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“Ivan just got a call. New lead on Anthony. This one looks promising, so he wants to go check it out himself. It’s close by.”
Adrik was quiet for a moment while he pondered this news. “You stay. Ivan can take Stephen and go check it out. Do not engage. I just want him to gather information right now.”
“Yes, sir,” Misha said as he left the apartment, closing the door behind him. Adrik walked back over to me, placing himself in between my legs again.
I was biting my bottom lip, worried about what I had just heard Misha tell Adrik. He swiped his thumb over my bottom lip to get me to stop biting it. “Don’t worry. We will find him.”
I was trying to keep it together, but I was scared. I just nodded and stared at my fidgeting hands. My legs started to shake despite my attempt at composure. He had his hands resting on my thighs, which meant he felt the shaking. Without a word, he scooped me from the counter and carried me to the couch. He laid me down on the couch but lifted my shoulders so he could sit, and I could use his lap as a pillow.
“You should be resting, not worrying,” he said as he settled into the couch beside me. I laid my head in his lap. He reached for my hand and intertwined my fingers with his. With his other hand, he rubbed my forehead gently. “We will find him.”
I tried to relax with his words. I closed my eyes and concentrated on his warm touch against my cool skin. His fingers moved into my hair. “Can I take your hair down?”
Without opening my eyes, I reached up and pulled the elastic out of my hair. My hair fell in a pile across his lap. I felt his hand return to my hair, running through the long strands. It wasn’t very long, and I had fallen asleep again.
That was a trick my mom used to use when I was a kid and didn’t want to go to sleep. She would always lay next to me and run her fingers through my hair to relax me. It was usually only a matter of minutes, and I would be sound asleep. No one had run their fingers through my hair in a very long time.
When I woke, I was in my bed. It took me a few minutes to remember that I had fallen asleep on the couch, with my head in Adrik’s lap, his hands running through my hair. I sighed at the memory and realized that I hadn’t had any nightmares this time.
Thank God. I’d rather not have to relive that ever again.
I stretched and went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. I walked back to check my phone. Four messages, three from Max, one from Adrik. I opened Adrik’s first.
Sleep well, solnishko. I will see you again soon. —Adrik
I found myself hoping that soon came quickly. I smiled, remembering the feel of his lips on mine. I opened Max’s messages as I headed out to the kitchen to find out if Andrei and Viktor were back or if I was still stuck with Misha and Grumpy McGee.
I have an epic tale to tell you about Kim tonight.
How you doin’? Want me to drop some food by your place on my way home?
Okay, I’m guessing you’re asleep by your lack of response. No soup for you!
Just as I was about to close my phone, another message from Max came in.
Holy shit, Sephie! Did you hear that explosion? It was really close to your apartment. Are you okay? If you don’t respond this time, I’m for real coming to check on you. I don’t know exactly where that building was that just exploded, but I know it was close enough to you that you should’ve felt it.
What explosion? I didn’t hear anything, nor feel anything. But I also didn’t want him coming to check on me, so I responded right away.
I’m still alive, Max. I was sleeping last night when you texted. What explosion are you talking about? I didn’t hear anything or see anything, so I have no idea what you’re talking about. Clearly it wasn’t as close to me as you thought.
There was a warehouse a few blocks from you that exploded a few hours ago. Firefighters are still working on putting the fire out. I just heard about it on the news at the gym. I’m glad you’re okay, gingersnap.
Aw, you love me. You really love me, Maximus Decimus Meridius.
If by “love” you mean that I want to strangle you, then yes. Yes, I do. Too soon?
Haha, only you can get away with that. Maybe a little too soon. Let the bruises heal next time.
You know my world would crumble without my gingersnap. <3
Nerd. Thanks for checking on me.
I walked into the kitchen to find Andrei, Viktor, and Misha still there. They all looked very tense and were speaking Russian quietly.
“You guys wouldn’t be tense about that building that exploded close by, would you?”
They all turned to look at me with wide eyes.
