice casual. “Don’t get yourself killed. But if you do, maybe make it look like I did it. I could still get my bonus.”

“I’ll do my best,” Ivan says.

His tone is light. Still, I hear the edge of disappointment. He’s not asking for my help because he already knows I’ll say no.

He finishes the glass of water in front of his plate. He’s eaten a little bacon, but not much else. He’s keyed up. Anxious about the day ahead of him.

“I’ll see you later, then,” he says.

“Right.”

I glance around the sitting room, which is stuffed with bookshelves. So many that I would think this was the library, if I hadn’t already seen the one out in the hall.

“You have any books in English?” I ask him. “I don’t read Cyrillic very well.”

I can read it, but it’s not as relaxing for me.

“Yes,” Ivan says. “Over on that shelf.”

He points to the bookcase on the left-hand side of the fireplace, stuffed with a mixture of paperbacks and hardcovers.

“Read anything you like,” Ivan says.

“Thanks,” I say. “Well. See you.”

Ivan nods. He seems like he wants to say something else to me, but he doesn’t actually open his mouth. He just stands there looking me over from the crown of my head to the tip of my toes. His eyes are so dark and stern that his look has the same effect on me as if he were running his rough, strong hands over every inch of me.

I want to say something else to him myself. What, precisely, I have no idea.

Maybe,I’ve never met anyone quite like you.

Maybe,Can you please explain this insane effect you’re having on me?

Maybe,Don’t go. Stay here with me.

Instead, I just say, “Ivan. Seriously—be careful.”

He nods, his broad jaw firmly set.

“I will,” he says.

And then he’s gone.

I watch out the window. I see his men gathering in the yard, and then, a short time later, Ivan joining them. They get into three separate unmarked SUVs and drive through the tall stone pillars, away from the compound. The iron gates close behind them.

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