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Her coy smile could brighten any man’s day. “At least you’re coming around. Finally.”
I laughed and finally pulled my hand free. “Remember what I told you. Trust your instincts. If anything seems off, call me. From my office, the bedroom, and even in the kitchen, you can press the button, and an alarm will be sent to my phone. Mario, Kristoff, and a few others are outside. Otherwise, keep the doors locked. Roman is in a meeting but will be here later as well.”
“You called out the big guns.”
“Nothing but the best for my baby.”
“Nice bribery attempt. Your men have the codes to get inside if there’s a crisis. I cannot believe I’m suggesting that. Does this get any easier?”
Seeing the concern on her face was enough to create full-blown desire for her. “I’m not usually involved in a war, my angel. When this is finished, you will find life with me very boring.”
“I doubt that. You have a way of turning even a bland event into something…”
“Careful,” I growled.
“Spectacular.” She wrinkled her nose.
“Good girl. Kristoff and Mario have the codes, which I change every week. They won’t come in unless there’s an emergency.”
“What about the storm coming?”
“Are you afraid of the dark?”
She laughed nervously. “Yes.”
“There’s a generator that will come on almost instantly. You won’t need to worry.”
“Oh, but I am. Maybe I could have an Uzi instead? I can stand by the door in case anyone tries to break in.” She did so enjoy teasing me.
“Very funny and I’m serious. Don’t take any chances, but I’m not worried.”
The brightness in her eyes faded. “That makes one of us. You’re scaring me.”
“I’m just being a realist. Try and get some sleep. I don’t know long I’ll be.”
“I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.”
“Take your medicine and listen to Hope the nurse.”
“She thinks you hate her.”
I moved toward the door of my office. “Let’s just say I have a feeling she could keep Sergei on his toes.”
For several reasons, mentioning his name brought thoughts I’d prefer not to have regarding my friend. Isabel had her best friend by her side, a woman she trusted implicitly. Mine would be as well, yet I wasn’t entirely certain there were true friends in my lonely world.
A word my lovely angel hated. Maybe it was time to alter my world.
First things first. Before I headed outside, I made another phone call. “Diana.”
“Another mission.”
“Yes, ma’am, and one you need to keep between the two of us.”
“Absolutely, boss. What do you need?”
“I need you to do a sweep on the upper level of men.”
She was taken aback as I knew she’d be. “All of them?”
