Page 75 of Red Fury

I nod, feeling a surge of relief that she’s willing to partner with me on this.

She’s quiet for a moment, then says, “There’s something else. About Kozlov.”

“What about him?”

“Out of an entire club full of beautiful women, why did he approach me specifically? It happened almost as soon as I arrived. It can’t be a coincidence.” She shakes her head. “Maybe he’s made it his business to get to know Harrison’s staff? Maybe he recognized me as Harrison’s PA?”

I consider this. “That’s probably it. A guy like Kozlov doesn’t get where he is without doing his homework and knowing who all the players are.” But even as I say it, I remember the way he looked at her, the possessive hand on her back. “It’s also clear he found you attractive. Might just be a simple case of him wanting to hook up with you.” My voice gets this rasp, and my jaw clenches tight, but I force myself to continue. “Look, you’re free to do whatever you want with whoever you want, but I’d be careful around Kozlov. There’s something about him I don’t like. I don’t know… He…he seems dangerous.”

It’s not entirely true. Yes, Kozlov seems dangerous, but that’s not the only reason I’m warning her off. The main one is the jealousy that gnawed at me while watching them dance together. The thought of his hands on her body makes my dragon snarl. I might not be able to stop myself from tearing him apart if it happened again.

But I can’t tell her that. This was a onetime thing. Just scratching an itch.

“Understood. How do you think we should go about finding out about these nuclear weapons?” She scratches her chin. “I think I need to try to find out more in a more proactive manner.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“If I could get into Harrison’s computer, I might be able to find more information.”

“I’m sure his device has a password,” I tell her.

“It does, but I’ve been trying to learn it. I can’t make it obvious, though. It’s ten characters, and I have the first four and the last one. He’s starting to get complacent around me. I’ve been working for him for a few months now. He wanted me in that meeting today. The Secretary of Defense insisted I leave, or I would have been allowed to stay.” She sighs. “I need to go back to Draig first. I wish I didn’t have to.”

“Why not cancel this trip?” I frown, shaking my head. “There is too much at stake right now. Surely your council would understand that?”

“Firstly, they don’t know I shifted. They think I’m desperate. And then—”

“Tell them, Shadow. Tell them we’re working together. I plan on doing the same.” It’s a conversation I dread having. I will make Steel understand. “I’ve already informed them of my suspicion about the nuclear weapons. You need to do the same.”

“I will. Of course I will. I have told them we’re working together, and they don’t like it much.” Then she’s shaking herhead, her eyes hazy with thought. “I can’t stay, though. I need to go back because I have to get my annual vaccination against Hemorrhagic Fever. I’m already overdue. I’m sure I’ve been flagged on the system. Aside from pissing the Mainland off, I don’t want to contract the illness.”

I run a hand through my hair. “You’re right.” I mutter a curse. “You will have to go, but perhaps you could get away with just one night?” I raise my brows.

“I will see what I can do,” she says, her eyes still hazy with worry. “I’m sure, in light of the recent developments, they’ll allow it. Long story short, I think I need to be more proactive in getting information. We need to stop this.”

“You also need to be careful. If you’re caught—”

“I know the risks. I’ll be fine.” She cuts me off.

I sigh. “You’re right. You can handle yourself.”

Shadow gets up from the bed, and I can’t stop myself from drinking in the sight of her naked form. Every curve, every line, the way her muscles move beneath her skin. Part of me wants to pull her back into bed for round three.

But twice will have to be enough. It has to be.

“Thank you for tonight,” she says. “I think I should get back to my room now. We have an early start tomorrow.”

I feel a sharp pang of disappointment, even though I know she’s making the right call. “Of course.”

She moves to gather her clothes, and we both survey the damage as she holds each item up. Her black dress is torn, and her panties are completely shredded.

“Shit,” I mutter. “I’m so sorry. I’ll buy you new ones. It was the heat of—”

She laughs, holding up the remains of my shirt. “Don’t be silly. Look at this. And your jeans. I’d say we’re even.” She has a gorgeous grin on her face. I love it when she smiles.

I go to my closet and pull out a clean dress shirt. “Here, you can wear this back to your room.”

When I turn to hand it to her, I catch the way her eyes darken as they roam over my still-naked body. The desire there is unmistakable, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to drop the shirt and reach for her again.