Chapter 9 #2
Claudia raised her hand. “What’s our exit strategy if things go sideways?”
“There’s the sea route with Deidre and her man.
Then there’s also a small private airfield fifteen minutes from the hotel.
It’s not big enough for the jet, but I have a small plane on standby that can get you out of there quickly.
” Gavin pulled up the relevant maps. “Sam has the contact information for the pilot. One call and you’re gone. ”
“Good to know.” Claudia made a note on her tablet.
Sam watched her, noting the slight furrow between her brows, the way she chewed her lower lip when she was thinking.
She was nervous about this mission. Not about the magic or the danger, but about the role she’d have to play, and pretending to be his partner in front of hundreds of wealthy, powerful people who would scrutinize every interaction.
He wanted to reassure her. He really wanted to tell her that she had nothing to worry about, that she was more than capable of holding her own in any social situation.
He knew that when they walked into that gala together, he’d be the proudest man in the room.
But Gavin was watching them with knowing eyes, and this wasn’t the time or place for personal confessions.
“If there’s nothing else,” Gavin said, “I think we’re as prepared as we’re going to be. The car will pick you up tomorrow for the drive to the airport.”
“We’ll be ready,” Sam said.
“Me too,” Claudia added, gathering her materials.
They filed out of the conference room, Gavin heading back to his office while Sam and Claudia walked toward the elevators together.
“Are you packed?” Sam asked, grasping for neutral conversation.
“Mostly. I still need to decide which of my own jewelry to bring, but Maurice’s dresses are all ready to go.” She smiled. “I’ve never had so many garment bags in my life.”
“You’ll look beautiful in all of those outfits. Especially the ballgowns.” The words slipped out before he could stop them.
Claudia’s step faltered, but she recovered. “Thank you.”
They reached the elevator and stood waiting, the silence between them weighted with unspoken things. Sam could feel his resolution to maintain distance crumbling with every second he spent near her.
“Claudia,” he began, not sure what he was going to say.
The elevator dinged, its doors sliding open.
“I should go,” Claudia said quickly, stepping inside. “Early morning tomorrow. I need to get some sleep.”
“Right. Yes.” Sam held the door open with one hand. “I’ll see you to your car,” he said, making as if to step into the elevator, but she stopped him.
“I’ll be fine on my own,” she insisted. “This is the safest building in all of Houston, I’m sure, but thanks for the thought. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Sam wasn’t happy at her refusal, but it would be awkward to push the point. If she’d been one of his Clan members he would’ve overruled her easily, but she wasn’t under his command or control. She was a powerful witch who was only here helping his Clan, not really subject to his rule.
And he didn’t want to rule over her. Not really. He much preferred her cooperation with his plans. He even enjoyed a lively debate with her when she had differing ideas from his, which wasn’t something his inner lion tolerated from most people.
Claudia was different. Had been from the moment he’d met her.
Something about her made him want to protect her, but it also admired her strength of will and willingness to help others—particularly those in his Clan.
He respected her and he had to let her forge her own path, much as it irked him sometimes.
Like right now, when he wanted to see her safely to her car.
But she was right. The building was locked down tighter than any other in the state and the parking lot was perfectly safe. He had to give her the respect due her station, even if he really wanted to override her desire for independence in this matter.
He stepped back and nodded at her. “Sleep well, Claudia.”
“You too, Sam.”
The doors closed between them, and Sam stood there alone in the hallway.
Tomorrow, they’d be on a private jet to Monaco.
Tomorrow, the mission would begin in earnest, and he’d have to focus on Kettering and the Venifucus.
His instinct to keep Claudia safe would be given free reign while they played their dangerous game on the world stage.
But tonight, standing in this empty hallway, all he could think about was how much he wished tomorrow would never come.
How much he wanted to stay in this moment of anticipation, before everything got complicated and dangerous, when it was still possible to pretend that what he felt for Claudia was simple professional respect and nothing more.
Sam headed for the parking garage. Tomorrow would come whether he was ready or not. He just hoped he could keep his feelings under control long enough to see this mission through. Because if he couldn’t, they were both in for a world of trouble.