Page 36 of Deceptive Vows
He smiled. “I had faith you’d get out in time.”
“Did you know how old the house was? How quickly it’d go up in flames?”
He shrugged. “I knew the area, the average age of the home, and that she’d remodeled. I guess she skimped on the fire protection.”
I gripped the phone tighter, my knuckles whitening. The casual way he discussed nearly burning us alive made my blood boil. I thought of Thea’s face when I’d finally set her down outside—the way she’d pulled away and hugged herself.The trust she had in me was fragile and likely splintered. No doubt, there was a part of her that suspected I might try to do something to gain her trust, like rescuing her from a fire I might have had a hand in starting.
“Don’t tell me you’re developing feelings for her.” Marco’s voice carried a patronizing tone.
I kept my expression blank as I seethed. “I’m concerned about professionalism, trust between partners, and not getting burned—literally—by the person who hired me for security.”
“Then consider this another successfully passed test.” Marco’s smirk returned. “Now, how’s the setup for the auction coming?”
Keeping my temper in check, I replied, “The LLC has been established, and I’m working on securing the location.” The auction setup was the least of my concerns now that he’d decided to take action without informing me. Would he do it again? “Once I have access to the property, I’ll work up a detailed security plan and send it to you.”
“Good.” He leaned back, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “Has Thea begun planning for the wedding?”
I shook my head. “Nyet. She was preparingfor the holiday with her family. Now that Thanksgiving is over, I’m sure that’s where she’ll turn her attention.”
His expression darkened slightly. “Have you set a date yet? I want to know when I’ll be rid of them.”
“Nyet,” I replied smoothly. “But I’ll make sure you know as soon as I do.”
He adjusted his shirt collar. “Good.” His eyes narrowed. “Just make sure you keep your head on your shoulders. We don’t need any complications—for the auction or their extermination.”
“Da. No complications. I’ll be in touch.” I ended the call before my contempt could show. Turning to the window, I pulled out my phone and typed a quick message to Pasha about the phone call with Marco.
Once I showered and changed clothes, I took the stairs to the first level, stopping as Thea came into view, standing in front of the windows. Her reflection showed a pensive stare.
I took a breath and cleared my throat with the hope that I wouldn’t startle her. She’d been through enough.
She glanced in my direction and smiled. Though tentative, it eased someof the tension in my shoulders. I wasn’t sure what reception to expect, especially since there was plenty of distrust for her to question whether I had a part in destroying her home.
“I hope you don’t mind. I had some tea.” She gestured to the cup on the kitchen island. “I needed something to help calm my nerves. The water should still be hot if you’d like some. I don’t mind fixing you a cup.”
I moved closer, carefully maintaining enough distance so she wouldn’t feel crowded. “Spasibo. I appreciate the offer.” Even when her world was turned upside down, she was gracious. “I think I’ll have something a little stronger in a moment.” I grinned.
I felt a strong urge to ask how she was doing, but based on what I knew about her, the question would be met with deflection. Instead, silence filled the space as we shared a view of the city.
She turned back to the window, wrapping her arms around herself. “It’s strange. I’ve spent so many nights looking at this city from different angles—alleys, doorways, fire escapes. I never get tired of it.”
The casual mention of her time on the streets made something in my chest tighten. I wanted tostep closer, pull her to me, and offer comfort, but it’d been a long day, and I didn’t want to cause her more distress. I felt like I needed to regain her trust after Marco’s stunt. As someone who’d learned early that trust could be a weapon, she wouldn’t give it easily.
“The view in New York is spectacular. I’ve spent many nights watching the city. It helps me think,” I said. “Sometimes maybe too much.”
“Oh? What might you be thinking about tonight?” Her voice was soft as she continued to stare out the window.
I faced her and leaned my shoulder against the window. “I spoke to Marco. Apparently, he thought it’d help you to trust me more if I rescued you from a fire.”
She gave a tight laugh. “Ah.”
“He didn’t seem all that concerned that I could have been a casualty as well.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I’m not sure how he expects me to finish his job if I’m dead.”
Shaking her head, she exhaled. “You’d think he’d be smart enough to avoid starting a war with the Russian mafia.”
I so enjoyed her wit. “You think there’dbe a war?” I teased.
Thea angled herself toward me. “I don’t have to know you and Pasha well to know your Pakhan would salt the earth with the Morettis if they killed you.”
