Page 33 of Toxic Attraction
I close the laptop, planning tomorrow's tests.
More pressure. Closer proximity. Push until something cracks.
The mouse is useful. Good with my daughter. Easy to manipulate.
But the viper?
The viper is what I'm really hunting.
And I always catch what I hunt.
Always.
Chapter five
Valerie
It’s a Tuesday, and I'm busy dusting the library when Sofia's sharp voice echoes down the corridor, followed by a woman's resigned response—drained, apologetic, but firm.
"My own child needs me. There’s been a medical emergency.”
"You're under contract—" Sofia hisses.
"I don't care! Find someone else! I need to go to my child!"
Footsteps storm past the library. A middle-aged woman I've seen with Mila—stern-faced, always impatient—rushes toward the exit clutching her bag. She doesn't look back.
Sofia appears in the doorway moments later, tablet in hand, expression thunderous.
"Miss Novak."
I straighten immediately, heart already racing. "Yes, ma'am?"
"The nanny position just opened unexpectedly." Her eyes narrow. "You've been helping with evening routines. Mila responds well to you. Mr. Volkov has noticed."
He's noticed. Of course, he's noticed. He sees everything.
"I—okay?"
“Full-time care for Mila, along with ongoing housekeeping duties. You would move to the east wing to be closer to her room. More responsibility.”
That basically means more access. More trust. Exactly what Patrick wants.
My stomach knots, but I keep my face calm. "I'd be honored."
"Good. Mr. Volkov would want to speak with you before finalizing arrangements.” She taps into her tablet, then looks back up at me. “His office. Three o'clock." She turns to leave, then pauses. "Don't be late. He doesn't tolerate it."
She's gone before I can respond.
I sink into the nearest chair, hands shaking.
More access. Patrick will be thrilled. This is perfect for the mission.
And I hate myself for thinking that way.
Because Mila deserves better than a spy pretending to care while gathering intelligence on her father. Deserves better than someone who braids her hair and reads her stories while calculating how to use the trust she's giving me.
Deserves better than me.
