Faye

 

Looking up at Andrei’s shadowed face, I nodded and he cupped my elbows. “That bad?”

He was trying to joke, but he looked haunted. Devastated. Enraged.

Was he going through all of the terrible things the TLO had done over the years, as I had?

Night after night, I’d lain awake and thought about it. Realized Mirois, our trusted and sassy leader was helping orchestrate our destruction. It was the kind of betrayal that made you wonder if you could trust again. Who could put so many lives and loved ones at risk for power?

Who could have it in them not to care about whose lives were forever altered along the way?

Baltsaros, Kai, Isla, me – to name only a few.

I took a deep breath and the kitchen seemed to tilt. Andrei caught me for the second time that night and shook his head. “You know what? I think you need sleep. You look shell-shocked.”

“I didn’t think you were going to do it,” I whispered. “I mean, part of me did. Part of me wanted you to b-believe me, but I didn’t think you would. You’ve known me only a few days…”

To my surprise, Andrei tousled my hair. “Nah, I’ve known about you for years. You were my proxy.” Then he took my elbow and steered me into the bedroom, where our bags were. “For Roy.”

“What?” I asked, as he heaved his bag onto the bed and dug out a pair of boxers.

“You mind if I sleep without a shirt?” he asked.

Suddenly I realized there was only one bedroom in this suite. “We’re sleeping together?”

Andrei nodded. “Of course. You’re not leaving my sight, Faye.”

“Shouldn’t you stay up?” I heard myself ask and I winced. “I mean, I can take first shift…”

“I’ve got it covered,” he said. “This place is safe. Don’t worry, we can both sleep easy tonight. You, especially.” He gave me a cheery grin. “Everyone thinks you’re dead now.”

I swallowed as Andrei began to unbutton his shirt. “Um, okay, I guess,” I said.

“Is it a problem if I’m in here?” he asked with a sigh, glancing at me. “Oh, you a prude?”

“No!” I shot as he smirked. “I don’t mind, not at all!” I mean, I didn’t mind, although watching Andrei’s hard chest appear was making me flush. A round medallion hung from his heavy silver chain. “Um, can I go to the bathroom alone?" I tried to joke.

“I’ll allow it,” Andrei said, sweeping off his undershirt and I turned around quickly.

But I’d seen it all. The miles of hard, chiseled abs, the glorious chest, and arms to rival Baltsaros Kazan. Damn, how am I supposed to get any sleep? I was both secretly panicking and laughing.

I’d only ever dated skinny, nerdy guys and that was as a skinny, nerdy teenager. Ages ago, before I was a Shifter of Anubis. After my parents died, I’d barely dated at all.

In fact, it’s why I’d instantly liked Desmond Devoy when I’d met him. I knew we’d be good friends – bad daters could recognize their own. And he’d been so bumbling and sweet…

Suddenly I remembered the terrible gash on Dez’s arm and the gold fluid everywhere. The subtle cast to his eyes. And my last words to him.

God, I hoped he was okay. I’d been avoiding thinking about him for the last week.

Rifling through my bag, I pulled out a pair of shorts and a tank, asking casually, “Hey, have you heard from Desmond Devoy recently?”

Andrei let out a diabolical chuckle as though savoring a good joke. “Sure, why?”

“Is he, um, okay?” I asked.

“I know, Faye,” Andrei said in a smartass voice and I clutched my clothes to my chest.

What did he know? That I was checking him out? Damn him making fun of me like that.

“I didn’t mean–” I began to stammer as I turned around.

Andrei was pulling out a small bathroom bag and gave me a funny look. “You did not what? Mean to change Dez’s life? I wouldn’t worry, sunshine. I think the fault lies more with Frost.”

My heart leaped. “He is a shifter now? He’s okay?”

“Oh yeah,” Andrei said. “A king cheetah walking tall.”

“Wow,” I breathed, eager to hear more. “Wait, how do you know that?”

He shrugged his big, tiger tatted shoulders and winked at me. “Might have helped him bring down that money chain in Boston the TLO had set up. With Soraya, Roy, and a few others along for the ride, I might add.”

I gasped. “You did? That’s incredible!”

“Yes, it is a good story. Full of heroism on my part, Dez rescuing ladies and lots of romance,” Andrei said, a teasing smile on his face now. “But it will have to wait. I can barely keep my eyes open.”

“Use the bathroom first,” I said with a smile. Anything for you Andrei.

“I like this side of you,” Andrei said and I shook my head. Eyes twinkling, he stretched his arms overhead and yawned. “Careful, I might take advantage of it.”

“I might let you,” I retorted and then I caught myself. “I mean–”

If I was flustered, that was nothing to the look of hilarity on Andrei’s face. “You’re trouble.”

“No, I’m tired.”

“Yeah, we both need sleep,” Andrei said, going into the bathroom. “Won’t be long.”

When it was my turn in the bathroom, I took my time, relishing in the relief and weight lifted off my shoulders. I’m not alone. I’m not alone. I’m not alone. I sang in my head.

Brushing my teeth, the happiest I’d been in months, I sleepily thought about Andrei. I’d do anything for that man, I really would. I’d tell every girl on the planet how great he was.

I mean, I could kiss him right now.

Kissing Andrei.

