Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 80660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“It was my first choice after I decided to leave London. When news hit that Gabor had dropped dead at his party—” He paused and threw Alexei a look. Of course, the assassin grinned at him like a Cheshire cat. “I thought it might be a good idea to get the hell out of town for a while. Paris was only a couple of hours away and an easy city to hide in.”
As they rode the escalator to the ticket center, Alexei turned slightly, his head cocked to the side. His sunglasses were now perched on the top of his head, his platinum blond hair spiked around them. “Do you like what you do?”
That was an easy question, though the anxious notes in his stomach argued that he was still waiting for some of the inevitable hard ones. “I love it.”
“Why?”
Soren shifted from one foot to the other as he weighed his answer. It was also tricky because he was surrounded by other museum visitors, and they didn’t need to hear how he loved sneaking past security systems and snatching shiny objects while people were sleeping not twenty feet away.
“I think a lot of it is the challenge. Each job brings its own unique problems and dangers. I like beating them. Pitting my brain against theirs.” He leaned close as they reached the ground floor so he could speak directly into Alexei’s ear. “I also have an obsession with collecting rare, shiny objects.”
“Really?”
“The rarer, the better.” Though there was nothing rarer in the world than Alexei, and he was going to be Soren’s.
“For some reason, I’m not surprised. You’ve definitely got a reckless, impulsive streak.”
“Is that bad?”
Alexei stared at him as they stood in line to enter the museum, his gaze assessing. People chattered all around them, their voices rising up and bouncing off the walls and into the glass pyramid far overhead, but Soren barely noticed them. They all drifted away as he waited for his companion’s judgment. His entire future was balanced in the hands of sweet Lady Fate, and all knew what a fickle creature she could be.
To his surprise, Alexei reached over and threaded his fingers through Soren’s. “Not bad. It means that I will need to keep a close eye on you to make sure you don’t find trouble.”
Probably a good idea since the hard drive was currently sleeping far too close to the exhibit of the French crown jewels. But he wasn’t too worried about the temptation. Alexei had all of his attention already. He didn’t need any sparkly baubles unless they were going to make Alexei happy.
The assassin made quick work of buying the tickets, grabbing a map, and leading them inside. He greeted the museum workers easily as if he were a regular there, and then he led the way through the Egyptian antiquities.
“So, are you going to tell me where you hid it, or do I have to guess?” Alexei prodded, flashing him a smile.
“Why don’t you take a guess?” he suggested. “Where would you hide it, or where do you think I would hide it?”
They strolled together through the antiquities. Soren’s eyes barely glanced at the ancient statues, large tablets with hieroglyphics, and bits of pottery. The period was interesting, but not one of his favorites. He had no interest in traveling to see the pyramids. Too much sand.
“Well, if it was me,” Alexei slowly drawled, “I’d aim for a less busy part of the museum, which would remove the wings with all the great historical paintings. Nowhere near Mona or the other Italians. I’m not sure the statues offer a lot of options.” He stopped and looked over at Soren. “Is it waterproof?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“Then the gardens are out. There are some nice urns out there you could have used.”
Soren smiled to himself, loving the way Alexei’s brain worked. Sharp and logical. He probably wouldn’t make a bad thief. He was lightning fast, had good reflexes, and was able to think fast on his feet.
“There’s a spot up on the second level that’s dedicated to the present day and future of the Louvre. Doesn’t see a lot of foot traffic. That would probably be my first choice.”
“I did check that out.” He paused in front of an urn, pretending to inspect it while watching some people reflected in the glass. There was no sign of anyone following them so far, but it didn’t hurt to be careful. He might be willing to take more chances when he was alone, but he didn’t want to do anything that would put Alexei at risk more than necessary.
“But…”
“There is a problem with too little foot traffic,” he murmured. “There’s no one about to cause a distraction for the guards.”
Alexei smirked and shook his head. “Fine. You got me there.” He led the way out of the section for Egyptian art and up the stairs to more antiquities. “So, where are we headed?”