Chapter Eleven
Sephie
I didn’t want to stop the kiss, but I knew I needed to stop the kiss. I pulled back from him and looked at him, expecting him to look angry that I had stopped. Instead, he almost looked like he was in a trance. I could feel his strong, but soft grip on my hips. I just scanned his entire face. He was so handsome. His blue eyes always so intense that I felt like he could see inside me. I lifted my hand to his face and traced my finger along the features of his face. His thick eyebrows, his long cyelashes, his cheekbones, his stubble that was as pleasant against my skin as I had originally thought, his plump lips that felt so soft against my own. I didn’t understand it, but I felt safe with this man. I shouldn’t. I knew I shouldn’t. He was the king of the criminal underground of the city. People feared him. Most people didn’t even know his name. Yet, he told me his name without hesitation. He sent his personal bodyguards to protect me from a man I thought was just a do*uchebag, but as it turns out, probably wants to kill me now. He made a special trip to my apartment to bring me arnica. He could easily have hundreds of women that would likely throw themselves at him, but he’s standing in my kitchen after putting cream on my bruises like I was going to break. Little does he know how insignificant these bruises are compared to what I’ve endured in the past.
I leaned my forehead against his, my thoughts still racing through my head. I inhaled and sighed. I felt him wrap his arms around me even tighter and pull me as close to him as possible. It was such a small gesture, but I found myself fighting back tears once more. I just wanted to stay like this for as long as possible.
A knock on the door meant that moment didn’t last nearly as long as I was hoping. Adrik kissed my forehead before walking to the door to see who it was. He unlocked it and opened it, stepping aside for Misha to enter the apartment.
“Ivan just got a call. New lead on Anthony. This one looks promising, so he wants to go check it out himself. It’s close
by.”
Adrik was quiet for a moment, while he pondered this news. “You stay. Ivan can take Stephen and go check it out. Do not engage. I just want him to gather information right now.”
“Yes, sir,” Misha said as he left the apartment, closing the door behind him. Adrik walked back over to me, placing himself in between my legs again.
I was biting my bottom lip, worried about what I had just heard Misha tell Adrik. He swiped his thumb over my bottom lip to get me to stop biting it. “Don’t worry. We will find him.”
I was trying to keep it together, but I was scared. I just nodded and stared at my fidgeting hands. My legs started to shake, despite my attempt at composure. He had his hands resting on my thighs, which meant he felt the shaking. Without a word, he scooped me from the counter and carried me to the couch. He laid me down on the couch but lifted my shoulders so he could sit, and I could use his lap as a pillow.
“You should be resting, not worrying,” he said as he settled into the couch beside me. I laid my head in his lap. He reached for my hand and intertwined my fingers with his. With his other hand, he rubbed my forehead gently. “We will find him.”
I tried to relax with his words. I closed my eyes and concentrated on his warm touch against my cool skin. His fingers moved into my hair. “Can I take your hair down?”
Without opening my eyes, I reached up and pulled the elastic out of my hair. My hair fell in a pile across his lap. I felt his hand return to my hair, running through the long strands. It wasn’t very long, and I had fallen asleep again.
That was a trick my mom used to use when I was a kid and didn’t want to go to sleep. She would always lay next to me and run her fingers through my hair to relax me. It was usually only a matter of minutes, and I would be sound asleep. No one had run their fingers through my hair in a very long time.
When I woke, I was in my bed. It took me a few minutes to remember that I had fallen asleep on the couch, with my head in Adrik’s lap, his hands running through my hair. I sighed at the memory and realized that I hadn’t had any nightmares this time.
Thank God. I’d rather not have to relive that ever again.
I stretched and went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. I walked back to check my phone. Four messages, three from Max, one from Adrik. I opened Adrik’s first.
Sleep well, solnishko. I will see you again soon. -Adrik
I found myself hoping that soon came quickly. I smiled, remembering the feel of his lips on mine. I opened Max’s messages as I headed out to the kitchen to find out if Andrei and Viktor were back or if I was still stuck with Misha and Grumpy McGee.
I have an epic tale to tell you about Kim tonight.
How you doin? Want me to drop some food by your place on my way home?
Ok, I’m guessing you’re asleep by your lack of response. No soup for you!
Just as I was about to close my phone, another message from Max came in.
