“What’s that charming phrase you used? ‘The nanobytes in your ears take the day off, or what?’ ” Her fist thumped lightly into his shoulder, and he grunted. “When my sources told me the Wagner team was reactivated, had created another cybernetically enhanced individual, I broke through their firewalls and security system and finally downloaded your file. I memorized it instantly, of course.”
“Of course,” she replied, flattered yet mildly creeped out.
“Some of the transcripts of your meetings with Gregory Hamlin were in there… and your reaction when you woke up in the hospital… your refusal to work for Hamlin… yes,” he finished with a happy sigh, “by the time I finished your file, I was definitely in love.”
“Dmitri…” She rolled over and kissed him. “That’s, honest to God, the sweetest thing ever.”
“What about you?”
“Oh, I fell in love with you when you beat me on the treadmill.”
“So when I’m old and weak, you won’t love me anymore?”
“I dunno,” she said cheerfully. “I guess we’ll find out.”
“You plan to be around when I’m decrepit?”
“Well, duh. Boy. You’re, like, the smartest guy and the dumbest guy, all at the same time. I mean, hello, I have been totally throwing myself at you.”
“When you weren’t sending me away and refusing to sleep with me,” he pointed out.
“Jeez, how long are you going to hold that against me? I swear. Men are the biggest babies. Sulk much?”
He hugged her to his chest. “I’m planning on holding it against you for at least sixty years.”
“Great,” she grumbled.
“Come back to the castle with me.”
“Sure, as long as you put in central heating.”
“It’s a national landmark,” he complained. Then, “Really? You’ll come?”
“You sound surprised.”
“Well, I didn’t think it would be that easy.”
“I’m not letting some Lithuanian slut get her mitts on you. Frankly, it’s sort of a miracle someone hasn’t snapped you up before now. Not just because you’re gorgeous. You’re smart and cool and funny and, you know, neat and stuff.”
He looked immensely gratified. “Most people find me… cold, I suppose. Nobody’s ever… I mean, you’re the first—“
“Well, ‘most people’ are idiots.”
“You’re the miracle. You’re the one I was waiting for. Even if I didn’t know it.”
“Well, aren’t you nice. Listen, I don’t mind going back home with you, but I’m not living in Lithuania twenty-four/seven. I’ve got a business to run. In fact, I’ve neglected it shamefully lately. My clients all probably have split ends by now.”
“I have three homes in the States,” he replied. “It’s no trouble to buy one here in Minneapolis.”
“Oh. Right. Well, okay, then.”
“But we will be married there, of course.”
“As long as you fly Stacy over for it. And the gang from Tau Delta Nu. Lame proposal, by the way. ‘We’ll be married.’ Boom. Dmitri has spoken.”
“I’m sorry, I get bossy when I’m anxious, as my mother will be the first to tell you. My mother…” He trailed off, musing. “My, won’t she be surprised.”
“I’ll bet. Well, she’ll probably take it better now that she knows I’m not the killer.”
“Indeed. Perhaps being a duchess will make up for my clumsy marriage proposal.”
“Get out!” she cried, sitting up. “Are you shitting? You’re a duke?”
“Didn’t you read the file on me?” he complained.
“Yes, I read the file! I wish people would quit bugging me about the fucking file! There’s nothing in there about being a duke.”
“Well, maybe I didn’t mention it to anyone in the O.S.F. when I was here.”
“Yeah, maybe, you sneaky fuck. Duchess,” she mused. “I’ll have to, you know, get some duchess clothes.”
“Your clothes are fine.”
“And duchess shoes. And I need a manicure like you would not believe.” She peeked at her fingernails, appalled.
“While we’re on the subject of necessities, are we going to let Stacy bring a guest?” he teased.
“God, no.”
“As you wish.”
“Seriously, Dmitri. She can’t bring a date. No way. I’m not having that—that—I’m not having him at my wedding. Forget it!”
“Great minds,” he sighed, bringing her back into his embrace, “truly do think alike.”
MaryJanice Davidson, Hello, Gorgeous!
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