Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 127461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 637(@200wpm)___ 510(@250wpm)___ 425(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 637(@200wpm)___ 510(@250wpm)___ 425(@300wpm)
Finally, he caught her hand, kissed her knuckles and told the others, “I’m going to show Maya around the grounds. We’ll take my security with me. Don’t look disappointed, Evangeline, we’ll be back inside shortly. I just need to stretch my legs. You can get to know her in a little while. I promise.” He gave Gedeon a quick signal and nodded to Timur to alert Fyodor, Mitya and Sevastyan that they should be prepared to have their security personnel checked for traitors.
“The various security teams are outside on the grounds, Maya. We’ll take a stroll around to familiarize you with the layout, but mostly so we can walk through the men and get a reading on anyone you think is betraying Fyodor, Mitya, or Sevastyan,” he told her as they used a side door to go out into the large garden.
“Are you certain Wraith is going to behave herself surrounded by all those male leopards?” Gedeon asked. “Most of them are without mates.”
“She’s been very quiet lately,” Maya answered. “I think she’s getting close and gearing up for her big moment. Rogue would warn us.”
He would, wouldn’t he, Gorya?
Gorya tightened his hand around hers. Yeah, baby. They’re watching out for us too. They know we’re in a dicey situation. All the Amurovs are right now. If we’re going to protect Drake and shut down this ring, we have to play this thing just right. The timing must be fast and tight. Our leopards are on board. Both are.
She only has so much control.
She’ll warn you, he assured her.
Gedeon took her at her word because despite asking for Gorya’s reassurance, she had sounded confident. Matvei, Rodion and Kyanite accompanied them as they wandered outside, seemingly just walking along various pathways. Gorya knew Meiling was close, somewhere high. She wasn’t alone. There were other snipers on rooftops doing the same. With so many family members gathered, no one was taking chances.
The children were playing inside under close guard. Evangeline and Fyodor protected them carefully. Each time they had playdates with other children, even more guards were put in place. Gorya understood the need, but several times he’d seen Maya assessing the situation and she didn’t look happy.
You’re worried about having children. He chose a path that would take them through Timur’s security team.
Why would you think that?
Amusement shimmered in his mind. Nice way to avoid answering.
Her lashes lifted and she sent him a quick sideways glance from under them. I was giving myself time to think. Unlike you, I like to consider what I’m going to say before I commit to something.
She put a little pressure on his side to move toward his left. A couple of Timur’s men were lounging beneath a low-hanging branch drinking water. They looked as if they’d just come back from a run. Without missing a beat, Matvei engaged them in a friendly conversation. Gorya knew them well, and he spoke to them too, accepting their congratulations and introducing Maya.
She smiled demurely, looking as sweet and innocent as she could possibly look. Beside her, Gorya thought he appeared to be the big bad wolf.
They’re completely loyal. They think you robbed the cradle.
I did. I’m trying to feel remorse, but it’s just not happening. He waited, knowing she would circle back to his question. It was important to him, and she didn’t ignore anything important to him.
He greeted the men he knew as they moved through them. He’d been part of Fyodor’s security team from the beginning, working with Timur and then Sevastyan. He’d protected Mitya, so he knew the men on both teams. Some he knew from the old country, like Matvei, Rodion and Kyanite.
He pointed out various things of interest on the property to Maya and introduced her to different men he called friends. She often indicated they were all loyal.
I’m not ready yet. I’m getting used to us. I didn’t think I could ever be with someone, Gorya. I never expected to have a relationship. You’re extraordinary. I’m just getting adjusted to the fact that we can work.
That was Maya. Honest. Assessing. He understood. He was just as broken. Just as damaged. It wasn’t like they were ever going to be a normal couple. But leopards couldn’t prevent pregnancy. He was well aware of that fact. Preventive measures didn’t work. That didn’t mean the female always got pregnant, even in a heat. No one knew why. And they didn’t always carry. Mitya’s wife had trouble carrying a baby.
I understand.
Are you going to stay on as leader of the lair in the Atchafalaya River Basin territory? Leading a total criminal life as a crime lord doing nefarious things?
It was all he could do not to burst out laughing. For God’s sake, woman. You’re going to blow our cover with your nonsense. Nefarious things? Like what? Gambling and arms deals? We’re both fucking assassins.