Page 41 of Dangerous Liaisons
With that, she approached the door. Each step was deliberate, her resolve strengthened as she reached for the handle. The sound of a gunshot erupted behind her, and the heavy thud of a single body hittingthe floor echoed through the building. Isabella paused for a moment, then pushed the door open and stepped into the night.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Despite her efforts to leave without being followed, the motorcycle behind her had no trouble keeping pace. Xavier rode close, matching her speed. He even slowed down a few times, only to rev his engine and pass her again, a teasing challenge in his demeanor. They pulled into her driveway, and she climbed out of her vehicle, giving Viktor a dismissive nod while ignoring Kira, who hovered near the bumper. With irritation simmering beneath the surface, she approached Xavier, her steps purposeful and brisk.
“Do not cut off the engine. You’re not staying.”
With a grunt, he did exactly that before climbing off his bike and lowering his helmet onto the seat. “Hunter told me to make sure you’re safe, and that’s what I’m doing.”
“I have men that are paid to do that.” As she spoke, Viktor moved past them to disappear around the back of the house and check on the men posted outside. “The threat against me is no longer breathing. You can go.”
“I’m still coming inside. I want to do a quick check and make sure everything’s clear.”
“Do you wish me to accompany you?” Kira chuckled. “Or perhaps you would like me to have him escorted off the property?”
He grunted at her teasing words. Isabella suppressed a smile with a shake of her head. “As tempting as that sounds, I think I can handle him for now.”
Kira raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. “I’ll leave you to your… conversation. I need to check on the winery.”
“I’m sure your trip has nothing to do with a certain biker.”
Her friend shrugged, seconds later climbing behind the wheel of the Mercedes, and the taillights faded down the driveway. With a sigh, she faced Xavier again to find him leaning casually against his bike. “Do it, and then you need to leave.”
Xavier pushed off his bike, a playful smirk on his face. “Not exactly how a guest is supposed to be treated, but I’ll take it.”
She didn’t argue as she walked toward the front door. Once inside, she flicked on the lights and glanced around, her irritation giving way to a flicker of unease. He moved further into the house, and she had no choice but to follow. He took his time to check behind the furniture and peer out the windows.
“Are you always this insistent?”
“Only with protecting people,” he replied, glancing back at her. “Will it help if I promise to be on my best behavior?”
“Forgive me for not believing you.”
Shrugging, he disappeared down the hallway. She waited there until he returned. “Can I at least get a drink before I go? I didn’t ride all this way for nothing.”
With a reluctant nod of her head, she walked into the kitchen. “One drink.”
“A few days ago, you wouldn’t have minded me moving in, and now you’re can barely wait to push me out the door.”
Isabella opened the fridge, grabbing him a beer, and shut it with a flick of her wrist. She handed him the beer. “That was before I realized you’re a stubborn pain in the ass.”
“I prefer to think of it as a strategic partnership.”
“Right.” She leaned against the counter opposite him, crossing her arms. “More like I’m humoring you until you take the hint.”
“Not happening.” He popped the cap off and took a sip. “Besides, I have a vested interest in your safety now.”
She couldn’t help but smile at his persistence. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Only because it’s working,” he said, a teasing glint in his eyes. “If you ever need me around—whether for backup or someone to annoy—let me know.”
She studied him for a moment, the warmth of his presence oddly comforting. “Fine, but you’re still leaving after you finish your beer.”
“You’re still mad at me for the other day.”
“My son doesn’t need to witness that type of violence.”
“Sergei attacked first. I was defending myself.”