Page 145 of Caged

I try to get a closer look without drawing too much attention. “How did you?—”

Her jaw sets and her eyebrows furrow. “Stop that. You look ridiculous.” She waves her hand in my face, disrupting my examination.

The costume is amazing. I would have never guessed in a million years it was her.

“Where is the drive?” She holds out the palm of her hand, widening her stance to mimic a man’s.

Shit, she has the mannerisms nailed.

“Um, here. It’s the best I could do.” I want to add “please don’t kill me” but decide to keep this meeting as un-dramatic as possible.

Her dark eyes narrow over her mustache. “It better be all there. I’ve waited a long time for this.”

Should I lie?

“I honestly don’t know. The original was stolen from me, and this is the copy they offered. Did you talk to your man? It was the skinny one with the slicked back hair.”

Thank God I have my seven minutes, they feel like they’re starting to flicker by.

Her stare doesn’t waver as she slides the USB into the pocket of her suit. “I know where to find you.” Her bearded chin raises as she brushes past me.

A chill settles over my body.

She can come and go as she pleases, and no one would know.

I’m a little jealous. Having those skills could have come in handy a few times in my life.

As I’m heading back to my bike, my phone rings.

“Have you seen her?” Nikolai asks.

“Yeah, you didn’t catch it?” I know he and Enzo were watching all of the cameras.

Enzo seemed particularly interested to see who wanted the drive.

“No, you already did it? Which way did she go?” Nikolai sounds stressed.

“She is a he today. And, she’s already long gone. She did have a nice beard. I wish I could do that.” There was one job in Moscow that a skill like that would have been particularly handy for.

“You’re not getting a beard,” Nikolai growls.

“It would help me to hide from Tatiana when she comes back for me.”

“No, you have me now. I’ll keep you safe.” His voice softens. “Come on home.”

My heart beats faster.

I love him.

SIXTY-TWO

NIKOLAI

Kicking my feet up on the coffee table, my hands rest behind my head as Elena cuddles into me, watching the TV.

“Elena, sweetie. Do you want to come and help me pick out an outfit for the baby shower?” Mila calls down the stairs.

Elena sits up with a beaming smile. I love seeing her do all of this stuff I never could do properly for her, even though I tried. She needs a mom and Mila is perfect for her.