Typical Korgan. Taking charge and confronting Novak on his own without even consulting her. But wasn’t that the best way to handle it? For her to step out of the way and let them size each other up and talk and see if they could work together. They were both brilliant and experienced, and she trusted both of them to get the job done. If there was a stumbling block, she could try to step in later to repair any damage. “That’s the way I want it. Tell Korgan to bring you back to Cazvar’s house and I’ll give you a cup of tea. I’ll see you soon, Novak.” She cut the connection.

She drew a deep breath and swung her legs to the floor. Nothing like being tossed headlong into dealing with real life and all its problems before she was fully awake.

Where was Korgan?

She must have been sound asleep not to wake when he’d gotten out of bed and left the house. More likely unconscious, she thought ruefully. She didn’t know how many times they had come together, but it had been wild and more erotic than anything she had ever experienced. Even now her breasts felt heavy, ripe, her skin…glowing. And just thinking about it was making her tingle, ready…

So she mustn’t think about it. She got to her feet and slipped out of bed. Go wash, find something to wear, and get ready to meet with Novak. She had seized that brief moment and she would not be sorry for it. But it was time to put it aside and get to work.

Not so easy, she found immediately.

Before he’d left, Korgan had put that pot of water for her bath on the fire to warm.

And he’d washed the teapot and set it on the cabinet with her cup and the canister of tea beside it.

Right now I just want to take care of you. I find I like the idea of that very much.

Small things to make her feel so treasured, but impossible to ignore…

*  *  *

She heard nothing from either Novak or Korgan for another four hours, and she had to stifle her impatience and the impulse to call them. Look on the delay as a good sign, she told herself. Let them work it out.

But she was still outside the house impatiently waiting when she saw them come down the cobbled street toward her. Neither of them was smiling, but they were talking very fast and intently. Her gaze went from one to the other. “You took long enough. Is it yes or no, Novak?”

Novak grinned. “You’re more patient than I remember you being, Alisa. The woman I knew would have been hunting me down and firing arguments at me.” He glanced slyly at Korgan. “Instead of sending an underling like him to do your dirty work. You’re lucky I have a tolerant nature where arrogant billionaires are concerned.”