PIPER
THIRTY MINUTES EARLIER
I hear Timofey come in.
I could open my eyes. I could turn to him and ask how the meeting went. But I already know the answer.
Everything is falling apart, and maybe he's right… Maybe it is all my fault.
The Albanians only cared about Noelle because of me. The only reason Timofey trusted her in his house is because I told him she was trustworthy.
I can't face all of that right now.
Suddenly, Timofey lays his jacket over me. It's still warm from his body, and I'm enveloped in the scent of him. I want to breathe in deep, but I resist the urge, continuing my ploy of slow, deep breaths.
His hand brushes gently across my forehead. Electricity sparks where we connect.
"You stood in front of those men, looked me in the eyes, and said I was among the best of them," he murmurs.
I'm dying to see his expression. To know what he's thinking right now.Did I do a good job in the meeting? Is he proud?
