I led her to the bed. Stevens had arranged a room for us in a motel somewhere off the grid. The place was simple, but at least it was clean. No one would ever think to look there for us if indeed Grigoriy was keeping an eye on me.
“How are you and our baby doing, my love?”
“Neither one of us is keen on confinement,” she said and ran her hand over her swollen belly.
“He’s grown,” I said, careful not to use the word big. No woman wants to hear that when they’re feeling vulnerable.
“Uh-huh. I’m trying to keep up with his growth spurt. Sometimes I think I’m going to pop open like a ripe melon.”
“Let’s hope not,” I chuckled.
Angel smiled and, honestly, it was the most beautiful thing I’d seen since she left home.
“Your smile still gets my pulse racing.”
“Sweet talker.”
“I’m a little rusty. I haven’t had much practice since you left.”
“You know why I had to leave, right?”
“I do. It hurts, but I get it.”
“What’s happening with the case?”
“We’re at the business end of the monster now.”
“How so?”
“Grigoriy and the boys are coming to the States for a meeting.”
Angel went pale.
“It’s okay, Babe. Don’t worry. The DEA has this thing sewn up good and tight. Please, don’t be afraid.”
“How did you manage to lure him here? I would think that someone the likes of Grigoriy wouldn’t leave the safety and security of his lair for any reason.”
“You’re right. However, there’s nothing like greed to flush out the kind of criminal he is. I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
“You’re aware that you sound like an actor in a 1950s gangster movie, don’t you?”
“What can I say? I’ve been hanging around the feds for too long.”
“Women love a man in uniform, Agent Mikhailov.”
“Hhmm. Do they now?”
“That’s the word on the street.”
“Have I told you yet what my favorite part of your pregnancy is?”
“I would assume it’s the fact that I’m carrying your son.”
“Okay, make that the second favorite part, then.”
“No, you haven’t. What is your second favorite part of my pregnancy?”
I started to slowly unbutton her blouse.