“That went about as well as we expected,” Mikhail said.
“Can we trust him?”Ivan asked.
“Not as far as we could kick him,” Edwina said.“He sounded like a slimeball.I didn’t like his manner.”
Ivan drummed his fingers on the tabletop.“What will you do with Clarice?Now that she has played her part, she’s not safe.He doesn’t need her any longer.”
“Wait until we know something more,” Edwina said.“Once you have her son and they’re reunited, you can decide where to send her.”
Gregory stared at Edwina.“Don’t you want to scratch out her eyes?”
“I don’t like it, but she was trying to protect her son.I doubt we’ll ever be friends, but I can empathize with her.”
Gregory turned to Mikhail.“You lucked out, my friend.”
Mikhail caught Edwina’s gaze, his smile full of satisfaction.“I did.”
13
Duringtheirdrivetomeet Smirnoff, Mikhail worried about everything that might go wrong.He glanced at Edwina, his gaze drifting to their linked hands.He couldn’t believe he’d claimed this remarkable woman as his wife.His perfect partner.Not once had she complained about her needs and wants when most women might remain bitter at having their dreams wrested from them.Instead, she’d tried to help him with his problems.She’d given him so much, and he…
He should’ve talked her out of attending this meeting.It was a dangerous move, and Smirnoff would have his team standing by, hoping to gain the upper hand.
According to rumor, Smirnoff wanted Mikhail’s help so his life wasn’t in danger.But Edwina wasn’t necessary to the crime boss, and Smirnoff wouldn’t think twice about ordering his men to get rid of her.If someone hurt Edwina, Mikhail would struggle to control his tiger.
“Will you stay in the car?”Mikhail tried again.
“No, my presence will give you an advantage.He won’t expect a woman at the meeting.”
Gregory snorted.“Smirnoff believes women are only necessary in the kitchen and the bedroom.”
Edwina’s plump lips made a moue of distaste.“He should tell my grandmother that.She’d take great pleasure in puncturing his ego.I promise to stay in the background and will sit at another table.He might not even realize I’m your wife, and if he does, tell him your plans changed at the last minute, and you need to drop me at your house in the city.You have one of those, right?He won’t realize I can eavesdrop.Besides, if Smirnoff sticks to his word, you might need me to calm the boy.If you have to deal with him, it will split your focus.”
“A compelling argument,” Ivan said.“The boy will respond better to a woman.”
“You hope,” Edwina said dryly.“I’m used to small children, and they can be difficult.”
“All right,” Mikhail said.“Although if something happens to you, I will spank you myself for talking me into this damn fool plan.”
Edwina flashed him a warning glance.“You could try.”
Mikhail released a feline growl, and Edwina grinned as she slid from the vehicle.Early days yet, but she thought she’d enjoy marriage.He’d softened toward her, although the future was murky.A twang of pain darted through her chest, and she pushed her unwelcome thoughts away.She’d deal with the future once Mikhail straightened out this mess.Then, they’d focus on their relationship.That she’d marked him, she ignored.Claiming Mikhail was a mess she’d need to sort out by herself.
The cafe was quiet when they entered, with only four customers.Mikhail scanned the room and escorted Edwina to a table by the window while she inhaled in pleasure, savoring the sweet scent of chocolate and caramel.Their gazes met in silent communication, and she gave an imperceptible nod of approval.Sitting here would give her a view of the area outside the cafe, plus she was close enough to the private rear booth where Mikhail intended to conduct the meeting.From here, with her feline senses, she should pick up most of the conversation, even if Mikhail and Smirnoff weren’t visible.
Mikhail left her alone and retreated to the booth with Ivan.Gregory had stayed with the vehicle and was watching the street.He’d call Mikhail once Smirnoff arrived and be ready for a quick getaway when required.
“Maybe I should’ve brought more men with me,” Mikhail said.
“We discussed this,” Ivan said.“This is a public place.More men would draw attention.We don’t want law enforcement to turn up because we can’t trust that Smirnoff hasn’t bought them off.Each of us can handle ourselves.Trust in us, and we’ll get through this meeting.”
A brief period of silence ensued, then Edwina heard a faint murmur that she struggled to discern, before a waitress wearing a black dress and frilly white apron approached her table.
She spoke in the local language, and Edwina frowned.“I’m sorry, but do you speak English?”
“Da,” the woman said, her pen poised and dark-brown eyes intent beneath straight bangs.“What can I get you?”She smelled of sugar and spices.
“A pot of tea, please, and something sweet to eat.What would you recommend?”
