Page 134 of The Enemy Protector
His eyes lock on mine.
“I’m really okay,” I assure him. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but it’s not so bad.”
"You shot him.”
"He didn't give me another option."
"No, he didn't. Are you okay?”
“Are you asking if I feel bad?"
He shrugs.
“No. I know he was going to kill me.”
“What happened?”
"I was making dinner," I say.
I close my eyes for a moment. My cheek throbs and my head aches.
“He grabbed me from behind. I fought. I used my training. But he was too big.”
“He wasn’t too big,buntarka. He’s dead. You’re not.”
That almost makes me smile. Then I remember I just murdered a man and the smile is gone.
"Thank you," Sergei says.
"For what?"
"For staying alive."
"I had help," I say. "From a man who hides guns in fake plants and kitchen drawers."
He’s still way too serious.
“Shower. I’ll order dinner.”
“I wanted to make dinner,” I sigh.
“Another time. I have to go.”
“I know.”
I wait. I don’t know what I’m waiting for, but I need something.
His hand comes up, cupping my cheek before he brushes his lips over mine.
That’s what I needed.
30
Sergei
The security room is in the basement.
I built it when I bought the brownstone, before I put anything else in the house. The security system is better than any government agency or bank. I have the best cameras. But I don’t need cameras. I have men with eyes.
