“I’ll try to obey your instructions,” Tanner said sarcastically as he reached for his phone. “Heaven forbid I don’t let Volkov know exactly what’s waiting for him.”

Chapter
14

What are you doing?” Lara asked Tanner as she came into the library thirty minutes later. He was on the floor, sitting cross-legged, leaning back against the couch.

“I’m just relaxing after a busy day and trying to follow Rennell’s advice to go for the bottle rocket and not be too subtle.” He reached up and pulled her down to sit beside him on the floor. “I placed a call and I’m waiting for a return.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I saw Rennell come down the driveway. Did everything go well?”

Tanner nodded. “He’d be insulted that you even asked. Are you and Maria finished for the night?”

“Until we can go out to the mountains and draw comparisons. It’s strange sitting here on the floor. I feel like a little kid.”

“That’s not bad. It’s back to basics. I spent a lot of time when I was a kid in back alleys shooting craps or playing cards. When I graduated to the bars, I thought I was big time.” He smiled. “I’ve always liked sitting on the floor. Sometimes I can think better. I can see how you might not be comfortable. You were probably sitting on a piano bench most of the time when you were a kid.”

She nodded. “When I wasn’t doing a Trial. But I’m getting used to this now. It’s just…strange.” She leaned back against the couch. “I can imagine you in those alleys. I bet you were really good at poker even then.”

“Damn straight. It was my job, and every poker hand made me a little bit better. Until I was the best. But there’s always someone else who wants to be the best.” He paused. “Sandrino was the best until I came along. I tried to keep him from realizing that, but I think he knew I could beat him.”

“If he did, then he was probably proud of you. You cared about each other. He sounds like he was very generous. He would want the best for you.”

“Maybe. Every game was a competition. We both wanted to be the very best.”

“What’s wrong with that? Every time I sit down at my piano, I try to be my very best. How could you serve the music if you weren’t the very best you could be? I think you’re being foolish.”

“Do you? Then you must be right, because you manage to pull magic out of that piano. I’ll accept your opinion.” He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. She inhaled sharply. Warmth. Tingling intimacy. Electricity. “And probably anything else you’d care to offer.” His tongue moved from the center of her palm to her wrist. “Though I should try to remember you’re being generous, I’m having a good a deal of trouble. I was telling the truth earlier today. I’m done with being noble. And right now the only thing I can think about is that this floor is excellent for doing a hell of a lot more than shooting craps.” He was pushing her slowly down. “And if you don’t think so then you’re going to have to stop me. Because I’m not going—” He froze. His phone was ringing. He closed his eyes. “Shit!” His eyes flew open and he was sitting up. “Not fair.” He checked the ID and then answered the phone. “Dietrich, is it done?” He listened. “Okay. Tell me about it.”