Then it came to her. Of course, what else could it be? And what else could be happening to her body.

Fireworks!

“Tchaikovsky!”

*  *  *

Taj Safe House
6:05 P.M., Next Day

Lara braced herself and then opened Maria’s door.

Maria was working on her computer and didn’t look up as Lara came into the room. It wasn’t like Maria to be this cold, dammit. “Are you still upset with me?”

“I’m not upset.” Maria looked up and then drew a deep breath as she saw what Lara was wearing. “The white gown. The one Tanner sent me a picture of. You look…beautiful.”

“No, I don’t. I don’t think it suits me at all. The only reason I’m wearing it is that it might be a distraction. Tanner said that distractions are always good during a game. Volkov isn’t used to seeing me in stuff like this.”

“Neither am I. I don’t agree. I kind of like it.” Her lips tightened. “But I don’t like him seeing you in it. I don’t want you there at all.” She held up her hand as Lara opened her lips. “I’ve given up trying to dissuade you. You shouldn’t be going. Mallory came by and told me that Tanner had assigned him to take care of me this evening and that I shouldn’t worry. That means Rennell will be at that casino to back up any play Tanner makes. He doesn’t need you.”

“He needs me,” she said quietly. “Because nothing will happen if I’m not there.”

“And that doesn’t sound bad to me, either.”

Lara sat down on the bed. “I trust him. He’s not going to let anything happen to me, Maria.”

“If he does, I’ll cut his heart out,” Maria said.

“That will keep him in line,” Lara said dryly.

“I hope so.” Then Maria pulled Lara close. “Take care,” she said huskily. “Don’t let that son of a bitch Volkov do anything to you. I’d have to go after him myself.” Then she pushed her away. “Get out of here. I have to get back to my computer.”

“I’m going. I’ll see you after the game.” She forced herself not to look back as she went out the door and down the staircase.

“Beautiful.” Tanner was standing at the foot of the staircase dressed in his tuxedo. He reached out and touched her damp cheek as she reached him. “Am I supposed to ignore this?”

“Yes, it’s nothing. Maria was upset.”

“But not you?” He answered himself. “Of course not, this is just another Trial to you. Piece of cake.” He paused. “You could skip it. I could wing it.”