After the intense encounter in the shopping corridor, Allen and Olga walked a considerable distance in a silence that was far from comfortable. Olga led the way, her chin tilted up, though her steps were slightly more forceful than usual.
"Allen," she said suddenly, stopping and turning to face him. "Tell me the truth. Between me and Christian Hobbs, who is actually more beautiful?"
Allen sighed, a sound of pure exhaustion. This was a man who had faced down corporate assassins and silent kidnappings, yet he felt entirely unequipped for this particular line of questioning. "You're both beautiful in your own ways, Olga. It’s like comparing a diamond to a ruby."
"A diamond and a ruby, huh?" Olga’s eyes narrowed, her voice dropping into a dangerous, melodic pout. "Is it that you can't choos
