“You have that much faith in Maxim’s name as protection?” She couldn’t honestly be that naïve.
“I’m much more valuable alive than dead. Anyone looking to hurt Maxim knows that.”
“What about those who don’t know Maxim and are just looking for a payday? Those who don’t care who they hurt?”
Zoe didn’t have a ready comeback, which meant his words were actually sinking in.
“You can’t be so reckless with your life.”
“Is that really what you think? I’m reckless?” Her eyes widened in shock.
There was no point lying. He’d already said the words. “I do.”
“You don’t know the first thing about me, Logan Parker.”
Greg hated hearing his fake name on her tongue. He wanted to hear her say his real name, but that would never happen. Not without risking telling her that he’d lied about who he was and why. He couldn’t do that. It would jeopardize the whole mission.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not concerned about your safety.”
“Why, because it’s your job?” Zoe rolled her eyes, not looking impressed by his chivalry.
“Something like that.” It was the closest he was willing to admit to the truth. Greg shouldn’t have been attracted to her, but he was.She was snarky and prickly as a cactus, but he liked her. He liked her spirit and that she didn’t back down from a challenge.His teammates would shake their heads at him. Being attracted to the enemy.
“Don’t worry about me, big boy. I can take care of myself.”
“I have no doubt that you are capable of taking care of yourself, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a man who could have your back.”
“And let me guess, you think that man is you.” She batted her eyelashes and clutched her hands to her heart. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Ouch. When she said it like that, it sounded like a bad thing. It was then he realized why she was so prickly. “Who was he?”
“Who was who?” she asked in a droll tone.
“The man who broke your heart.”
It was like watching a veil come over Zoe’s eyes, and she closed off all emotions. He should have kept his mouth shut. She had seemed to be warming to him and now he’d just pissed her off.
“Couldn’t find anything you liked earlier?” he asked, changing the topic.
“Huh?”
“The clothing store.”
“Oh, no.” Only because she wasn’t there to buy clothes. “Pull in here.” She pointed to a parking garage. “Park at the top level.”
Greg did as instructed. A black SUV was already parked there and waiting for them. The back doors were open, and a guard stood on either side of them. Greg pulled into a spot directly across from it and parked. Greg didn’t like feeling so exposed. The rooftop was open to several buildings around them. A sniper could be hiding and waiting.
“Want me to wait here again?” Greg didn’t really want to leave her. Once she was at the back of the SUV, he would never know if she needed help or not.
“No, you can come. Just keep your mouth shut.” She gave him a stern warning.
“Will do.” Greg got out and joined Zoe as they crossed the parking lot.
A man about Maxim’s age slid out of the backseat wearing a white silk suit and white fedora hat with a dark brown band around it. A large gold watch decorated his left wrist along with several gold rings on different fingers. Zoe stuttered to a halt when the man tilted his hat back and they got a good look at him. “Zoe,” he purred her name like a lover. Greg wanted to pull her away but didn’t want to jeopardize his position or their lives. The slightest misstep could end in a shootout. He just had to keep his mouth shut and let this play out.
“Mr.Popov, what an unexpected surprise.” She held out her hand, and he clasped it in his two before bowing over and kissing the back of it.
Chapter 7
