“You helped Sofia get out,” I burst in, somehow knowing that he had, intrinsically aware that he’d go the extra mile for this random woman he’d never met in person.
Because as much as Stan was capable of evil, he was also a good guy, and that tugged on my heartstrings. The contradiction both fascinated and bewildered but never failed to reel me in.
His brows lifted at my guess. “How do you figure that?”
“It’s the type of man you are.”
He didn’t look like he believed me but hell, his actions did the talking here, not me. “I asked Taube to get her out,” he explained. “Which she did. She planted bones. Made it look like she was murdered.”
“Oh, crap!”
“Anyway, we had a meeting recently, between factions, and the head of the Russians approached me about SofiaTh3Gr8. She’s in Poughkeepsie of all places. She wants to see me.”
I straightened. “You weren’t in a romantic relationship with her, were you?”
“No.” His expression shifted and he pulled a face. “I guess it’s time I told you about the Anjou rubies.”
When he went on to explain how their bloodline was from a now-defunct royal household, and how they had a family curse tied to said bloodline, I gawked at him.
“So, you’re a prince?”
“That do it for you?” His brows waggled, paused mid-waggle, then his face fell. “When did you say the doctor’s visiting?”
“Tomorrow. Which you’d know if you’d listened earlier!”
He shot me a sheepish smile. “Tomorrow.”
“I can do?—”
“No.”
“A doctor’s opinion means more than mine, huh? Technically, it’s none of your business?—”
“You are my business. I’m not about to jeopardize one hair on your head,duci.” His voice turned into a low rumble. “You’ll only know pleasure with me.”
I licked my lips. “That a promise?”
He studied my mouth. “That’s a vow.”
Because Iwasfeeling better, I leaned into him.
“Liunissa,” he groaned.
“Yes, Stan?”
“I recognize that smirk.” His eyes dropped to my hands when they settled on his knees. I used them to stabilize myself as I twisted onto his lap while his came to rest on my hips. “You’re a tease. Why does that come as a surprise?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s almost like I haven’t been giving you clues for the past couple weeks.”
He barked out a laugh and the sound was so young, so free, that I knew I wanted to hear that laugh over and over again.
Thiswas Stan.
This was who he should have been.
Not a man who discussed Russian Mob politics over pasta. But one who worked for the greater good, who crafted medications for those in need.
Sadness might have filled me, but it was at that moment that I took the burden of his soul on my shoulders.
