London’s smile widens. “That sounds amazing.”
“It was, and every birthday, she’d make us a cake. Each year, she’d try to be more outrageous than the last…”
The words pour out of me in a rush.
Half an hour later, London’s eyes are growing heavy. I wait until her eyes drift shut before I pull the covers up to her chin. Then, I kiss her forehead and sneak out of the room.
Katia is waiting for me outside the study.
She follows me inside and shuts the door behind her. “We’re no closer to finding out who orchestrated the car crash.”
I stare daggers at her. “That’s disappointing. Maybe I should look into finding a new assassin.”
Katia stiffens. “I know I showed a lapse in judgment, but I figured she’d be safer if I were with her.”
“You almost got her killed.”
A muscle works in Katia’s jaw. “I know.”
“Find out who was behind the attack. I want them bound, gagged, and in front of me.”
Katia presses her lips together and nods.
I step behind my desk and wave her away. “I have work to do. Next time, you’d better have good news for me.”
Chapter Eight
London
I stare at the tiny particles of light dancing on the hardwood floors. Slowly, I raise the cup to my lips.
Katia is standing near the window, half-turned away from me.
She turns when I approach, and her dark eyes survey me quickly. “Coffee break is over. Time to go.”
I frown. “Can’t I go for a walk or something? The weather is nice.”
Katia purses her lips. “Not now.”
I open my mouth to protest, and Katia’s arm darts out. She pulls me behind her, and a second later, Jack Payne walks into the kitchen. He opens a cupboard and takes out a mug. When he sees us, his expression tightens. I hold myself still as his face darkens.
A chill races up my spine as he studies me, and Katia shifts so she’s almost obscuring me.
Without looking away, Jack pours himself a coffee. “Such a waste.”
Katia stiffens. “Is there anything I can do for you, sir?”
Jack arches a brow in her direction. “You’re busy playing babysitter. When you’re done wasting your time, come and find me.”
In one quick gulp, he downs his drink.
He casts another look over his shoulder, but I remain rooted to the spot until his footsteps recede. Once they do, my shoulders sag, and I exhale. My legs still feel unsteady as Katia moves away and closes her fingers around my wrist. I don’t protest as she drags me out of the living room and toward the stairs.
Katia glances from the unmade bed to me.
Finally, she releases my wrist and scowls.
I step into the room and turn to face her, but she’s melted into the shadows. Reluctantly, I let the door click shut and turn back around, the silence of the room closing in around me. Frowning, I cross over to the nightstand and yank the first drawer open.
