Contrary to what she suspected he hoped, the vampire didn't have any cutting acerbicisms about the aged metal Jeep; it actually made sense. He was American, a scruffy werewolf, and more of a brute than an assassin. So, why wouldn't he own such a vehicle? It actually amused her more than anything, hence the small, private smile she ducked her head to conceal when Barnes sardonically opened the passenger door, sarcasm at the ready.

So, gracious as any 'princess' might have been, she gave him an elegantly polite nod of thanks, even murmuring, "Spasibo," when she slipped past him and into the passenger seat. The door closed; she fastened her seat belt. And said as he got into the driver's seat and started the engine, "No doubt. I'm sure we'll need to go off-road at some point. And a company SUV would draw too much attention."

She lightly touched the weathered dash with small fingertips, giving a tiny shrug. "And I've always preferred things with a few miles on them, anyway."