“To be honest, I’m more American than Russian. Also, you’re making it sound like it wasn’t an excellent bargain.”
Addy lifted her head again and stared at me. “Did you or did you not murder someone?”
“That’s a longer conversation.”
Her eyes narrowed. “This is the second time you’ve dodged that question.”
“It’s a complicated answer.” I shrugged.
“How complicated could it be?” she demanded. “Either you murdered someone or you didn’t.”
I considered that. “There are certain … circumstances.”
“That’s not reassuring.”
“But it’s honest.”
Addy groaned again and dramatically collapsed back onto my chest. “I can’t believe this is my life now.”
I slid my hand slowly up her back, spreading my fingers against her spine.
“You’re enjoying this,” she accused, poking my ribs and making me wince.
“Immensely.”
Addy studied me again, clearly trying to decide whether to be terrified or amused. Then she sighed and flopped back down against me.
“Okay.” She nodded to herself.
“Okay?”
“I’m postponing the moral crisis until tomorrow.”
Or any day in the very distant future.
“That’s wise.” I sighed.
“I’m too comfortable to make responsible life decisions.”
I huffed out a quiet laugh and pulled her closer. “I don’t blame you.”
She stayed there for a moment, her cheek against my chest and her fingers lazily drifting across my ribs, as if she’d decided her temporary nervous breakdown could be postponed if she simply ignored the wider implications of her situation.
The yacht shifted beneath us again as the waves broke against the hull. We laid there for a while and I listened to her slow breathing. My hand moved idly through herhair, and the weight of her body on top of mine grounded me in a way I hadn’t expected.
Then her fingers slowed against my ribs until they eventually stopped.
“Can I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything.”
I just can’t promise I can answer.My desire to keep her safe outweighed my desire to always give her what she wanted.
“This one might be … slightly heavier.”
I stayed silent, waiting patiently for her question.
Addy lifted her head, rested her chin on my chest and looked up at me. Her entire expression had changed. There was still curiosity and warmth in her features, but now they were accompanied by a more cautious note.