Hearing footsteps in the outer office, I rise from behind my desk and stick my head out the door. "Mr. Dmitriyev?"A man with icy blue eyes studies me with an intensity that sends a shiver racing down my spine. "Yes, I'm Victor Dmitriyev." He holds out a hand. "And you're Ms. Bianchi? I force a friendly smile and step forward. "Sofia Bianchi. Please, call me Sofia." I give him a firm shake. "I'm one of the counselors here at Lincoln High School. I'm delighted you were able to squeeze in a tour before heading home tomorrow."His gaze leisurely travels around the office, which is empty since everyone already left for the day. "Thank you for sticking around to meet with me. We've been house hunting for most of the day, so this was the only time that worked."His voice has a slight accent that I can't place. It might be Slavic."It's no problem at all. Choosing a school district is an important decision. I hope I'll be able to answer any questions you might have." I fight t

"Until the situation has been resolved, you'll move back to the compound immediately." Papa adds, "And you'll also take a leave of absence from your job.""You can't be serious!" I shake my head. "I'm not moving to the compound. And I won't quit my job!"Papa leans across his desk, rage filling every line of his face. A muscle ticks near the corner of his eye. He's holding onto his temper by a thread.I understand that his fury is fueled by fear. He's livid that someone dared to lay hands on me and threatened his family. But still, I can't be expected to stop living my life."Sofia," his voice cracks like thunder in the silence of the office, "I will not allow anything else to happen to you. Do you understand me?"It's on the tip of my tongue to point out that whatever he took from the Russians is precisely why I was ambushed and threatened. But I don't. I refuse to lash out at him for wanting to keep me safe.Attempting to wrangle my heightened emotions, I suck in a deep br

As we leave the school parking lot the following Thursday, I text Roman to let him know that I need to stop at the market and pick up a few ingredients for dinner.I usually don't cook during the week, but there's something enjoyable about preparing a meal that will be eaten with another person instead of scarfing down a bowl of cereal at the kitchen counter or in front of the TV.Roman silently walks beside me in the store as I pick up chicken breasts, a wedge of fresh parmigiana, noodles, and sauce since I don't have time to make my own. My mother would keel over if she found out I'm eating, let alone serving, jarred sauce.The way Roman stands next to me while I pull boxes and cans from the shelves feels ridiculously domestic, like we're an ordinary couple shopping for groceries. Once I realize what I'm doing, I shove the fantasy aside. Imagining a romantic relationship between us is laughable. Intellectually, I understand this. But my heart isn't ready to accept the inevitabl

When the alarm goes off the next morning, I throw off the covers and get dressed.The aroma of coffee hits me full force as I leave my bedroom. I head to the kitchen, stumbling to a halt when I find Roman sitting at the table with a steaming cup in his hands.I thought for sure he'd make himself scarce and avoid me like the plague after my brazen behavior last night.My cheeks heat as snippets flash through my mind. I'm still not sorry for pushing his buttons.His reaction had been worth it.I take a fortifying breath to steady my nerves and smile at him. "Morning."He continues to stare at his mug, grunting something unintelligible that could either be "good morning" or "fuck you." Apparently, Roman Santori isn't a morning person.Shrugging off his surliness, I grab a mug from the top shelf in the cupboard and pour myself a cup. I add a small scoop of sugar along with a dash of cream, then take my first sip.It scalds as it slides down my throat.Which is precisely the way I pref

A grin pulls at the corners of his mouth as it descends onto mine. The kiss lasts for ten seconds. Maybe fifteen. By the time I process the fact that Drew is kissing me-that this is actually happening-he's already pulling away.He winks. "FYI-I've wanted to do that for a really long time."My brows shoot up as I gape in shock.He slides his fingers under my chin and gently closes my mouth. "That good, huh? I rendered you completely speechless?" His smile broadens. "Trust me, the pleasure was all mine, and I'd be willing to do it again."His playful manner makes me burst into giggles. I can't believe he did that! And in the school parking lot, no less! I glance around furtively, relieved that no one is paying us any attention. Gossip about a kiss like that would spread like wildfire. Everyone would know about it by the time I walked into school Monday morning. I should be mad at Drew for taking such liberties, but I'm not. I think he was just trying to help.Drew's eyes s