Page 41 of Grizzly Sleuth
“None you’d approve,” her disgruntled murmur. “Not sure how us hiding in the alley will be of any help, though.”
“If this is a trap, they’ll cover both exits. If we see agents entering the alley, we’ll know.”
“And get pinched.”
“Possibly. If you’d rather not risk it, we can return to the hotel right now.”
“No. And I’m sorry if I’m being difficult.”
“You’re worried. I get it. Me too. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
“Why have you stuck around?” She met his gaze. “You don’t owe us anything. When Yuri showed up at your door, you could have told him to go away, but instead, you put yourself in danger to save me.”
“Only an asshole would have abandoned a woman in need.”
“It would have been understandable if you’d wanted to preserve your own life. Because of us, you’re now a wanted man.”
“Have been since I escaped.” He paused before adding, “You want to know why I came to the rescue? Well, for one, your brother…” He trailed off. “It’s hard to explain, but I immediately felt a connection to him.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize.” As she stiffened, he suddenly realized what she thought and laughed.
“I don’t mean that kind of connection. He’s a bear, like me. Someone who understands not just the shifting thing, but what a bear is and can do. He’s in complete control of his other side, and I’m hoping he can teach me to do the same.”
“So you saved me to get in his good graces.”
“Not really. I agreed to help because of you.”
“Me?” A faint reply.
“From the moment we met, something about you instantly drew me, and it’s only gotten stronger.”
She snorted. “Such pretty words, but you don’t have to lie.”
“Why would I lie?”
“Because I am hideous. Look at me. My face is a mess. My hair… Well, I’m sure it would make a great bird’s nest.”
His lips curved. “It’s not just your outward beauty, which, by the way, still shines through despite the makeup you caked on. I admire your strength of character. The devotion to your brother. Your fierce courage. And there’s the fact you are sexy as fuck.”
Her breath sucked in. “I almost believe you.”
Almost?
With that challenge, he had to give her proof.
Chapter Twelve
Svetlana’s breath caught as Idris’mouth pressed against hers in a soft kiss that might as well have been an electrical jolt the way it zinged through her entire body.
Her lips parted on a sigh as he embraced her, a gentle caress that came with an impressive erection pressing against her lower belly. Definitely not faked.
She leaned into him as they kissed, forgetting where they were, and why, until a door slammed and someone shouted in Russian, “I’ll be back after my cigarette.”
The disruption had them pulling apart.
His eyes crinkled. “Not exactly how I’d planned our first kiss.”
“So you’ve thought about it?”
