Page 72 of Sinner's Sacrifice

They rode up in silence. Sam stared at her feet the whole way, which made Yvgeny nervous. This was not a woman who kept her opinions to herself. But he didn’t want to ask her any questions until they were in a nicer environment. With cups of warm tea in their hands so he would have something to hold on to instead of touching her. Keeping her close. Keeping her safe.

The elevator dinged and slid open. As they stepped out, the low murmur of voices from deeper inside his apartment drew Sam’s head up.

“Someone is here already?”

“Yes, Baz, Magnus, and Darlene.”

Sam’s sudden smile nearly blinded him. “Excellent.” She dropped his hand and rushed forward.

Yvgeny walked at his normal pace, though it took conscious effort. By the time he made it into his kitchen, Sam was already looking her friend over, checking her wounds, and peppering her with questions.

Magnus was standing behind Darlene and watched what Sam was doing with more focus than he would normally give any human.

Baz stood a few feet away. He glanced at Yvgeny and angled his head toward Magnus with one eyebrow raised.

Like that was it?

Yvgeny cleared his throat. “Is everyone okay? Any injuries to report?” He was only asking the women, but they didn’t know that.

“I’ve picked up some new bruises,” Sam reported without pause. “How about you?” she asked Darlene.

“I think I’m no worse than before. My fever is down. The nurse told me that another couple of days on the IV antibiotics should have me on the road to recovery.” She darted a look at Yvgeny. “Thank you for giving me a job, for getting me treatment.” She glanced over her shoulder at Magnus. “For taking the time to look for me after the fire started.” Her voice softened. “Thank you.”

Magnus, a man who didn’t talk much, and only when it suited him, swallowed hard. “I should have been quicker.”

Darlene put one hand on his arm. “I doubt anyone could have found me faster than you did. The fire turned the whole area into a circus of people going every direction.”

Magnus held himself so still he was going to give himself a hernia. Was he afraid of scaring her?

Well, well, well. It had been many, many years since Magnus looked at any woman like that. He’d been teetering on the edge of hell for so long, his own brother thought him lost to grief.

Maybe not.

The elevator behind him opened, and Mason walked into the kitchen. Yvgeny watched him take in Magnus and Darlene, with her hand still on his arm. “...beat yourself up,” she was saying. “People in my line of work are never safe, but you, you make me feel that way. Thank you.”

Mason cleared his throat.

Magnus glanced up and said quickly, “This is my brother, Mason.”

He didn’t introduce Baz, and completely ignored Yvgeny, but introduces his brother. Yup, hell just froze over.

“Oh, you’re twins.” Darlene smiled and it changed her completely. Mason blinked while Magnus’s jaw dropped.

She was quite lovely.

It was a good thing he’d already hired her.

“Um, Darlene,” Sam said tentatively, looking between her and the twins. “We need to get you settled in your new place, and I need to talk to the doctor Yvgeny has lined up. We’ll need to continue the IV antibiotics for a little while longer.”

Darlene turned to face Yvgeny, dropping her contact with Magnus. “Are you still interested in giving me a job, Mr. Breznik? Sam probably isn’t going to allow me to work until those antibiotics are done, and I don’t want to be a burden.”

“Not at all,” Yvgeny said smoothly. “Your concern tells me you’re the kind of person I want working in my hotel. We’re like a family here, and I can already see that Magnus and Mason like you.” He lowered his voice to a stage whisper. “And, usually they take weeks to like anyone even a little bit.”

“Yvgeny,” Magnus growled.

Darlene laughed and she sounded like a little bell.

Magnus stopped growling and stared at her like he’d never heard anyone laugh before.