Page 117 of Elite Metal: Warriors

“There is nothing between us.”

He made a noise, something like a snort. “Nonsense. Listen to me, dorogaya. This man is dangerous to you.”

“Pffft.”

“He turns your head. He makes you lose your focus.”

“He is just a man.”

“A man you chose over your mission. When has that ever happened before?”

There was no answer to that. None she wanted to give, at least. She had never chosen a man over a mission. She’d never chosen anything over a mission. In her heart of hearts, she had to admit that there was something about Cooper that made her feel…different.

She wasn’t fool enough to think that made her different, however.

She was still the same wounded, brittle girl—one who could never love and had never been loved. Perhaps one who was not worthy of such a gift.

None of that mattered in her job. In fact, it got in the way.

But Cooper made her want…something different.

Which was probably the most foolish thing of all.

Gregor was probably right. Cooper was dangerous to her. To her sense of self.

But he was damned good in bed and she wanted to be with him again…in that way.

And she would.

“He is just a man,” she repeated, because Gregor was watching her far too sharply. “It will be what it will be, and then it will be over.”

“You are certain?”

“Of course I am.”

“Humph.”

Natalia was not sure what he meant by that, but Gregor did not sound convinced in the least.

Chapter Seven

It was a couple days before Cooper could function normally, and even then he was confined to shuffling around the villa and tending to his personal needs himself. He still ached, but at least his mind was working again. He set himself to the task of co-opting Vasili’s computer and wading through the information on his thumb drive and plotting how to take Ming Kow into custody. He had more than enough information to destroy the man’s business, but both had to happen for his mission to be a success.

Though he was focused on his work, he couldn’t help but be distracted whenever Natalia walked into the room. Her scent, her presence—whatever it was—made his body go en pointe. He had a sixth sense, a radar when it came to her.

And now that he was feeling better, his thoughts turned more and more to exploring whatever this was between them.

What a pity Gregor was always present. There. Between them. Like the proverbial bad penny.

It was a challenge to flirt with a woman with her father figure sitting in the room, glowering.

But Cooper had always enjoyed a challenge.

That his playful comments amused her—and irritated Gregor—was a bonus.

It didn’t hurt that when he excused himself to use the bathroom one morning about three days in, she followed.

She didn’t knock, simply opened the door and sidled in beside him.