The silence on the other end of the line gives me hope. Then she sighs. “I’m keeping things professional. I’m making a show of being a highly efficient and effective estate manager, and I’m hoping to build his trust.”
“And how’s that going?”
“I thought I knew what to expect, but that man is as slimy as an eel dipped in oil,” she admits. “Even when hesays something seemingly innocent, it feels like a trap, and I’m having to consider my every word and reaction. I’m probably overthinking everything, but it’s exhausting.”
I take a gulp of coffee. Being overcautious is good. “Have you seen much of him? Do you know how long he’s planning on being there?”
“Only a couple of days, he said. And no, I haven’t seen him since Barrett left yesterday. He’s busy getting things ready. And secure,” she says with extra emphasis. “He’s making sure you can’t get in again.”
“Fuck him,” I say. “I need to see you, Viper. I’m in town right now if you want to take a trip out. We wouldn’t have to speak.” I’m too tired to pretend I have any self-control or dignity when it comes to this woman. “I just want to lay eyes on you.”
I hear her gulp back the lump lodged in her throat. “Reid, you know we can’t,” she says. “I’ve seen the way you look at me. You’d give us away in a heartbeat.”
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too,” she admits. “But please don’t worry about me. Jason’s here. I’m not completely alone.”
“You mean the guy who was oblivious to you screaming my name the other night?” I try to smile. “That guy?”
Her laugh is more of a groan. She’s thinking about that kitchen table, I just know it.
“I’d told him to keep out of my way then,” she says. “But Jason knows I’m not happy with Ilya around. He’s got my back. I’m good.”
She’s almost convincing, but her words fade at the last.
“Quinn, I know you want to see this through, and I admire you for giving it your best shot, but if you don’t feel safe, or you suspect your identity has been compromised, then you get out of there. And if you can’t get out, you callme, and I’ll burn a trail through Ilya’s security to get to you. I promise.”
“Good to know, but while you’re busy shopping for missile launchers, I’ll be doing nothing more dangerous than playing with my spreadsheets. I’ll be careful.”
“OK,” I say even though it kills me. “All I ask is that you keep the lines of communication open. Not knowing what’s going on is driving me crazy.”
Quinn doesn’t answer straight away. “I’m sorry,” she whispers. “And I’ll let you know as soon as he’s gone.”
Chapter 16
Quinn
As I head towards the murmur of voices in the kitchen, the rapid-fire tap of a knife hitting the chopping board sets my teeth on edge. Whatever Ilya’s chef is slicing through offers no resistance to the honed edge of stainless steel. I make a mental list of all the other kitchen implements that have a dual purpose in case I need to defend myself.
I’m relieved to recognize one voice. Jason. But he’s the only friend I spot in a sea of faces that all turn in my direction as I enter the kitchen. I’d let Ilya’s chef into the house earlier, but the main man had arrived while I was upstairs getting changed, and he’s brought along two of the scariest looking men I’ve ever seen. They’re sitting around the kitchen table.
“Quinn,” Ilya exclaims. “Beautiful as always.”
I give him a forced smile. I’m wearing another pant suit and a high-necked jersey top, carefully chosen to offer full coverage. It’s the only armor I have right now. I’m going to hate every minute of this, but at least if there are more people joining us for dinner, it’s going to feel lesslike an interrogation. The knot in my stomach loosens a notch.
“The food smells delicious,” I reply, giving an appreciative nod to the chef. I feel sick.
“It should be ready soon, if you’d care to join us,” Ilya says, gesturing to the seat directly opposite him.
I glance at Jason, who’s leaning against one of the counters, and he arches an eyebrow. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels weirded out by the fact that Ilya’s treating me like the guest. As I go to take my seat, one of Ilya’s men, the one with the most scars, stands and pulls out my chair for me.
I sit down, and he leans in. “I hope you enjoy your evening, Miss Jamieson.”
My eyes snap to his colleague, who’s also standing. “You’re not staying?”
The man behind me chuckles. “Ilya has kindly given us the night off. We’re heading to a bar Jason recommended.”
“You’ll have a great time, Mikhail” Jason says jovially. “Tell Conor behind the bar I sent you, and he’ll see you alright.”