Holy shit, Sephie! Did you hear that explosion? It was really close to your apartment. Are you okay? If you don’t respond this time, I’m for real coming to check on you. I don’t know exactly where that building was that just exploded, but I know it was close enough to you that you should’ve felt it.
What explosion? I didn’t hear anything, nor feel anything. But I also didn’t want him coming to check on me, so I responded right away.
I’m still alive, Max. I was sleeping last night when you texted. What explosion are you talking about? I didn’t hear anything or see anything, so I have no idea what you’re talking about. Clearly it wasn’t as close to me as you thought.
Max: There was a warehouse a few blocks from you that exploded a few hours ago. Firefighters are still working on putting the fire out. I just heard about it on the news at the gym. I’m glad you’re okay, gingersnap.
Aw, you love me. You really love me, Maximus Decimus Meridius.
Max: If by “love” you mean that I want to strangle you, then yes. Yes, I do. Too soon?
Haha only you can get away with that. Maybe a little too soon. Let the bruises heal next time.
Max: You know my world would crumble without my gingersnap. <3 Nerd. Thanks for checking on me. 2/3 Chapter Eleven I walked into the kitchen to find Andrei, Viktor, and Misha still there. They all looked very tense and were speaking Russian quietly. “You guys wouldn’t be tense about that building that exploded close by, would you?” They all turned to look at me with wide eyes. “How do you know about that?” asked Viktor. I held up my phone and jiggled it. “I’m afraid I have bad news, boys. The whole city knows about it now. Is that why you all look like you want to kill someone right now?” Andrei chuckled and instantly relaxed. “We’re sorry, sestrichka.
Come, please. I make you coffee this time.” “Seriously. That marriage proposal is still on the table.” It was Misha’s turn to look shocked as Andrei and Viktor both laughed.
“Where’s Ivan? And Stephen, was it? I didn’t meet him. I just heard his name last night.” “Ivan is on his way back here. He was at that building that exploded, yes. We think it was a trap,” said Viktor.
Misha clicked his tongue at Viktor and said something in Russian to him. Viktor just shook his head and said, “she will find out sooner or later.
Boss wants us to be honest with her, so I am honest with her.” He looked at me like a proud older brother, winked, and added, “she’s stronger than she looks.” “You know I can only marry one of you, right? Andrei already got the proposal.
Are you trying to steal it from him? That’s rude, Viktor. But I might warm up to the idea of you two fighting over me.” He laughed as there was a sharp knock on the door. Misha went to the door, gun in hand.
Andrei covered him and Viktor stood in between me and the door, his hand on my arm like he was ready to pull me away at a second’s notice. Misha just said, “Ivan” as he opened the door. Everyone relaxed as Ivan’s imposing figure filled the doorframe. His bald head and face were covered with soot. If he wasn’t already wearing all black, I would’ve bet good money that his clothes were covered in soot as well.
Chapter Twelve
Sephie
“Well, you look like you’ve had an exciting morning,” I said.
Ivan walked into the kitchen, eyebrow raised, and his intense gaze burning holes in my soul as usual.
“I see your brush with death didn’t help you develop a sense of humor,” I mumbled under my breath.
Viktor and Andrei both choked back laughter, as they had both heard me.
Misha broke the tension in the room by asking Ivan what happened. He started to respond in Russian, but Misha stopped him. “Net. In English,” he said, motioning toward me. Ivan once again raised an eyebrow and stared at me but, nonetheless, continued his explanation in English.
“I got tip that Anthony was at a warehouse 3 miles from here. Too close, so I wanted to check it out myself. We get bad information always right now on where that little f*cker is. If information is bad this time, I take it out on my source.”
While Ivan was talking, Andrei was making coffee for everyone. He sat a coffee cup down in front of me and I signed “thank you” to him. He winked and went about giving everyone else their coffee.
Ivan continued, “when we got to the warehouse, there was activity, but not enough that I suspected Anthony was there. At least not at that moment. There was maybe 10 guys there. I sent Stephen back here to take Boss home. I wanted a closer look, so I moved my position. I was 25 yards from warehouse doors, watching. Trucks come in, men unload, trucks leave. Everything was quiet for maybe an hour, then boom.”
