“So, you really want to go there?” The warning in Val’s voice was real as she responded to something Smith couldn’t hear. He grasped the door handle, a protective roar flooding through him. He turned the knob.
“No. He doesn’t know, and I won’t tell him.”
Smith froze with his hand on the knob.Know what?
He could hear Smoke talking through the door of the hotel room. The low rumble of a masculine voice was audible, but he couldn’t hearwhatSmoke was saying. “He’s not ready. Not yet. Given time, I think it may work, but if it doesn’t, well, then, this trip was all for naught, wasn’t it?”
He dropped his eyes to the handle of the bathroom door.So, this is what? An experiment? He wasn’t ready for what? Joining Guardian? Killing? Being used … his parents. Of course.He turned and leaned against the door.Of course. Why else would Guardian want someone like him? He wasn’t the important factor; Guardian’s end plan was something to do with his family.God, that made sense. Why else would they keep tabs on him? Why else would someone like Val pay attention to him? All the dots suddenly aligned into a straight and cohesive concept. He tilted his head and maneuvered the small device out of his ear. She was with him to make sure he complied.
He stared at the earpiece and felt his resolve and his disdain grow. He didn’t care if Guardian used him somehow to manipulate his mother’s connection to the Bratva. That wasn’t what hurt. As the warmth of the blossoming infatuation he'd held for Val drained, it was replaced by anger. He’d sworn he’d never be used again. Yet there he stood embroidered into a tapestry of Guardian’s weaving.
He looked up at the ceiling. Komal needed to die. He used children. Children should have their innocence and childhood, not be harvested for war and sex. For that reason alone, he’d complete the mission. Then he’d walk away when the team left for safe waters. He’d learned to survive on the streets of New York. He could learn to survive in Russia.
He placed the earpiece on the top shelf of the bathroom and opened the door. Time to show Guardian that he wasn’t the man they knew as Mrs. Henshaw’s keeper.
12
Val poured a glass of wine and sat down across from Smoke. He’d become the entire class’ mentor since Demos retired. Smoke was a big brother to all of them, whereas Demos was the father some of them had never had.
“Is the big guy okay?” Smoke took a drink of his beer.
Val glanced to the bathroom and smiled. “He’s fine. He processes everything in minute detail, and you know he isn’t the most talkative man in the world.”
“When are you going to tell him that you really like him? Don’t think I didn’t notice what you’ve been up to.” Smoke fell back against the back of the couch. “I’ve known you for years, and I see it, even though you don’t want anyone to know. You care for him deeply.”
“So, you really want to go there?” Val narrowed her eyes at Smoke, but he was right. She’d grown to care for Smith in a way she hadn’t cared for anyone since she’d met her late husband. Smith was completely different. Her attraction to him didn’t make sense, but since when did matters of the heart actually make sense? “No. He doesn’t know, and I won’t tell him.” She needed him to be focused on the mission. She had the experience and knew that even though they had passports and means to complete the mission, eyes would be on them. It was dangerous going into Russia. Moreso doing what they planned to do.
“You’re making a mistake. This guy is literal, Val. He’s never experienced love from anyone except maybe Mrs. Henshaw. Don’t fuck around with this. Tell him how you feel.”
She shook her head. They’d made progress, but … “He’s not ready. Not yet. Given time, I think it may work, but if it doesn’t, well, then, this trip was all for naught, wasn’t it?”
“Cynical doesn’t look good on you, sweetie. Don’t play this guy like you would a mark. He’s real, and he’s vulnerable.” Smoke stood up. “I’ve got to dart, or I’ll miss my return flight.”
Val stood and hugged her friend. “Take care of yourself,” she whispered in his ear.
“I always do. You think about what I’ve said.” He gave her a final squeeze.
“I always do,” she repeated his words. “Whatever it takes.”
“As long as it takes.” Smoke kissed her on the cheek. “Seriously, you look weird as a brunette.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m changing back to blonde. CCS sanitized Heathrow, right?”
“They did.” Smoke looked past her. “Hey, Smithson. I’m on my way back to D.C.,” he said, then moved toward the door. Val spun and watched as the men shook hands and said goodbye. An odd feeling that something wasn’t quite right with Smith zapped through her, but he didn’t act any differently. When Smoke left, he locked the doors and headed into the bedroom.
“What are you doing?” she asked, following him.
He went into the bathroom and reached up to the top shelf. “Putting in my earpiece.”
“Good idea. I need to change, and then we’ll head to the airport.” She watched him as he threw a glance in her direction. He simply nodded, and she got that feeling again. “Smith, are you all right?”
He stopped and turned toward her. “I’m fine. I’m concentrating on the mission.”
“Okay. Do you have any questions or concerns?”
“None.” He moved out to the living room, and she watched him pick up the Scotch bottle she’d ordered the first night. He poured two fingers and walked to the window. Turning to look over his shoulder at her, he said, “I thought you were going to change?”
“Yeah, I’m going to take a shower. Can I convince you to join me?” She’d love to have one-on-one time with him before the mission started.