Page 32 of Protective Phlox

Dimitri laughed. “No, I don’t, but maybe I should learn.”

“I’ll teach you,” Cutter offered.

“Where the hell did you get this kid, Nathaniel? No kid of yours could be that smart,” Ronan said, and I glared at him. I recognized him from FBI surveillance images. He was Nathan’s oldest brother and, from what I’d learned, a real asshole.

“You’re just jealous that a four-year-old is smarter than you are,” Titus said. Ronan scoffed, but I was happy he jumped in before Nathan got riled up.

“Agent Freeborn, we meet again,” Dimitri said, and the happiness that had been surrounding Nathan was gone in a blink.

“Mikhailov,” Nathan growled.

“Yes, of course. That’s what I meant.” He didn’t shake my hand before he turned and walked away. I tugged on Nathan and mouthed that it was okay.

“I’ll introduce you to everyone. You know my mom, Helena. That is Ronan and his girlfriend Renee. You’ve met Titus, and beside him is his fiancé, Vera, and my cousin, Aaron.” I waved at everyone. It was apparent who was fine with me being here and who wasn’t, as four smiled and three scowled at me.

“Nice to meet you,” I said.

“Well, come sit down. We’ve waited long enough to eat,” Dimitri ordered, and I understood what Helena had meant. Everything he said sounded like he was talking down to Nathan or was disgusted with him. I couldn’t imagine him treated like this his entire life.

I sat down beside Helena, who gave me a warm smile and squeezed my hand. Cutter sat between me and Nathan, but he’d pushed the chairs close enough that his arm was draped on the back of mine.

Dimitri signaled, and servers walked in with trays filled with food. There was no way I’d ever been at a more awkward meal. No one spoke except for Cutter, who was busy asking Nathan what everything was and how to say it in Russian as it was placed on his plate. I managed to get two mouthfuls down before Dimitri turned his attention to me again.

“We should talk, Savannah. I would be very interested to know the names and locations of those you worked with,” he said, and I froze as I looked at him.

“You would like me to give up the names and locations of all the FBI agents I know?”

“Only those who are poking around undercover,” he said, taking a bite of the rib-eye steak he was eating.

“No, I’m sorry, I can’t do that.”

If it was possible, the room grew quieter. “Are you refusing me?”

I nodded. “Yes, I am. What you’re asking will endanger countless agents and their families. I won’t do that. Just as I didn’t reveal anything of your family to the FBI, I won’t reveal anything from my job to you.”

“Are you really going to put up with this, Nathaniel? If she is unwilling to help the family, then what value does she bring to the table?”

“Why does everything come down to what you can gain,” Nathan asked, his voice even, but I could feel the rage radiating off him.

“Because information is power, and the families that I’d negotiated unions with all brought political power and money. Other than her looks and ability to birth a child, what does your wife bring?”

Nathan burst from his seat, and his fist slammed down. Cutter jumped and tucked himself into my side as he looked up at Nathan’s angry face. Suddenly, Hailey and Holly poked up from under the table and laid their heads on Cutter’s legs.

“Do not disrespect my wife. If this is how the dinner is going to be, then we will be leaving right now.”

Dimitri took another bite of his steak and waved his hand at Nathan like he was overreacting.

“I was only stating facts, but if you’re so sensitive on the subject, then I will change it.” It was a backhanded slap to Nathan, calling him weak. I grabbed Nathan’s arm to get his attention. He looked down, and I darted my eyes to Cutter, who was staring at him, fear evident on his young face.

I could see the effort it took for him to swallow down the rage, but he sat down, and idle chit-chat started about local news, weather, and celebrity gossip. Nathan’s cousin, Aaron, was next to ask me a question.

“Savannah, what is it like to be an agent? I mean, we’ve grown up on the other side, always skirting and avoiding people like you, but what is it like from your side?”

It was a valid question, and I wasn’t sure how to answer it. I’d spent time assuming the worst of families like the Mikhailovs with good reason, and yet…there was so much more that you were never privy to as an agent. The family dynamics, the love, and the children affected. Emotions had become conflicting the moment I met and fell for Nathan, but now, with Cutter, Helena, and Titus, it was hard to decide what was right and wrong anymore. Luckily, before I could answer, Helena grabbed my hand and glared at Aaron.

“We have had quite enough shop talk this evening already. Can we just enjoy our meal, speak about things that have no meaning, and relax?” Aaron nodded.

I understood by the look in her eyes that she didn’t want the conversation about my job to get going again. I respected her need to keep the peace, at least for a meal.