“Holy shit,” I said, under my breath. “Are you okay?”
Ivan looked at me, somewhat surprised. It was like he wasn’t used to people inquiring about his well-being, and he didn’t know what to say. He nodded his head, saying “da” as he took his jacket off. When he turned his back to hang his jacket by the door, we all noticed a huge gash on the back of his shoulder.
“Your definition of fine and mine are clearly different,” I said. Misha went to inspect the gash.
“Looks bad, you might need stitches,” Misha told Ivan.
“Net. No hospital.”
“At least let me clean it up for you so it won’t get infected. I should have bandages that can cover it,” I said standing up from the barstool to go take a closer look at his injury. I quickly went to my bathroom and came back with a well- stocked first aid kit. They all raised their eyebrows when they saw my medical supplies.
“What? I’m clumsy. I get hurt a lot.”
I looked at Ivan and motioned to him, “come here. Take your shirt off.”
He stayed where he was, without moving for a few seconds. Like he was torn between following my orders and not allowing me to help him.
“Or you can be stubborn and not let me help, in which case that gash gets infected, and you end up useless to anyone because you’re laying in bed with a fever for days, maybe weeks.”
Misha chuckled and kicked Ivan in the butt, effectively making him take a few steps toward me.
“I like her. She’s feisty,” Misha said.
Ivan mumbled something in Russian, under his breath, but still stood in front of me and pulled his shirt over his head. His entire upper body was covered in tattoos. I glanced at them as he took his shirt off but tried not to stare. He looked at me with his intense gaze and turned around. The gash looked even worse without his shirt.
“Oh boy.” I said. “Misha was right. You might really need stitches.”
“Net. No hospitals,” he said as he turned around to face me again. He towered over me and leaned down to add. “unless you can do it, princess.”
I held his intense gaze and fired back, “actually, I can stitch it up, as*hole. It just isn’t going to look as pretty as what you’ll get if a doctor does it. And I have nothing to numb the area, so it’s gonna hurt like a son of a b*tch, which I will enjoy, but you will not.”
The other three men couldn’t contain their laughter this time and all three started laughing quietly at our exchange.
“Do it,” was all Ivan said as he turned around again. I looked to Viktor, who simply nodded his head. Hopping up on the cabinet so I could better reach his shoulder, I started to clean the wound.
When I got to the antiseptic, I said, “this is definitely going to burn. Please don’t murder me.”
Ivan simply grunted. His arms were crossed on his sizeable chest. When I put the antiseptic on his gash, he didn’t move a muscle. He showed no signs of discomfort. I knew he was tough, but that’s seriously impressive. Antiseptic on open wounds usually feels like you’re being burned by battery acid.
When I got everything as clean and disinfected as possible, I hesitated to start the stitches. “This is going to hurt. I don’t have anything to numb the area. I might have some whiskey in the cabinet. Do you want that? It’ll take the edge off, anyway.”
“Where,” he asked. I pointed over his shoulder to the cabinet the whiskey was in. He grabbed the bottle and downed a sizeable amount in one gulp.
I looked at him, my eyebrow raised, “maybe you should drink more. I’d like to stay alive in this process. You’re a big dude. I’m guessing that wasn’t enough.”
Without a word, he swallowed almost half the bottle. When he was done, he stood in front of me again and said, “do it.”
I stitched him up as best I could. It was not pretty, but it would heal better than if he had no stitches at all. After I was done ensuring he would have a b*dass scar from this experience, I bandaged the area to protect the stitches.
“All done. Sorry I don’t have a lollipop or anything to give you for being a good boy. But I do appreciate you not murdering this princess in that process.”
Finally. It happened. He laughed. It was small, but I heard it. When he turned to look at me, he had a small twinkle in his eye instead of looking like he was burning holes in my soul. Apparently, whiskey was the key to this man’s softer side.
Chapter Thirteen
Sephie
Misha ran to one of the SUV’s outside to get Ivan a new shirt, since the one he was wearing was basically ruined. Viktor received a phone call, which he took in Russian. Once he ended the call, he said, “Boss is on his way here.” He Hooked at me and said, “you get dressed. We’re leaving once he gets here.”
“We’re leaving? Where are we going?”
“Somewhere safer. Explosion was too close. I don’t like.”
