“Management. I have several enterprises that need a deft hand.”

“And you think that my sexual training in that crib in Istanbul would be a dynamite qualification?” she asked sarcastically. “I don’t have any other job experience. Just what kind of enterprises do you run, Tanner?”

“I don’t deal in sex trafficking.” His lips were tight. “Never, Maria. I detest the idea of preying on helplessness. Life is rough enough without stacking the decks against someone. I enjoy a battle, but that takes the kick out of it for me. But I have quite a few flourishing businesses in several cities around the world and an office on Wall Street where you might find a good fit.” He smiled. “I can see you as a wheeler-dealer. You’re decisive, and you’d do anything necessary to get your own way. But you won’t need me once you get on your feet. You’ll be able to hold your own. You know that.”

“Yes, I do.” Her eyes narrowed. “Are you bribing me?”

“No, you can’t be bribed. But I’m giving you an opportunity to consider once I get you away from Volkov and your dear husband. Kaskov seems to think that he’s going to be able to find you both a safe haven somewhere. But why not New York? It would only take a few adjustments. I’m good at adjustments.”

“You’re very confident.” Maria shook her head. “I can’t remember when I was that sure of anything. And I never allowed myself to think of a life after Volkov and Anton. I could only take one day at a time.”

“Then it’s time you started.”

“Anton’s family has contacts all over the world. Volkov snaps his fingers and Anton produces. Why do you think you can keep us safe?”

“I’m exceptionally good. Ask Kaskov.”

“I don’t want to get near Kaskov. That’s a recipe for disaster.” She was looking at him searchingly. “But he’s clever and he does trust you. I’m on the edge of trusting you, too.” She was silent a moment. “I might have trouble convincing Lara. She wants to take care of everything herself, and the first thing she’d do is find a hideout for me and then leave me.”

“I got that impression. But she doesn’t trust me. That’s why I’m going to have to work through you.” He paused. “And I don’t want to use force.”

“No, you don’t,” she said dryly. “Neither of us would tolerate it. So you’ll have to find a way to get around that, because you might be worth trusting.” She shrugged. “At any rate, I can’t let her take off without me.”

He nodded. “I can see that.”

Maria was gazing at him. “I believe you can,” she murmured. “Tell me how.”

“You’re afraid that when she leaves you, she’ll go back and try to kill Volkov. Not your husband. She told me that you both had learned to survive him. She thinks that Volkov is the main threat—the one who has to be eliminated to keep both of you safe.”