“Good.” She pointed to the table, which she’d set with matching plates. A bottle of Cabernet breathed next to two wineglasses. “Pour the wine, would you?”
He shook his head, his chest warming. “Sure.” First he went to the sink and washed off the dirt and death. It was probably a sad state of affairs that he could bury a body without mussing his clothing, but his jeans and shirt were as clean as when he’d left. Leaning over, trying to concentrate, he poured two generous glasses. “Where did you find enough food to make dinner?”
She laughed and turned to dump pasta on their plates. “I didn’t find much. No salad or bread to go with the pasta. But there were enough spices to make an interesting sauce.” After setting the pot back on the stove, she drew the apron over her head and turned to take a seat. “I also found a bottle of Rémy Martin Cognac hidden under the kitchen sink behind cleansers, mousetraps, and sponges.”
Daire’s mouth dropped open, and laughter burst from his chest. “That’s where Adam hid it? Dumbass.” He’d spent a good afternoon one day trying to find Adam’s stash. “And you cooked with it?”
“Just some of it.” She smiled and set her napkin on her lap.
Daire grinned. “Nicely done.” Aye, he understood she was a mother and probably had fed families many times, but he hadn’t really seen the domestic side of her before that night. Oddly enough, this side was as appealing as her daredevil and vengeance-seeking sides. In fact, her domesticity made his belly warm, his heart heat, and his cock stretch. Her brain, her ability to strategize, was fucking brilliant, if her plan to rob a couple of the most fortified banks in the world was any indication. He could’ve used her abilities during the war.
Yet her motivations were personal, and emotion clouded missions and got people killed. One of the banks was owned by a coalition of shifters, so surely they’d have immortal weapons and guards.
The mission was more dangerous than just dealing with a few human security guards.
Shifters didn’t mess around, and anybody trying to breach their security would be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. Which was exactly how he’d run a bank if he owned one, actually.
“Your looks are very deceiving,” he murmured, taking a taste of the meal and humming in appreciation.
“I know,” she mused, swirling her wine around in her glass. “People think I’m small and helpless, or cunning and ruthless. No middle ground.”
Aye, beauty had a price, yet she seemed more factual than worried about it. “Who knew that you’re a ruthless sweetheart with a penchant for trouble?”
She lifted her head. “Trouble?”
He cocked his head to the side in a come on gesture.
She dismissed him and picked up her fork. “One little helicopter accident doesn’t equal trouble.”
Ha.
“I hadn’t seen the results of Apollo up close before.” She took a bite and chewed slowly, her eyes dark. “It was horrible.”
“Aye.”
“Does the drug really have the same effect on witches?”
He nodded, his shoulders tensing. “Aye.”
She shook her head. “That’s terrible.” Her hands, pale and graceful, were clasped together. “The witch working with Ivan is called Rudger.”
Daire stilled. “You’re giving me his name?”
“Aye,” she mimicked his brogue. “I’ve been selfish in my pursuit of justice and hadn’t thought of anybody but my own family. Rudger is just a nickname, but it’s a start for you.”
Damn, but her sweetness pretty much flayed him. “Thank you.” He drew out his phone and sent the information to his brothers and the Coven Nine.
“You’re welcome. I think his partnership with Bychkov started just as Apollo was created, so it’s only been a year or so. Before that time, there was no record of Bychkov and any witch working together.” She leaned forward on the table, the movement pushing her breasts together. “The witch brought capital, and several of the mines started up again.”
Daire continued eating. “I appreciate the help.”