“Had what?”
“A sense of humor. Buried under all that Russian stoicism, but it's there.”
“Will not help us if city explodes.”
“No. But it might help us not lose our minds before it does.” He settled back properly this time, buckling his seatbelt. “Besides, if something's going to happen, I'd rather spend the time before it laughing than drowning in worst-case scenarios.”
“Worst-case scenarios keep you alive.”
“So does remembering you're alive in the first place.” His eyes met mine in the mirror again. “You're allowed to exist as more than a weapon, Viktor. Even if it's just for a few minutes in a car with someone who actually likes you.”
“You should not like me,” I said. “Makes things complicated.”
“Everything about you is complicated. Doesn't make me like you less.” He grinned. “Makes you more interesting, actually. Like a very deadly puzzle I'm trying to solve.”
“Am not puzzle.”
“You absolutely are. A grumpy, Russian, extremely competent puzzle who pretends he doesn't have feelings.”
“I have feelings. Just know when not to show them.”
“And when do you show them?”
“Never. Is safer.”
“For who?”
“For everyone.”
Sebastian was quiet for a moment. Then, softer, “That sounds lonely.”
It was. But I didn't say that.
“Loneliness is luxury I can afford,” I said instead. “Attachment is not.”
“What if someone wanted to be attached anyway? Despite your better judgment?”
“Then they would be very foolish,” I said.
“Lucky for you, I've been called foolish my entire life.”
Marcus cleared his throat. “Approaching the bridge in two minutes, sir.”
Marcus navigated it with practiced ease, and I scanned constantly. Every vehicle. Every face. Every window that could hide a shooter. Every variable that could become threat.
That's when I saw it.
A motorcycle. Black. No plates visible. Weaving through traffic three cars back, maintaining perfect distance but never falling behind. The rider's posture was wrong. Too controlled. Too deliberate.
“Marcus. Black motorcycle. Seven o'clock position. How long has he been there?”
Marcus checked his mirrors, eyes narrowing. “Since we left the palace, I think. Maybe before. Didn't register as threat initially.”
“He is maintaining exact distance. Professional tail. That is not coincidence.”
“Want me to lose him?”
“No. Keep steady pace. I need to see what he does when we change conditions.” I pulled my phone, dialed the lead security car. “Alpha One, we have potential tail. Black motorcycle, no visible plates. Three cars back. Be ready for anything.”
