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I turned her around again, even dipping her. The move was so unexpected, her grip on both my hand and my arm was the first indication she was fearful of anything or anyone. The timing with the music was perfect and I held the stance while a few of the guests clapped.

“Don’t worry. You’ll always be safe around me.” As soon as I pulled her against me, doing so with more force than necessary, our lips were almost touching.

I had almost lost all sense of control, falling prey to the thirst to do nothing more than taste her soft lips.

Her breath hitched as before, but there was even more weight behind her heavy sigh. Seconds turned into a full minute, the music changing before I allowed the pressure of her fingers to push me away.

“Don’t worry,” she offered. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

“You can never be too careful. Come to lunch with me tomorrow. I’ll have a better opportunity to explain myself as well as my intentions for the project. After that, you’ll have a better understanding and can make your decision, which I will stand by.”

While there were several inches between us, she made no move to escape. At least not yet.

“Is that a promise?”

“It is.”

She looked down at first, but finally she allowed her gaze to fall to the scar left as a reminder that I would forever be labeled a monster.

“Then I’ll accept.”

CHAPTER 4

Isabel

“Ms. Dayne?”

The question as soon as I answered the door shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did. I don’t know what I’d expected, but seeing a man standing in jeans and a tee shirt instead of a tailored suit created a momentary lapse in my ability to communicate.

Maxsim had mentioned he’d have a car sent to my house, which I’d tried to say wasn’t necessary even though I’d known it had been a futile attempt. However, between the young man’s lack of an accent and his casual appearance, I was floored.

“Yes. Who are you?”

“Hudson Guthrie. I work for Mr. Aristov.”

I glanced around him toward the stairwell, half expecting to see men in the shadows with weapons strapped to their waists. Instantly, thoughts of what Maxsim did for a living shot through the back of my mind. Was there any reason I should be nervous about getting into a vehicle with someone I’d never met before?

“I don’t think this is a very good idea.” I even took a step back, trying to decide if I should be fearful of the man standing in front of me. Was it possible that if Hudson had arrived dressed in a suit I’d feel more comfortable?

Let’s face it, all I’d been doing since getting out of bed that morning was chastise myself for agreeing to go to lunch. My hesitation was based on the obvious. Being around the Russian was dangerous.

While I didn’t know for certain, I suspected he was involved somehow with the little girl’s kidnapping. Mina. Her sweet face and adorable personality had left a lasting impression on my mind. Whether Hudson was with the same organization as Uncle Roman I wasn’t entirely sure. He certainly hadn’t been one of the men who’d finally taken her home that day. Hudson appeared very American with blond hair the same shade of mine. But I’d already reminded myself looks could be deceiving.

“Mr. Aristov mentioned you might be concerned and asked me to give you this.” He pulled out a note.

While I debated taking it, I did and immediately he stepped back as if required to offer privacy.

Isabel,

Hudson works for me. Please give him the benefit of the doubt.

I assure you that he comes highly recommended.

Maxsim

While the note could have been written by anyone, someone had taken the time to use cursive writing. Meaning, the note was personal. What were the odds I hadn’t really been given a choice?

“Alright. Let me grab my purse.” As soon as I backed away, my stomach was consumed by a swarm of butterflies. I pushed the door until it was partially closed, needing a minute to try to compose myself.