permitted inside the club, so we’ve sent Raven instead.”
Christian searched her face for a reaction, but he didn’t get an inkling of what might be going through her mind. Lenore wasn’t as transparent as she wanted people to believe, and Christian had a difficult time getting a read on her.
Always had.
“You must feel no guilt for doing your job,” Viktor continued, giving her more reassurance than she deserved. “And no responsibility for what might befall us. Keystone does what others will not. I have chosen my people carefully, and they know the sacrifices they must make. They are as committed as you could hope for and eagerly await each new mission. There is nothing too dangerous for us, so do not restrict jobs because you feel responsible for our safety. Safety is an illusion.” He rose from his chair. “Do you have a bodyguard? It is commonplace among people of your status. Christian served as a guard for many years.”
She took his hand and stood up. “Think I could borrow him until we close this case? If he’s available, that is. I don’t have time to find a guard on short notice, and to be honest, I don’t trust anyone right now. It would give me peace of mind to know that someone as qualified as Christian was protecting me. I can allocate more money for his services. Unless he’s working on another project…”
Christian gripped the back of the chair so hard that something ripped.
Viktor squared his shoulders and nodded his head as if mulling the idea over. “I think this is good. Christian needs something to occupy his mind.”
For feck’s sake, Christian thought. This had to do with him seeing Raven last night. Viktor was probably afraid that Christian wouldn’t be able to stay away, but he also didn’t have all the facts. Not that it mattered. Once he heard the details, he’d probably find a way to point out all the mistakes and how they could have handled it better—without intervention.
“Splendid.” Lenore kissed Viktor on the cheek. “You’re an honorable man, and the debt will be repaid.”
A blush touched his cheek, and he averted his eyes. “Nonsense. I am only doing what is right.”
Christian backed up from the chair. “Viktor, you might need me here.”
Lenore touched her pearl ring. “I promise I won’t keep Christian all to myself. If there’s an emergency, please don’t hesitate to call. On that note, if you need anything, I’m available. I want this case to go as smoothly as you do. My life and reputation are on the line, and I think it’s in our best interest to work together. I’m sure Christian will agree on that.”
As much as he despised siding with Lenore, she was right. “I’ll serve as your guard, but no longer than the length of the mission. You’ll need at least one guard you can trust going forward. I’ll check if my contacts have any openings.”
“If I were human, I would say that I’ll sleep easier tonight because of you.” She turned her attention to Viktor. “I think I’ll take you up on that drink. Christian will need time to prepare his things and make any necessary arrangements. Since I’m without my driver, I’ll have him take me home.” She turned to Christian. “You do have a car, don’t you?”
“Will a motorbike do?”
“How absolutely… Neanderthal.” She laughed blithely and shook her head.
“Christian makes many jokes,” Viktor said, looking between them. “He has a suitable vehicle. If you will excuse me for a moment while I find a vintage wine. Do you prefer red or white?”
Her tongue briefly touched the tip of her canine. “White actually.”
Viktor bowed and quickly left the room to dig around in his wine cellar, which was off-limits to everyone.
“Viktor’s a good man.” Lenore took her seat again. “He’s a Shifter, isn’t he? I can always tell.”
Christian rounded the chair and sat across from her. “What are you scheming?”
She sighed. “Someday you’ll realize that I don’t have ulterior motives. I need protection, and I trust you like I trust no one else. These are dangerous games we play. Viktor’s confidence isn’t enough to put me at ease. If people in power are involved in something this nefarious, they’ll do whatever it takes to hide their business.”
Christian crossed his legs. “Aye. I know all about people who bury their dirty work.”
“Still the same unflappable man. Aren’t you the least bit concerned about your Mage companion? Why would Viktor choose her over the little one with the