Chapter 11 #3
When they finished their food, and dumped the garbage into a bin, Svetlana tucked her arm in his. Just a couple out for an evening stroll on sidewalks that thankfully held little foot traffic.
The restaurant proved easy to find, if nerve-racking to reach, as it required them walking past the hotel across the street, outside of which a KGB agent stood guard.
How many more inside? Despite Svetlana looking nothing like the picture of her circulating, she turned slightly toward him, concealing her features.
Logically, Idris knew the extra weight he’d put on since his military portrait was taken, along with his facial hair and Russian garb, made him almost unrecognizable, but that didn’t stop him from sweating bullets.
He did his best to not look suspiciously at everyone they passed on the sidewalk but couldn’t help feeling self-conscious.
In Canada, and even in Europe, people barely spared him a passing glance, but as people kept pointing out, his skin tone wasn’t as common in Russia, even more uncommon outside the big cities.
Not that Svetlana seemed to notice or care.
As it should be. The hue of his flesh didn’t define his character.
As they passed the restaurant, delicious aromas tantalized, and he cast a quick glance through the large bay window in time to see Yuri being seated at a table.
He quickly turned his head. When Svetlana would have hesitated, he placed his hand on hers, keeping her locked to his arm and tugging her along, murmuring, “He’s fine. ”
“You saw him?”
“Yes. He was being seated by a waiter. No sign of trouble.”
“What of his date?” the word said sourly.
“I didn’t see a woman with him, but it’s not quite eight.”
“Should we turn around for another peek?”
“That would look suspicious.” Before she could argue, he added, “Trust me.”
A big thing to ask, given how long they’d known each other, but then again, he’d proven himself to be on her side.
They strolled to the end of the block, and he veered them around the corner, and as hoped, he spotted the mouth to an alley.
“Where are we going?”
“Standing out front will look suspicious.”
“And the alley won’t?” her sarcastic reply.
“Less people watching.” He hoped.
It didn’t prove hard to figure out which door belonged to the restaurant.
He’d not only counted the number of businesses, but the dumpster near it reeked of decaying food.
Not the most pleasant spot for someone with a sensitive nose.
He moved them past it and stopped two doors down, where the dumpster lacked a gagging stench.
He leaned against the wall and turned her to face him.
“Now what are you doing?” she asked as his hands settled on her hips.
“Creating our cover. Anyone looking will see a couple seeking privacy.”
“Ah, yes, because it’s so sexy to make out in a dirty alley,” she drawled, but she didn’t pull away. She leaned into him and rested the palms of her hands on his chest.
“Got a better idea?”
“None you’d approve,” her disgruntled murmur. “Not sure how us hiding in the alley will be of any help, though.”
“If this is a trap, they’ll cover both exits. If we see agents entering the alley, we’ll know.”
“And get pinched.”
“Possibly. If you’d rather not risk it, we can return to the hotel right now.”
“No. And I’m sorry if I’m being difficult.”
“You’re worried. I get it. Me too. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
“Why have you stuck around?” She met his gaze. “You don’t owe us anything. When Yuri showed up at your door, you could have told him to go away, but instead, you put yourself in danger to save me.”
“Only an asshole would have abandoned a woman in need.”
“It would have been understandable if you’d wanted to preserve your own life. Because of us, you’re now a wanted man.”
“Have been since I escaped.” He paused before adding, “You want to know why I came to the rescue? Well, for one, your brother…” He trailed off. “It’s hard to explain, but I immediately felt a connection to him.”
“Oh. I didn’t realize.” As she stiffened, he suddenly realized what she thought and laughed.
“I don’t mean that kind of connection. He’s a bear, like me. Someone who understands not just the shifting thing, but what a bear is and can do. He’s in complete control of his other side, and I’m hoping he can teach me to do the same.”
“So you saved me to get in his good graces.”
“Not really. I agreed to help because of you.”
“Me?” A faint reply.
“From the moment we met, something about you instantly drew me, and it’s only gotten stronger.”
She snorted. “Such pretty words, but you don’t have to lie.”
“Why would I lie?”
“Because I am hideous. Look at me. My face is a mess. My hair… Well, I’m sure it would make a great bird’s nest.”
His lips curved. “It’s not just your outward beauty, which, by the way, still shines through despite the makeup you caked on. I admire your strength of character. The devotion to your brother. Your fierce courage. And there’s the fact you are sexy as fuck.”
Her breath sucked in. “I almost believe you.”
Almost?
With that challenge, he had to give her proof.