Page 42 of Pucking Snowed In with the Enemy

Staring at the ceiling, I thought about what my father really wanted, and that was easy access between Canada and the US for our product.

“I’ll make you a deal,” I said, and she pushed herself up onto her arm to look down at me. “I will give you everything I found on your stepfather and Alex. You can pretend Alex died and use the rest of the information to nail your stepfather with as many charges as you like.”

“And what do you get out of this?”

“I need safe passage once a month across the Canadian border. It’s what Edgar Rosales is supplying us with right now. You give me that, and I give you everything else.”

“Do I want to know what you’re taking into Canada?”

“I can’t tell you that, but that’s the deal.”

“What if I don’t take it?”

“I can’t stop what my father will do. As I told you last night, I’ll try to protect you as best I can and most likely die in the process, and I’m not saying that to guilt you. It’s just a fact. My father is a ruthless man, and he doesn’t really care about me, not the way a father should.” I ran my knuckles down her cheek, and she leaned into my touch.

“The devil, you know,” she whispered.

“Agreed, the devil, you know.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I don’t have anything to do with the border, but I may be able to hook you up in exchange for something else.”

Laughing, I grabbed her and rolled her over so I was lying between her legs. “A tough negotiator, I like it. What is it that you want?”

Savannah trailed her fingers down my shoulders and arms, making me shiver. “This one works for both of us.”

“Now I really am intrigued.”

“You give me a file on anyone who is really dirty and is also a thorn in your side. Someone you would like to get rid of, that the FBI would be interested in.”

“So you want to turn me into a snitch? Is that what you’re saying.”

“I want to turn you into a valuable asset. The truth is that no matter what, my boss would find out about passage for you on an ongoing basis, but if they were getting something in return….”

“I see where you’re going with this.”

“But I’ll be honest, they are already looking into your family. Mostly your father and relatives in Russia, but the rest of you will hit their radar soon enough as major players. Right now, they are looking to build a case, but if you’re an inside man for other groups, they’ll leave you alone.”

I covered my eyes. “There is a code in our world, one that is important for our survival and trust among families. I do value those connections and will not turn them in, but there is occasionally someone who works outside of our circle and is a thorn, as you put it. I will not guarantee a name a month or even a name a year, but if this person fits the parameters that I feel comfortable sharing their information, then I could do that.”

“Like my stepfather?”

“Exactly. Again, no guarantees about numbers, and I will never testify or wear a wire or anything else your bosses decide to cook up. I’ll hand over what I have and point them in the right direction. That’s it.” Savannah chewed her bottom lip as she thought. “Or you can let the situation with your stepfather run its course, and I will take care of him when business concludes.” Wiggling subtly back and forth with my hips, I teased her. “Better yet, why don’t we not talk business at all? Our time is short.”

I knew that I would never forget her beautiful smile or how it made me feel warm. Cupping my face, she kissed me as she wrapped her legs around my waist, and I closed my eyes and groaned as I sank into her.

No matter what, I would never be sorry that I got these days with Savannah, regardless of how she came into my life.

SAVANNAH

THREE DAYS LATER

The bed was empty when I stretched and reached for Nathan. I sat up and looked around the room. The snow had stopped late last night, and bright sunlight was streaming in the windows. I pushed my aching body up and grabbed a robe. Walking over, I stared out at the mountain, and it was the first good view of it since I had arrived. The snowy peaks were magnificent. My phone showed no new messages when I grabbed it off the desk, so I tucked it in my pocket as I went on the hunt.

“Nathan?”

The shower wasn’t on, and I ventured out into the massive sitting area and kitchen.

“Nathan?”