Page 72 of Wrapped in Perfection

I slide my hand in my jacket and pull out the Russian pocket knife my father gave me on my eighteenth birthday. "Yes."

She touches the stainless steel. "Am I correct that if you had to slit a man's throat with this, you would know how to? You would not hesitate?"

My blood pounds harder in my veins and my chest tightens. "Yes. You are correct."

She runs her hand on the side of my head and nods. "Okay. You will take the cab. I get the car. Viktor will watch over me."

"You don't seem surprised at my revelation."

"No."

"You don't want to run from me?"

"No. You are a dangerous man. I already know this. Thank you for being honest. But do you think Viktor could smile so he doesn't scare Harper?"

I can't help the grin forming on my face. "I'm not sure he's ever smiled before."

She softly laughs then leans into my lips. "I have a more important question."

"What's that?"

"My project is over. Am I going back to Chase's or staying with you tonight?"

I push my hand through her hair. "I want you with me. But it's your choice. Do you want to stay?"

Please say yes.

"Mmm. If I stay, how are you going to kiss me?"

I don't hesitate and slide my tongue in her mouth so fast, she gasps then repositions her body on mine. She gives it back to me as good as I'm giving it to her while circling her hips on my lap until my erection is rock hard.

The car stops. She pulls back and breathlessly says, "Okay. I'll stay."

I squeeze her ass. "You're evil to leave me like this, kotik."

She bites on her lip, and I kiss her on the forehead. I move her off my lap, get out, then escort her into the restaurant. Harper is already waiting. Anna introduces us, and I stay with them until the hostess says their table is ready.

I'm not far from Chase's office building, so I walk the few blocks. The fall air feels good, cooling off the heat created by Anna and the conversation I was nervous about having with her.

She handled it better than I could have wished. And I didn't expect her to ask about my weapons. But she's smart, so I shouldn't underestimate what she might think about me.

Maybe I should tell her.

I can't. It's too much.

I'm so lost in my thoughts, I almost miss Chase's building. Security rings his office. I half expect him to turn me away with some excuse, since I don't have an appointment, but I also don't think he's stupid.

Security hands me a badge, gives me directions to his office, and I hop on the elevator. It opens on the twentieth floor, and I go down several hallways until I'm in front of the correct suite.

As soon as I get inside, I'm escorted to Chase's private office. He's standing with his hands in his pockets, staring outside the window overlooking the river. "Proper etiquette is to schedule an appointment."

"I believe we threw protocol out when you didn't send me the information I requested."

He spins and scowls. "Is my sister coming back soon?"

"That's her choice. She isn't my hostage."

"No? Kind of feels that way."

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