My toothbrush stopped and I looked at myself in the mirror. Blood was rushing into my cheeks, looking like someone had slapped pink paint across my nose and cheekbones.

I gasped a little, inhaling toothpaste and went into a silent coughing fit. Putting down my toothbrush when I could breathe again, I couldn’t stop imagining it.

I bet he can kiss, came a dangerous little whisper.

No, no, what was I thinking? I had to stop or I wouldn’t be able to think straight around Andrei. And besides, on the run was not the time for matters of the heart.

You sound like a fussy old grandmother, came a sassy whisper. Live a little.

I shook my head vehemently, trying to dislodge the thought. I was a simple girl at the end of the day. Surfing and stars. An athletic nerd, to be honest. Overly nice. A people pleaser.

He’ll break your heart.

Andrei was an arrogant, smooth-talking spy. Someone who wore multiple masks and had too many secrets. Who flew planes and probably seduced hundreds of women. Not for me.

But he was also fiercely loyal and protective. Relentlessly driven. Sharp and intelligent.

Mirois and I were in agreement about one thing.

He always does the right thing.

She’d thought that meant he’d follow any order, I realized and I shuddered. What a terrible thing to ask a man like Andrei – to sacrifice his principles for the Order.

Of course, he couldn't do it.

A thud on the door and a growl made me jump. “Faye, you’ve been in there forever. Can you please finish up whatever you’re doing in there? Christ, did you fall asleep?”

I opened the door and Andrei glared down at me.

“Sorry,” I said, with a sheepish grin. “I got lost in thought.”

“Tsch!” Reaching around me, he hit the light and grabbed my arm, pulling me to the bed.

His big hand was warm around my arm and I felt myself melting a little, breathing too quickly and trying not to enjoy myself. When Andrei let go, I shot him another apologetic grin.

“Are you getting delirious on me?” he asked. “Why are you acting like this?”

I rubbed my arms, walking to the other side of the bed and Andrei did the same. “How-how am I acting?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” Andrei barked, sounding exhausted. “Weird. It’s making me–”

I was making him uncomfortable, I realized, in both horror and hilarity. “I’m sorry.”

“Stop apologizing, Faye,” he rumbled, climbing in and pointing at my side. “Get in and shut up.” Quickly I did so, taking care to stick my side of the bed and not take too much blanket.

Andrei rolled onto his stomach, pressing his cheek into the pillow and I sensed his eyes on me. Suddenly a big arm looped around my stomach and pulled me towards him. I squeaked.

“You’re going to fall off the bed. Don’t worry, I don’t move around a lot,” Andrei said, letting me go. “And take some more goddamn blankets.”

I quietly submitted to his fussing, my heart overflowing a bit and I tried not to squeak when his hand brushed my shoulder.

“Thank you,” I said in a breathless whisper.

“Mmph,” Andrei grunted, settling on the pillow and facing me.

Snuggling down, a sudden urge to giggle hit me as I looked at his face. Oh my God, could you imagine Soraya’s reaction if she knew about this? She would flip her shit. Absolutely.

My eyes closed as I snuggled down more, my body unknitting until I was nothing but a puddle. I hadn’t felt this relaxed in ages, I hadn’t been able to sleep…

 

Squinting my eyes open onto a huge, rumpled bed, I briefly thought I was dreaming.

It took me a minute or so to fully open my eyes, I was so warm and comfortable. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d slept like that. Sitting up, I let out a happy sigh and stretched. Then, glancing around, I leaned back on the pillows and yesterday slowly came back to me.

Did I thank Andrei enough? I wondered.

The door opened at that instant and he poked his head in. Seeing I was awake, Andrei came fully into the room and my heart slammed into my ribcage. His beard was trimmed down to a scruff and he was shirtless in a pair of loose sweats. So damn handsome.

“Wow, you were tired,” Andrei said and I rubbed my arms. “Been out almost sixteen hours.”

“Sixteen?” I asked and he nodded. “I-I didn’t mean…”

“It’s fine. I was going to order pizza. Any preferences?” he asked.

“Whatever you want,” I said earnestly, smiling at him. Andrei shook his head and muttered something in Russian. “What is it?”

“You can ask for things, Faye,” Andrei said in a pained voice. “Just because I…”

There was silence.

“I can never thank you enough,” I said after a moment.

“Good God,” Andrei muttered. “Faye, you’re a little dazzled with relief right now, so I’m going to let that go. Just tell me what you want on your damn pizza.”

“I do love a good plain cheese,” I confessed. “Or veggie.”

“Thank you,” Andrei said, vanishing back out.

Getting up, my body was also happier than it had been in ages. I practically danced to the bathroom, where I splashed my face and brushed my teeth. Then, going back into the room, I dug through the bag and found a loose pair of pants and a tank top.

Humming, I went out to the kitchen and put on water for coffee. Andrei was standing out on the balcony, talking on the phone and then he came inside.

“I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get you home,” he said with a grimace.

“Oh, I’m–”

“Do not apologize,” he cut me off. “I get that you’re blaming yourself, but we’re in this together, Faye. I want to end this as much as anyone.”

He was gazing at me intently and I nodded, picking up my coffee mug and gesturing to the couch. “I’ll tell you everything,” I said.