They stared at each other, locked in that moment, that dream, that hope.
She sighed. “I suppose it is foolish to want such a thing with you.”
He nodded. “We have nothing in common.”
“No. We don’t.” She was struck by the maudlin tone of her words and huffed a laugh. “Actually, we’re more alike than we want to believe.”
“Are we?” His brow quirked. She loved that he continued to hold her, stroke her.
“We’re both orphans, after a fashion.”
“That is true. And we’re both agents. And badasses.”
“Well, I am.” She winked.
“We both built walls to keep others out.”
“Mine are higher.” It was a joke. Or an attempt at one.
He was silent for a moment, then he said, “The biggest issue we have is that you live in Russia and I’m from Texas.”
“That is an issue. But to be honest, I went to Texas A&M.”
He gaped at her. “Are you kidding?”
“Nope. It was part of my training. Gregor wanted me to be able to pass as an American. I also spent time in London, Paris and Australia.”
“Then it’s Gregor. Your work with him. That is all that would keep us apart?”
She stared at him for a moment as the pieces of her life fell into place. She’d worked for Gregor in one capacity or another for years. And while she loved her work, she had to admit, she was tiring of it. She’d planned to part ways with him once she tracked down Nurelnikov, and Gregor knew it. “Perhaps it is your work that would keep us apart.”
He seemed stunned for a moment at her suggestion, as though he’d never considered making such a sacrifice. Certainly not for a woman. It was no less than she expected, but still, something of a disappointment.
Again, it was foolish beyond belief for her to even think that he—
“I’m highly trained. I suppose I could find work anywhere.”
Her heart gave a leap. “Are you…serious?”
He nodded, though he seemed surprised at his own admission. “Are we crazy to be discussing this?”
“Probably.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. “I’ve never even had such thoughts before.”
“Me either. But…” He drew in a deep breath, as though he was planning to say something very difficult. “I’m tired of being…alone.”
Her heart stuttered. “Me, too.”
“I’ve never met a woman so…perfect—”
“I’m hardly perfect.”
“For me. So perfect for me. We could… No. We should explore this.”
Oh, she liked that. Commitment was difficult for her, but exploration… That was a prospect she could handle. One she could embrace. “Let’s explore this.” She went up on her toes and kissed him again, and this time they didn’t stop for conversation. At least until she murmured, “Condom.”
“Yes,” he said with a grin. “I have one.”
“Do you?”
“Certainly. I stole a bunch from Vasili.”
* * *
They made passionate love most of the night through, avidly exploring their connection and this strange and alluring passion they had for each other. Though she made him feel raw and exposed, she also made him feel safe and adored. He did his best to return the favor.
He was especially gratified that she didn’t poke him with any needles when it was done.
She laughed when he told her so.
They did their best to stay quiet, but it was obvious they failed when they came downstairs together in the morning to find Gregor in a foul mood. He scowled at both of them as Vasili made breakfast.
When they locked fingers over the table, and proceeded to gaze at each other with doe-like eyes, he threw up his hands.
“Don’t you two have work to do?” he snapped.
Natalia shot her boss a wicked smile. “We got most of it done last night.” And she wasn’t talking about the files.
“Bah.” Gregor pushed to his feet and began to pace. “You have to realize that this…” he waved his hand at them, “is a bad idea.”
“Is it?” Natalia asked.
Gregor whirled on her and frowned. “How can you even ask? What kind of future can you have?”
“The kind of future where we take one day at a time,” she said. “Isn’t that how we have always lived? We’ve always known there is an end to all things. We’ve always lived on the edge of the sword.”
“There is no reason to be melodramatic, young lady.”
“It is not melodrama, Papa.” He cringed at the appellation. But he always had been a papa to her. And still was. “It is the truth. We’ve lived dangerous