“I didn’t choose them. They were here when I bought the place. I only had the good taste to insist they stay. I bought the property from an Indian family who wanted to retire and go out and see the world. Most of the paintings were done by the owner’s grandson.” He punched the elevator button. “The ones in my penthouse are just as good. You’ll like those, too.” He pressed the PENTHOUSE button. “You’ll stay in my guest room tonight. I need to keep an eye on you.” He glanced at her. “Okay?”

“Why not?” she asked. “When do you expect Kaskov?”

“Later this afternoon.” He nudged her out of the elevator as the doors opened. He led her across the foyer and down the hall, then unlocked a door and handed her the key. “Take a nap. You didn’t sleep on the way here. If you need anything, don’t call room service. It should be safe, but don’t take the chance. Let me know and I’ll get it for you.” He put her suitcase inside the door. “I’ll see you later. I’ll let you know when I hear from Kaskov.”

“I’m sure you will.”

He turned to go and then abruptly turned back. “It will be all right, Lara. I’ll make certain that Kaskov walks a straight line.” Then he was gone.

She felt a rush of warmth at that reassuring last comment after the chilliness that had gone before. It shouldn’t have mattered to her, but she needed comfort from any direction at the moment.

She gazed around the bedroom. The colors were blue and beige and the furniture was luxurious but not ostentatious. It was a guest room, but it was not a room meant to impress. But then neither was Tanner. He was a man of silences and intensity. That was why she was always intrigued and fascinated when he did speak.

Which he hadn’t done on the trip from Sandrino, she thought ruefully. Very noncommunicative. She was surprised he’d noticed that she hadn’t slept on the way here. That bed looked good to her right now.

But not before she called Maria to let her know she’d arrived, she thought as she reached for her phone. Maria hadn’t been at all pleased with her when she’d left her last night, and Lara always hated being at odds with her.

“Are you all right?” Maria asked when she picked up the phone. “It took you longer than I thought it would.”

“I’m fine. Not a pleasant trip. Tanner really didn’t want me to go with him.”

“I could tell,” Maria said dryly. “And neither did I. It’s a mistake, Lara. You should have let me go along.”

“I told you why I didn’t. You’re better off with Mallory.”

“We should face Kaskov together.”