Page 61 of Sinner's Sacrifice

“That’s right, she’s a medical person too,” the doctor mumbled.

Good God, the man was practically rubbing his hands together.

“Of course, we’ll give her whatever she desires.”

So, she’d be happy and compliant? Boy, were they in for a surprise.

“Give the list to my receptionist and I’ll have everything delivered to the hotel as soon as possible.” The doctor paused, straightened his lab coat, and said, “I understand how easy it is to become attached, but the greater good of our people requires the occasional sacrifice.”

Pompous windbag.

“Indeed,” Yvgeny said without strangling the other man. “I will discuss Miss Samantha in depth with my aunt. Miss Samantha has never talked about her family to anyone at the hotel. I will try to find out if she has siblings, cousins, and other family members.”

The doctor lit up like a Christmas Tree. Again. “Excellent, sir. We need that information as soon as possible.”

Yvgeny gave the moron a nod and strode toward the reception desk and the two women, who were talking in excited whispers. They smiled broadly at him.

Oh, goody. He was making everyone’s day but his own.

He gave them Sam’s list, then hit the number for his aunt.

She answered on the first ring. “My dear nephew,” she said, in a tone he hadn’t heard in her voice is centuries. She sounded happy. “Had I known that New York City held so many diamonds in the rough, I wouldn’t have left.”

“We don’t know enough about Samantha and her family to make any plans yet,” he replied.

“Yvgeny, you’ve known since the moment you met her that she could survive the infection. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because the success rate has been only 1 in 15 for years, and I didn’t want to risk it.”

“You sound suspiciously like Bazyli when he talks about his woman. Are you in love, nephew?” And for some reason, she didn’t sound angry or worried about that.

“I don’t know,” Yvgeny answered honestly. “She vexes me constantly, challenges me with nearly every decision I make, and seems to enjoy mucking up my plans.”

His aunt laughed.

He couldn’t remember the last time he heard her laugh.

“You’re in love, which makes you the best man to protect our Miss Samantha. Good. Bazyli has his Nika, and now you’ve found a strong woman as well. Cooperate with the doctor and find more like her. You may yet have your happily ever after.” She continued to chuckle as she hung up.

Fuck. This was a disaster.

###

Sam rode in the front passenger seat of Baz’s Yellow Cab. He drove without filling the vehicle with idle conversation or even music. She found it oddly relaxing. Sitting in Yvgeny’s limo always made her want to be careful what she touched.

“When we get to this clinic,” Baz said, his voice a deep rumble. “I’m coming inside with you.”

She studied his profile. His beard looked less scruffy than the first time she’d seen him. His clothes were clean, and his hands were steady on the steering wheel. He should look like a normal average guy.

He didn’t. He gave off a weird vibe. One that screamed at her, telling her he was dangerous. Unpredictable. Violent. She didn’t know why she had that impression, but her gut said she needed to be careful, and she didn’t ignore her gut.

“May I be blunt?” she asked.

“Are you ever not blunt?” he asked in reply, a grin coming and going from his face.

She sighed. “No.” It was a common complaint from every single job she’d ever had. Until she started working for Yvgeny. He didn’t complain about her bluntness. Other things, yes, but not that.

“Say what you’ve got to say,” he said with a shrug.