“From?”
“Losha.”
“And? Has she finally accepted that United Russia is no longer a threat and is ready to come above ground?”
The last Gunner had heard, Shiver still hadn’t found where she was hiding, let alone convince her that he and the K19 team had successfully negotiated the removal of the bounty UR had placed on her head.
Zary bit her lip. “Not exactly. She…”
When Zary tried to turn away from him, Gunner held her close and looked into her eyes. “You can trust me, sweetheart. No matter what it is.”
“How do you do that? It’s like you look inside my mind.”
“Lifetimes of loving you.”
She smiled, and even though it was tentative, it warmed his heart.
“What I’m about to tell you…you can’t tell anyone. You have to promise me.”
He held up one hand. “I swear I won’t tell a soul.”
“She’s here.”
Gunner did his best not to react. Now he understood her insistence that he not tell anyone. By anyone, she meant Shiver. “Where?”
“Washington, and she needs a place to stay. Somewhere…private.”
“I see.”
The solution was simple, but before he made any promises, Gunner needed to talk to his mother.
“I may have an idea for both Topor and Losha.”
“What?”
“I’ll tell you when you get back from shopping. Will she be okay wherever she is until then?”
Zary nodded. “Thank you,” she murmured.
“Wait,” he said when she turned to go up the stairs.
“What?”
“Kiss me.”
Zary smiled again, making the hallway, along with this life, brighter.
“I love you.”
“You told me that a few minutes ago.”
He gripped her arm, pulled her close, and covered her mouth with his. He leaned into her, pushing her up against the wall, while his tongue invaded her mouth.
“Any questions?” he asked, pulling back so he could see her eyes.
“I love you, Gunner.”
“That’s better. Have fun today. Oh, wait. I have something for you.”