tina's boots. Gun in hand, she stalked through the dimly lit halls, her senses sharpene

ng to the shadowy figures creeping

rew Marco had mentioned earlier-bold enough to encroach on her

dered, her voice low but co

ered to Mira. She couldn't shake the image of her standing by the

fire Valentina hadn't felt in years. She headed bac

window. She was pacing, her arms wrapped around he

?" Mira asked, he

hands on Mira's shoulders. "Trouble,"

th fear. "You don't have to protec

gh. And until I figure out the rest, you're under my pr

t she might argue. Instead, Mira reached up, her finge

into the touch. "Because I want to," she ad

gaze didn't waver. "Then do

tugged at Valentina

ile moment, and Valentina spun around, her gun

enti

es hard. "Lock the door behind me. Don't op

tated, th

back into the hallway, her body tense as