Page 81 of Savage Truce

“Go.” The low rumble from Andrei has my feet moving before the command even registers in my brain.

My thumb begins to move, tapping my fingertips lightly, and I focus on taking deep breaths.

Andrei lets go of my elbow after we’ve crossed the street, and I walk faster, relieved when I finally enter the restaurant and spot Katya.

“Hi!” She waves excitedly while getting up from the table in the back corner. When I reach her, she grabs me by my upper arms and plants a kiss on my cheek. “It’s so good to see you. I’m excited. Can you tell?”

“What? Pfft,” I say teasingly. “I can’t tell at all.”

We chuckle as we sit down, then she looks at me with genuine admiration. “How much bribing will it take for you to make me such a gorgeous dress?”

“Well, let’s see.” I pretend to think about it. “A lunch or two should do the trick.”

Never in my life have I clicked so fast with another person, and it’s unbelievable how comfortable she makes me feel.

Katya nudges a menu closer to me and signals for a server. “What are you in the mood for? I’m having the warm sourdough boule with whipped salted butter, a creamy mushroom skillet, aaaaand…” Her eyes scan over all the options. “Baked Camembert with honey.”

“That all sounds delicious. What else do you recommend?”

“Cheese-stuffed flatbread and the beef tenderloin strips with creamy sauce. We can share.”

“That sounds great.”

“And to drink?” the server asks.

“A pitcher of the homemade raspberry lemonade to share, but don’t add mint.” As the server leaves, Katya scrunches her nose. “I can’t stand the taste of mint.”

“That makes two of us. It always overpowers everything, and then it feels like I’m drinking toothpaste.”

Katya stares out the window, then asks, “Ahh, I see you have the lone wolf guarding you today. What do you think of Andrei?”

I glance over my shoulder and see him standing outside, glowering at every person who passes the Bistro like they’re an enemy he wants to rip limb from limb.

“He’s intense.”

She chuckles. “That’s an understatement if ever I heard one.”

The server brings two glasses and the pitcher of lemonade, and while Katya pours for us, I mention, “You don’t have an accent like the other wives.”

“That’s because I spent half my childhood in the US and the other half on vacations with my parents. When my dad got sick, I came home, then I met Sergei.” Her smile widens. “And well, the rest is history.”

We chat about her time abroad, and when the food comes, we jump from topic to topic while enjoying our lunch.

When the bill arrives, Katya grabs it first, saying, “My treat.” She wags her eyebrows at me. “You know, part payment of my bribe to get you to make me a dress.”

“I was joking. As soon as I’m done with the project I’m busy with, you can come over so I can take your measurements.”

“I can’t wait.”

Getting up, we walk to the door where we part ways. As I cross the street with Andrei, I say, “Thank you for coming with me today.”

There’s zero friendliness in his tone as he replies, “No worries.” I take another two steps, then suddenly, Andrei grabs hold of my arm, and he shoves me forward while snapping, “Move!”

Hearing engines revving loudly as they come tearing down the street, I don’t have time to glance around us. Andrei begins to run, dragging me along with him.

Dammit! This is the last time I’m wearing high heels.

We reach the Rolls-Royce, and he quickly yanks the passenger door open before shoving me inside. “Lock the doors! Whatever happens, do not get out.”