Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 139934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 700(@200wpm)___ 560(@250wpm)___ 466(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 139934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 700(@200wpm)___ 560(@250wpm)___ 466(@300wpm)
Temnyy, I’m going to throw this fur on the ground. You smell it. I want you to tell me if I’m wrong.
He placed the fur carefully in the root system of the tree and shifted, allowing his leopard to take over their form. The male took his time, but he knew they’d smelled that scent before, and just recently. The shooter had left his stench behind when he’d come to visit with the other cops. Anton Lipin had been sent from Russia by Lazar. There was no other explanation. He might have already been established in law enforcement, but he was on Lazar’s payroll.
Temnyy made his way back to Godiva. She rose the instant she saw him, her tail twitching. The two leopards rubbed against each other and then headed back to the Jeep. Ashe was stumbling with weariness by the time she shifted and climbed onto the seat.
“It’s light.”
“I see that.” Timur swung into the driver’s seat, his gaze moving over her face and body. She had a few bruises on her, several red marks and one or two strawberries. It was the best he could hope for under the circumstances.
“We don’t have any clothes.”
“Baby, you’re telling me things I already know. What’s the big deal? We’re still on the property, and I’ll drive right to the back door of the guesthouse. We won’t need to steal away out the window.”
She heaved a sigh. “Who shot at us?”
“I’m not certain who he is in all this.” It was a lie blended with the truth, and she was too tired to notice.
“He didn’t leave clues behind, did he?”
“Sooner or later, I’ll figure it out.” He had a prisoner waiting to be interrogated. He’d know everything he needed when he was finished with the man.
The Jeep bumped over a few ruts and Ashe crossed her arms over her breasts and put her hand back against the seat, closing her eyes. He wanted to gather her close and hold her to him. She looked completely worn-out. They drove through the vineyards, Timur avoiding the few workers that moved through the plants, checking to make certain there was no pests or damages. He circled away from the human soldiers and brought the Jeep behind the guesthouse.
Ashe appeared to be asleep, but she woke when he turned the key and the Jeep went quiet. She looked around her, blinking. “Amazing. We actually made it without anyone seeing us.”
He got out and went around to her. “You’re gorgeous, woman. I’ve never understood why a woman wanted to hide her body, especially from men. We like looking at you.”
He opened the door and inhaled, just to make certain no one had been in the residence since they left it. The house smelled of sex. Of pheromones. Of leopard. Not the enemy. He stepped back to allow her inside.
Ashe walked straight into the kitchen to find a bottle of water. She drank the entire contents. Timur made another mental note to make certain he gave her water after their marathon sex sessions. He went on through to the bathroom, snagging his phone, and turned on the tap to run her bath. For the first time, he found himself anxious to get her to sleep so he could leave. He needed to find out everything there was to know about the man who had tried to kill them. He sent a warning to his brother and cousins that at least one sniper was in the area and active. He didn’t give them the name, just to be safe. He would in person.
The others are arriving soon for a meeting. We need any information you can get from our friend. Their friend was their prisoner.
Timur scowled at his brother’s text. Like he didn’t already know that. I have to take care of my woman first. She needs care, Fyodor. Our friend is still going to be there and the longer he waits, the more anxious and cooperative he becomes.
How much time do you need with Ashe?
That set Timur’s teeth on edge. Would Fyodor ever neglect Evangeline? The answer was no. Never. As long as it takes. When do the others arrive?
Jake sent the plane for them and it should be here by ten this morning.
Timur sighed. Ashe is asleep on her feet. As soon as she’s down, I’ll see to our friend. After that, I have no idea how long things will take. You can entertain our visitors while I talk with him.
Ashe wandered in. Up close, he could see more bruises forming on her skin. He skimmed his finger down one and tossed his phone on the sink counter. “I’m sorry, baby. I thought I was careful.”
She glanced down at her body. “You were incredibly gentle under the circumstances. I just hope the two of them settle down for a few hours and give us a rest.” She yawned. “I’m so sleepy I don’t know if I can stay awake long enough to take a bath.”