“Where is your vehicle?” she asked, wondering why they were taking his uncle’s car again. They’d used it to go into town the day before.
“Still at the convention center,” he said absently. “I haven’t had time to pick it up. Maybe we’ll go by and get it on our way home.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Anton shake his head, nixing the idea.
She knew by the many closed-door meetings the men had been having something was going on, just not what. She was relieved not to be the only one. When Alekzander’s friends dropped in, they’d gotten into the habit of bringing their women. Sacha had taken to gathering the ladies around the kitchen table, and while she puttered about making tea, leaving them to fawn over Lekzi, they would all speculate about might have happened to cause this new upset.
Last night, she’d again asked Alekzander if she and Lekzi were in any danger. He’d told her as long as she didn’t wander off on her own for any reason, no one was getting anywhere near them.
As the garage door went up to let in the crisp winter air, Sacha gave the tip of her nose a rub. “Um, can I ask you something?” She looked out to see bright white clouds interspersed with dark gray ones, indicating snow might be on the way. “I, uh, thought I might ask Angela to go Christmas shopping next week. Is there any reason that would not be all right?” If it were dangerous, he would veto the idea outright, and she would know for certain he wasn’t telling her the whole story.
She waited for him to straightened from clipping Lekzi’s car seat into its base. He looked intimidating and unapproachable today in his suit and coat with his hair slicked back.
“That should be fine. Arrange it, but don’t mention a time or place yet. Specify the day you’ll go, and on your way into the city on that day, you can tell your shy friend you’ll pick her and her son up within the hour.” She couldn’t say whether he was being insulting or facetious. “She can text her husband her location once you two have settled somewhere, but not where you’ll be going afterward if you plan on traveling from store to store. And, I’m afraid you’ll be taking more than Grigori and Lucas with you. They’ll be visible, but a small team won’t be.”
She bit her lip and took her brand new iPhone out to look at the time. An invisible team? “Are you sure everything is all right, Alekzander? I mean, I know something is going on, but are you sure it is not something I should be worried about?” That wasn’t what she’d wanted to ask right then, but…
A myriad of emotions danced through his pale eyes as he stared down at her. All were marked with possession, and all were so raw and violent she couldn’t hide the shiver that feathered the length of her spine. He smiled when he felt it and lightly trailed his knuckles down her side.
“No, angel. You don’t have to worry. I’m doing enough of that for all of us.” He didn’t look particularly concerned as he tilted her head up with his thumb under her chin and kissed her. “Get in.”
“What is it that is troubling you?” she asked, ignoring the order.
“Many things. But at this moment, getting through traffic to get you to your appointment on time would top the list. Get in. We’ll talk on our way.”
She frowned. “You are coming with me?” she squeaked, the possibility dashing her plans before she could even voice them.
“I’m coming with you. I have a few conference calls that I can easily take part in from the car. It won’t be the first time I’ve done so.”
“And you will sit at the curb while Angela and I have lunch?”
He nodded and looked at his watch, then he snagged her hand and tickled her palm with his fingertips before she could rub at her tingling nose again.
“What’s on your mind, Sacha?”
She took his arm and led him out into the sunshine, away from Anton and the others. “I, er, wanted to ask you something but am hesitant because I am afraid it will upset you.”
“Regarding what?” he asked curiously.
“Lunch.”
“Just ask.”
She nodded and swallowed her trepidation. And didn’t it just figure a cloud would pass in front of the sun right at that exact moment as if foreshadowing a coming storm? “I wanted to call Justin to see if he is available to meet Angela and me,” she rushed out. “I miss him,” she added quickly, then kept on when a dark blanket fell over Alekzander’s features. “He is a wonderful man, and if you would just give him a chance, I am sure you would like him. He has been a good friend to me, Alekzander, and I have no intention of cutting him out of my life.”