Secured By The Seal. Carol Ericson

and put me in danger.”

      Alexei studied her face, his gaze moving from her dark green eyes to her resolute jawline. He’d prided himself on playing it close to the vest, but his protective instincts must’ve been on full display. “Pretty sure of yourself, huh?”

      “Oh, yeah. I work with people every day, their deepest, darkest feelings all out there in the room between us.”

      “What if I told you you’d be compromising national security if you told Sergei about me?”

      “I’d tell you that you’d better start talking.”

      * * *

      AS BRITT SAT across the dinner table from Alexei, she ripped a roll in half and dredged one piece in the small plate of olive oil between them.

      She wouldn’t really have exposed him to Sergei, and he probably knew that—at least she hoped he did. If Alexei had decided to tell her his secrets, he was doing so because he wanted to. The man across from her wouldn’t allow himself to be forced into anything.

      She held up the bread, dripping oil, and asked, “Why’d you choose this place for dinner?”