Page 42 of Grizzly Sleuth
“Too much, considering the stakes.”
“Speaking of which, while this alley is lovely, we can’t stay here forever. Not only would it look odd, but we won’t be able to see Yuri when he leaves the restaurant.”
“If they haven’t ambushed him yet, then he’s probably safe.”
“Unless they’re waiting in her room.”
“In that case, there’s nothing we can do. Hell, if they showed up now, we’d be hard-pressed to get away.” The tender man had disappeared, and Svetlana was to blame.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re trying, I’m just worried. It’s been me and Yuri for so long that the thought of losing him…” She trailed off, and he didn’t press, but rather, dropped a soft kiss on her lips.
“Honestly, I think he’ll be fine.”
“Unless Olga decides she’s sleeping alone. Then you’ll see Yuri huffing.” Svetlana rolled her eyes. “My brother is convinced he is God’s gift to women. I don’t think he could handle rejection.”
“I might have sulked, too, if you’d not kissed me back”—said with a wry smile.
She laughed. “The attraction is mutual, my big Canadian bear.”
Idris laced his fingers in hers. “Ready to take another stroll past the restaurant and head back to the hotel?”
“Yes.” Because Idris was right. If they planned to ambush Yuri, they most likely would have done it by now. The KGB didn’t care if they had an audience. Public displays just added to their ominous aura.
The smoker had gone back inside, leaving the alley empty as they retraced their steps. They emerged from it as a pair of uniformed agents turned the corner. Before she could even think of panicking, Idris spun her into him for a kiss. A kiss meant to conceal their features, but the passion simmering between didn’t care.
The agents passed them and snickered, “Get a room.” They saw nothing suspicious in two people sharing a passionate embrace.
A kiss that lasted longer than their cover needed, but she didn’t mind.
They resumed walking, taking their time so they didn’t pass the restaurant too fast. This time, she managed a peek and saw her brother, sitting at a table, wine glass in hand, laughing at something the woman across from him said. A petite and beautiful blonde, exactly his type. Safe for the moment, and, by the looks of it, he’d be hours still.
As they kept walking, she murmured, “Looks like Yuri is fine, and it’s getting chilly. Time to return to the hotel.”
“Are you sure?”
“You suggested it.”
“I did, but I know how worried you are. We could stop somewhere to warm up.”
And risk being recognized? She shook her head. “Too risky. We might be recognized.” Time for her to stop fretting about her brother. Yuri made the choice to put himself in danger. She could only hope his gamble paid off.
They didn’t say much as they neared the rundown hotel. They avoided going through the main lobby in favor of the entrance at the back. Idris held open the door for her and followed her up the stairs.
Upon entering the room, a sudden awkward shyness took her. Given the kiss they’d shared, Idris must expect?—
“Want to watch television?”
She almost blurted out,Seriously?What a rare gentleman. He didn’t push her. Didn’t cajole. It was almost annoying.
“I do not want to watch television.” She grabbed Idris by the jacket and tugged him close. “What I want is for you to show me how Canadians make love.”
“Are you sure?”
“Does this answer your question?” She mashed her mouth against his, and his arms wrapped around her tight.
Her lips parted for his questing tongue, and she pressed herself against him, only to get annoyed at all the layers.
“So much clothes,” she grumbled as her fingers undid those on his jacket so she could slide it off his broad shoulders. Both their hats went flying, shoes, shirts, and pants too, the pair of them eager.
