“You don't mind if I have a drink, do you?”
“Of course not. Go ahead.”
Max poured himself a drink, then sat down on the sofa across from me.
“How’s Josie?”
“She's fine. Working like a trojan. What else is new, right?”
“Does she hate me?”
“No. Josie is surprisingly understanding of your situation.”
“Wow. I didn’t expect that.”
“You must have made a good impression on her.”
“I was hoping to have made an equally good impression on you if I’m honest.”
I didn't like where the conversation was going. Max had the uncanny ability to liberate me from my clothes and my common sense with very little effort. I had to keep my wits about me.
“Why am I here, Max?”
“As you know, I’ve been working with the DEA.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Anyway, things are heating up fast. I can’t focus on the mammoth task ahead of me if I’m worried about your safety.”
“What do you mean, heating up?”
“There’s bound to be some very unhappy people very soon.”
“You mean. Grigoriy.”
“Yes. Amongst others. Anyway, the DEA has a safe house and …”
“Oh, no! No, no, no. I’m not going into a safe house. Forget! I’m about to have a baby, Max. I’m staying right where I am, thank you very much.”
“You can’t, Angel. Grigoriy’s men will no doubt know about you, and I won’t allow any harm to come to you. You have to do this, Angel. Please. For your sake and for our baby’s.”
“Damn it, Max!” I said and started pacing.
I couldn’t believe I’d been so naive as to imagine that the DEA would simply wave a magic wand and all of our troubles would vanish. A safe house! What if I went into labor? What if Max was killed? I wouldn’t have a clue because I’d be locked away in a box somewhere.
I suddenly felt Max’s arms around me. He held me close to him while he spoke softly to me.
“It’s going to be okay, my love. I promise. Please, trust me. I know I’ve let you down hugely, but I swear I’m going to fix it.”
I couldn’t stop myself from crying. The tears kept coming, no matter how hard I fought to keep them back. Max held me tightly and stroked my back.
“It’s okay, my love. Let it out. I’m here.”
“Oh, Max. I’m so tired.”
“I know. It’s so fucking wrong that you’re caught up in all this. It will be over soon. I promise. And you won't be alone in the safe house. Inessa will be there too.”
“What? You can’t afford to send your family on a proper holiday?”