She picks up the USB drive, turns it over in her palm. “What if I get caught?”
“Don’t get caught.”
“That’s not helpful.”
“It’s the only advice that matters.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, studying the device. Then she looks up at me with those eyes that are too trusting for someone in her position.
“How long do I have to do this?”
“Until we find who we’re looking for.”
“And then?”
“Then we eliminate the threat.”
She flinches at the word “eliminate,” but doesn’t ask for clarification. Clever girl. She’s learning.
“I have some… requests,” she says finally.
Lev snorts. “Requests? Little rabbit thinks she’s in a position to negotiate.”
“What requests?” I ask, ignoring him.
“I want to cook my own meals sometimes. Not just takeout.” Her voice gets stronger as she talks. “And I want to bring some of my herbs from my balcony. If I’m going to be staying here—”
“You are staying here.”
“—then I want something that feels like… like me.”
The vulnerability in her voice does something to my chest that I don’t like.
“Fine. Boris will get your plants.”
“I can cook,” she adds quickly. “I’m actually pretty good at it. Better than Chinese takeout, anyway.”
Lev perks up. “Home cooking? I haven’t had a decent meal in months.”
“Don’t get any ideas,” I tell him.
“What ideas? I’m just saying, if the little rabbit wants to cook—”
“She’s not cooking for you.”
“Why not? We’re all staying here, right? Might as well eat well.”
Something dark and possessive coils in my belly. The idea of Mary cooking for my men, taking care of them, being their little domestic goddess—
“No.”
“Come on, boss. Don’t be selfish. Share the wealth.”
I stand up fast enough that my chair scrapes against the floor. “Everyone out.”
Boris blinks. “Boss?”
“Out. Now.”
