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When she pushed hard against me, breaking our connection, I took several deep breaths, wiping the back of my hand across my mouth.
“I’ll obey you. This time.” A mischievous look remained on her face as she backed away, allowing her gaze to fall slowly to my boots. Then she smiled before turning around and walking out.
And it felt as if she was walking out of my life forever.
* * *
Emily
Trust.
I knew the reason Kostya had insisted on having one of his armed soldiers drive me to the sanctuary had nothing to do with trust, but it nagged at me. I’d questioned my trust of him more than a few times, only to come back to the same answer.
Yes, he deserved it.
Then why couldn’t I trust my heart to provide the right guidance?
It was insane, keeping me awake the entire night before. Maybe I hoped seeing Aziza with her cub would provide all the right answers. I brushed my hand through my hair as the soldier whipped around several corners, the open Jeep providing an open air feeling of the gorgeous estate. From the lush, green gardens to the incredible vistas of the ocean, the acreage was extraordinary. I’d even sampled the strawberries with Kostya, the experience perhaps my favorite, providing a memory that would last for many years to come.
Who would have thought a big, bad assassin would enjoy nibbling on a sweet, juicy piece of fruit? I tingled at the thought.
Kiki nuzzled against me, reminding me that she’d insisted on coming with me. The pup also had such a calming effect on Kostya, the love in both their eyes undeniable. “Good girl. We’re going to see the cub? Are you excited?”
Woof!
I noticed the soldier actually cracked a smile. It would seem they’d rare seen any other side of Kostya but the sullen beast of a man barking orders. As the entrance to the sanctuary came into view, a strange feeling shifted into my system. I scanned the area, trying to figure out what I’d sensed.
The soldier glanced at me, pulling off on the accelerator. “What is it, Dr. Shephard?”
“I don’t know exactly. Maybe nothing.”
“I should return to the estate. El Capitan gave me strict orders.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m just jittery. Besides, Kiki would have barked. Right?”
He remained wary but continued driving, stopping the vehicle a solid fifty yards from the lions’ area. I couldn’t see any movement, but for some reason I also sensed Aziza’s presence. She would be watchful of all activity given the attack. I eased out, Kiki immediately jumping from the Jeep, trotting happily beside me as I walked closer.
A part of me longed to move inside, but I knew better than to flirt with another kind of danger. As I moved closer to the fence, I noticed movement in the thickest bank of trees. Patience would be needed in order to rekindle the limited trust the giant beast had given me.
Kiki raced up and down a section of the fence, woofing as a call to her friend. I leaned over, studying the area, more at peace than I’d been in a long time. “I hope your baby is doing well.” Even if I didn’t have the opportunity to catch a glimpse, I’d feel somewhat better just by being here. What an amazing opportunity I’d been given, saving the life of a different species.
A few minutes passed, limbs of the tallest trees swaying given the moderate breeze. Every scent was richer, the natural beauty unspoiled by the usual necessities of mankind. Kostya was lucky to have this place. I closed my eyes, imagining the possibilities of the future.
The hard crack had nothing to do with the wind or movement from the animals.
Within seconds, the soldier jumped from the Jeep, racing toward the sound. I was immediately placed on guard, backing away from the fence. Kiki growled, instinctively moving beside me. I crouched down, scanning the perimeter as I grabbed the scruff of her neck. “It’s okay, baby. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
Although I wasn’t certain at all.
Ten seconds passed. Twenty. A full minute.
Pop!
The single gunshot jarred me to a standing position, my breath skipping. “Stay,” I whispered to Kiki. I could tell she wanted nothing more than to hunt for the sound. My instinct kicked in and I continued backing away toward the Jeep. “Come on, baby. We need to get out of here.” I lunged forward, jumping into the driver’s seat, reaching for the keys.
Jesus Christ.
The soldier had taken them, likely part of his training, the action automatic.
