Page 73 of Grizzly Sleuth
“The wrong people are already aware of our existence. And honestly, I’m thinking keeping that secret might be the worst way to handle this going forward.”
“You can’t be thinking of outing us.”
“No, but if the Russians happen to do it, we can see the reaction from the populace and learn from it.”
Callous, but also smart. Barrett couldn’t save everyone, but he did his best to ensure those who used to serve under him were taken care of. Idris could never thank him enough for leaving his safe haven and coming to his rescue.
Svetlana shook her head. “Their freedom will be fleeting if they stay in Russia. Either they leave the country like we did or risk being recaptured by the KGB.”
“Shit. Freed from one prison and practically thrown into another,” he muttered.
“There was no other choice. The helicopter couldn’t have taken them all.”
“I’m aware, but I can’t help but feel bad for them, especially those who’ve gone through the full procedure. They’ll never have a normal life.”
Svetlana grabbed his hands. “You cannot save everyone. At least now they have a chance.”
He changed the subject. “Takhi’s working on new identities and passports for us.”
“A bigger problem will be money. As in we have none,” Svetlana remarked with a wrinkle of her nose.
“Not entirely. Takhi’s been hacking and siphoning from bank accounts and says she can set us up with some funds. Enough for us to make it to Spain and find a place to live before we have to get jobs.”
“You still want to go to Spain with me?”
Might as well be blunt. “I want to be wherever you are.”
“That almost sounds like a declaration of love,” she stated, canting her head.
His lips curved. “Gonna tell me it’s too soon?”
Her head shook, and she placed her hands on his bare chest. “No, because I feel the same way too. What is the expression… when you know, you know?”
“I definitely know,” he growled as he dragged her close.
Knew what he felt. What he wanted. Needed…
Her in his arms, his bed, his life.
They made love slowly. No audience, no fear, just two people enjoying every touch and kiss.
He tasted her, the sweetness of her lips. Caressed her silky-smooth skin. Feasted on the honey between her legs. But when it came time to claim her body, she shoved him until he lay on his back. She straddled his waist and rode his cock with wanton enjoyment. A beautiful goddess. A siren who drew him simply by existing. The woman he’d waited his whole life for.
Only she could make his pulse pound. Bring laughter to his lips. Sunshine to his life. Most important of all, she made his heart and soul whole.
But why did she have to have a brother?
“Rise and shine, you two lazy bears,” Yuri sang the next morning as he entered their room without warning, the bastard having somehow gotten a key.
“It’s too early,” Svetlana groaned.
“Don’t you want to spend time with me before I go?” A winsome taunt.
And so, the rest of his and Svetlana’s life started with them spending the next few days playing tourist with Yuri, the annoying younger brother he’d never wanted. Then again, Idris had nothing else to do since Takhi needed time to get their fake identities in order.
When the time to split up finally came, Yuri took Idris aside and said, “I am trusting you to protect my sister. Don’t fuck it up, or we will see whose bear is more ferocious.”
Not a bout they’d ever have, because Idris would make it his life’s mission to make Svetlana the happiest woman in the world.
