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She suppressed a giggle. “Let me guess, import export business?”
“Security business.”
Based on his tough macho aura definitely not computer security, but rather more in the lines of a bodyguard company. “Oh, as in protection?”
“Very perceptive.”
“Working overseas in often risky parts of the world, I’ve run across security detail for business people and politicians. Are you here to protect someone?”
“I don’t discuss work. Private matter.”
She lowered her gaze. “Of course.” Better she not know anyway. For all she knew, he could be a Russian spy, or a mercenary offering his services to a rich mobster. He seemed polite and rich, but radiated badass. How had Lev gotten to know her father? Was it all good natured, or was there a more criminal reason? I know so little about dear old Dad. For all I know, Lev might work for some kingpin and Howard had been forced to perform surgery. Red flag. Her father had not been too happy seeing him at the house. Lev could prove too dangerous to both her life and heart.
Chapter 4
Lev gazed at Rachel’s amber eyes. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Not at all.”
“Will you practice medicine here in New Orleans?”
“No. I’m taking a little break, but there are a few options I’m considering.”
He narrowed his gaze, this time controlling her mind. “Not returning to Africa, correct?”
Rachel blinked as if fighting a trance. She was strong willed for a human. “No. Never. At least not for work.”
A wave of guilt slapped Lev in the face for using mind control, but damn it, he would not leave unless she was safe. And that included not traveling back to where she almost died. “What options are you considering?”
“I’m thinking about Nepal.”
So far away. Avalanches, poverty, and other unknowns clouded his mood. Not to mention the high elevation and treacherous cliffs. Was she some daredevil rock climber? The type that died foolishly on Mount Everest? What would he do about her? He hated resorting to more mind control. She wasn’t his puppet. “That’s on the other side of the world.”
“I spent a summer there. Loved it. This time I hope to travel in the slower winter months.”
“Winter?”
“Actually, it’s not too bad, according to my friend John who has trekked the entire region. He says the weather is clear and the trails not as crowded. Worth the extra layer of warm clothes.”
Lev’s muscles tightened. John? Was he also her lover? He reined in his need to pursue the matter. After all, she would someday marry a human. “Are you a trekker or a climber?”
“A trekker. I’m not big on heights or, for that matter, falling. I’m happy to just take in the view from a safe distance.”
So there was a limit to her risk taking behavior. “I see.”
“Have you been to Nepal?”
“I was in India and Pakistan on business, but never made it to the Himalayas.” He had been on his way to Afghanistan to rescue a team of special ops humans, but no need to share that tidbit.
“If you love snow, which I assume you do, you would enjoy it.”
He smiled in amusement. “How do you know I love snow?”
“I’m just thinking of cold Russian nights. I saw Dr. Zhivago and found it terribly romantic.” She blushed. Not just her face, but her exquisite long porcelain neck. “I mean the cinematography was pretty epic.”
“Indeed. Snow is very romantic.”
She sipped champagne and licked her lips, driving him mad with desire. “Sounds crazy going from African heat to Nepalese cold.” She circled a finger around the rim of her glass, again setting off his lustful wolf. “I might even consider working there, but I think I know what I want.”
