"Send a site manager," she says, studying me. "Send Ivan. Why me?"
"Because it needs to be official," I say. "Your signature authorizes the retrofit. And..." I pause, choosing my words carefully. "It sends a message. It shows the city that Blackwood Shipping is expanding. That we’re strong."
"And you?" she asks. "Are you coming with me?"
"I can't," I say. "I have the secure call with the suppliers at nine. I have to confirm the numbers, or the deal falls through. I’m sorry. I have to be here."
She steps back slightly, crossing her arms over her chest. The playfulness is gone.
"So you’re sending me alone?"
"I’m sending you with Lev," I say. "And a full detail. You’ll be in the Sentinel."
Helena squints, "The Sentinel? Do I even want to know…"
“It’s a tank.”
She freezes. Her eyes widen slightly. She must remember the car from the garage. The massive, blacked-out beast that sits apart from the other luxury cars.
"Since when do we use the armored transport for a warehouse inspection?" she asks, voice sharp.
"Since we started winning," I say.
"That car is a tank, Konstantin," she says, stepping closer. "Is there something you aren't telling me? Is there a threat?"
"There’s always a threat," I say, stepping closer, forcing my way into her space so she has to look up at me. "We are at war, and I don't take chances with my assets."
"Is that what I am?" she challenges. "An asset?"
"You are the only asset that matters," I say.
I cup her face, my thumbs tracing her cheekbones. I need her to stop asking questions. I need her to trust me, even though I’m lying to her face.
"Do this for me," I say. "Go to the Depot. Keep your head down. Let Lev handle the perimeter."
She searches my eyes. She’s looking for the lie. But she sees the intensity there, the raw need to keep her safe.
"Fine," she whispers. "I'll go."
I slide my hand down her throat, and her pulse jumps.
"One rule," I say. "You stay inside the vehicle until you are through the Depot gates. I don't care if there’s traffic or if the engine stalls. You don’t step out onto the street. You let Lev handle the road."
"I'm not going to jump out in moving traffic, Konstantin," she says, rolling her eyes slightly.
"Good," I say, gripping her chin gently. "Keep the doors locked. Keep the world out."
"Understood," she whispers.
I lean down, brushing my lips against her ear. "You are mine. I protect what’s mine."
I don't tell her about the Italians. She already knows they’re out there; she knows her father sold them the key. If I tell her the truth about the odds, she’ll freeze. She needs to walk into that Depot with her head high.
I sweep her up into my arms. She wraps her legs around me instantly, reclaiming her perch from earlier.
I carry her to the bed and toss her down, covering her body with mine.
I kiss her hard, tongue pushing into her mouth. My hands shove my shirt up and off her. The second she’s naked, I spread her legs and push inside her in one rough stroke.
