Page 44 of Nine Months to Love

“Or what? You’ll defend her honor? She’s not even here.” He takes a long drag, studying me. “When’s the last time you actually focused on anything that wasn’t between her legs?”

That kiss. That fucking kiss in the parking garage, her body pressed against mine, her mouth parting under mine, her life opening to make room for mine. Since that ultrasound appointment, it’s all I can think about—finishing that kiss, pushing her against a wall and showing her exactly how much she still wants me despite everything.

But first, I need to deal with my bitch of a mother and her little boy toy Iakov.

“Are we going to plan or are you going to keep running your mouth?”

Taras grins. “Both. I’m talented like that.”

I push the orchids aside and force myself to focus. “What do we have on Natalia?”

“In short: jackshit.” He flicks ash into the crystal tray I keep specifically for his visits. “No credit cards, no phone pings, nothing. Woman’s a damn ghost.”

“She’s not a ghost. She’s hiding.”

“With Iakov, most likely.”

“Based on what evidence?”

“Just an instinct.”

“Oh, good,” I mutter. “An instinct. I can take that to the bank.”

Taras sits up and scowls. “You got any instincts you’d like to offer up? Because right now, mine are all we’ve got.”

He’s right, and we both know it. I’ve been too distracted, too caught up in Olivia to properly focus on the threat. The old Stefan would have had Natalia’s location within hours. Actually, the old Stefan wouldn’t have let her escape in the first place.

“That’s what I thought,” he continues smugly when I don’t answer. “Your instincts are all wrapped up in something else.”

“Leave Olivia out of this, Tar.”

“I’d love to. Butyoukeep spacing out on her.”

I shove out of my chair, storm to the window. The city sprawls at my feet like a beast bowing before its master. “Stop pretending you can read my mind.”

“If anyone can, it’s me.” Taras joins me. His face tips toward the sky instead of down at the city. “We lived together for six years in Moscow. Every damn day since. Iknowyou.”

“Sounds like we need a break-up.”

“Bite your tongue.” He grins. “You wouldn’t know what to do without me.”

“I’d enjoy the silence.”

“But who’d keep you honest?”

“My conscience.”

“Right.” He nudges my ribs. “Like you have one of those.”

I scowl at him again. “Go back to the instinct thing. You really think Iakov is sheltering Natalia?”

“She’s working with someone. Iakov hates you as much as she does. It tracks.”

“You’re right.” Grey clouds bridge across the skyline. “That’s gotta be it.”

“I could put a team on him. Surveillance, see where he goes?—”

“Or I could just talk to him.”