Deadly Testimony (Safeguard #2)(13)

Isabelle frowned. “I’m not leaving my post.”

Definitely not within minutes of arriving at the safe house.

“This will be brief.” Decker’s voice took on a tone of reassurance. Which was creepy because thus far, he’d been a study in how to be neutral.

She huffed and told him where she would be shortly. Stepping over to the bedroom, she rapped her knuckles on the doorjamb twice before entering.

Yeun stood there, in the process of pulling a plain white T-shirt over his head. The majority of his torso was exposed and the man was a fantastic example of lean physique. Muscles rippled over his chest and lats. His abs were flat and sculpted in the kind of six-pack that made her want to run her tongue over them. And then there was the defined V of his hips leading the way down to...

“I’m stepping out to get a snack. You want coffee? Hot chocolate?”

He must’ve frozen when he heard her knock, but he finished pulling on the T-shirt. Tension she’d refused to admit was building eased a fraction once he’d covered up all those tempting muscles. He gave her a raised eyebrow look again and there was amusement in those eyes. “I can’t remember the last time I had hot chocolate.”

She set her teeth. “It’s a thing. Does that mean you want some or no?”

“I’ll take a cup of coffee, please. Dark as you can find with one raw sugar.” His mouth stretched into a lopsided grin. “And maybe a small cup of the hot chocolate. It’s been long enough, I wouldn’t mind giving it another try.”

“I’ll be about fifteen to twenty minutes.” She started to back away, realized she was retreating. So she stopped. “You know the drill. Throw the dead bolts behind me. Don’t answer the door for anyone. I’ll text you to let you know when to open the door for me. Stay away from the windows and definitely don’t open them. “

He didn’t bother with a response but he glanced down at the bed.

She followed his gaze and saw a pair of jeans laying there. Good grief, she’d caught him midchange. She raised her gaze back to his and there was real laughter in his eyes now. He placed his hands at his waist and started to undo his belt.

“Come lock the door behind me first. Then you can finish changing.” Points to her for keeping her voice steady and firm. Still, she had been the one to walk in on him, even if he hadn’t closed the bedroom door or gone into the bathroom to change. “I am sorry I interrupted you.”

“Not at all.” He might’ve stopped the process of taking off his suit pants but he’d left the belt unbuckled. “Thank you for offering to get coffee. I don’t suppose a hot entrée is forthcoming as well?”

Isabelle sighed. “There are sandwich fixings and ramen noodles here for today. We’ve got easy access to plenty of food choices within the next couple of blocks. So why don’t I just get your coffee this evening and tomorrow I’ll see about hot takeout. Deal?”

Professionally speaking, even five minutes was more than she wanted to spend away from her client the first day. Knowing he had already left his handlers when they’d trusted him to remain in his room the night before made her loath to trust him to stay put now. Contract or no.

Personally, putting some distance between her and him seemed like a very wise idea. Her libido was coming unhinged and she needed to get her head back on straight. Stepping out for this meeting was her compromise.

Yeun, for his part, sighed but held his hands out from his sides. “I’ll make a sandwich but the coffee better be good.”

She grunted and swung a small backpack over her shoulder. “Good coffee is subject to the drinker. Lock the door behind me.”

*

Isabelle stepped out on the street and headed down Pine Street about a block or so, then turned on Post Alley to disappear into one of the small restaurants. She emerged with a different jacket on and her hairstyle changed, thanks to the addition of a small scarf. A few pieces of chewing gum stuffed in her cheeks changed the shape of her face.

Tromping back up the street the way she’d come, she passed the entrance to the apartments and headed into the chocolate and wine store just a few yards up the street.

The decadent scent of chocolate wafted to her from every direction. She bypassed the display case of handmade truffles from various chocolatiers around the city and made her way toward the back of the small shop.

A small bar was set up, manned by a tall, thin girl with her dark hair held back by a handkerchief. She had a few random piercings and a ready smile. Her posture was relaxed and friendly, a reflection of the atmosphere of the entire shop.

A man was already sitting at the bar with his back to the wall, a tiny espresso cup sitting on the bar at his elbow. He was dressed in dark, nondescript clothes. His skin tone was golden brown and his hair was clean cut.

She approached, studying the specials listed on the sign just past his head as she took in his appearance. Shorter than average height, but she’d bet he was in shape. He’d have to be as a US Marshal.

“Can I get you something?” the young girl asked cheerfully.

Isabelle gave her a smile and her order. To go.

“You sure you don’t want to have a seat?” The girl offered, waving a hand to the other three stools in front of the bar.

“No thanks.” Isabelle shook her head. “I’m out to stretch my legs anyway. Take your time.”