“But I can’t leave. I have to take Ms. Jackson to the grocery store this afternoon. I always take her shopping on Saturdays. Without me, she has no way to get to the store, which means she has no way to eat.”
Viktor frowned at this news. He pondered on a solution for a moment, but just said, “get dressed anyway. We will work it out.”
I left my first aid kit on the cabinet and went to my bedroom for a quick shower before Adrik got there. I put slightly more effort into my appearance than what he saw the night before, but it still didn’t amount to much. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get the hang of makeup. I had people tell me when I was younger that I needed to wear makeup to cover up my freckles. I didn’t like the way it felt though. I always felt like my face was being slowly smothered when I wore it. So, I opted for mascara and the slightest bit of eye makeup. That’s as fancy as I got.
Throwing on a pair of black skinny jeans and a white blouse with a camisole underneath, I looked at my somewhat out of control hair. It was still wet from the shower, but I could tell it was going to be one of those days where it did whatever it wanted instead of what I wanted. I shrugged my shoulders, knowing this was not a fight I was going to win easily. I scrunched some product into my curls to help tame the frizz and called it a day. At least having my hair down would help cover my purple neck.
When I came out of my room, only Andrei and Viktor were in my apartment.
“Where did Misha and Ivan go?”
“Outside. Keep an eye on the perimeter,” Andrei said. “We noticed strange cars and people going into bottom apartment.”
“The one across from Ms. Jackson?” He nodded. “That’s Chen. He sells drugs. Those are just his customers. Chen gets a fresh batch on Friday, so his customers come on Saturdays.”
Andrei and Viktor both looked unhappy at this news. Andrei looked at me and said, “we’re definitely leaving. Why didn’t you tell us this sooner?”
“I can’t leave without making sure Ms. Jackson is taken care of for the week. Mr. Turner is at work and Chen isn’t reliable, obviously. And I didn’t think it was important. Chen’s apartment is quiet, except on the weekends. He’s always very respectful to everyone. I don’t even think he lives here most of the week. He just uses the apartment to sell out of.”
Andrei and Viktor exchanged a look. Viktor spoke, “I don’t like this, sestrichka.”
A knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Viktor went to the door, gun in hand, while Andrei stood in front of me, protectively.
“Boss,” Viktor said as he opened the door. Adrik walked into the apartment, his eyes searching until they landed on me. He stopped in his tracks and just stared for a moment before he walked to me. He put his arm around my waist, pulled me close and kissed my cheek. I leaned into his embrace, filling my lungs with his intoxicating cologne.
“How did you sleep, solnishko?”
“Very well, thank you.”
He put his hand under my chin, inspecting my bruise. “Still too dark. Did you put more arnica on this morning?”
I nodded my head, suddenly feeling shy that Andrei, Viktor, and now Stephen were also in the room.
“Good girl,” he said as he kissed my forehead. “Now, tell me. What is this about taking your neighbor to the store?”
“I take Ms. Jackson, downstairs, to the store every Saturday. She doesn’t have a car and I don’t think she could drive if she did have a car. I take her to the store and any other errands she needs every week.”
His eyes brightened when he looked at me, as he pulled me just a little closer to him. He kept his arm around me as he turned his head to Viktor and said, “we are going to the store before we leave, then.”
“Yes, sir.”
Adrik looked at me and asked, “is she ready to go? Do we need to give her time?”
“I haven’t talked to her yet today, but my guess is she’s ready to go. She usually has to wait for me to wake up. I can call her.”
Adrik nodded his head and told Viktor to let Ivan and Misha know. He noticed the first aid kit on the counter and his
brow furrowed. He looked at it, then to me, concern on his face. “What is this for? Are you hurt again?” he asked, holding me at arm’s length to check me over.
I laughed. “No, for once, it wasn’t me. I stitched Ivan up. I’m guessing he got hit with debris in that explosion and had a pretty good gash. He’s going to have a kickass scar from it,”
He smiled at me and pulled me to him. I wrapped my arms around him, happy to be in his arms. “Thank you, malishka.”
“You all are in this mess because of me. It’s the least I could do.”
He sighed and said, “not exactly. Anthony was already on my shit list before he laid his hands on you. You just sped up the process.”
I hugged him tighter, not wanting to think about any of it. He responded by wrapping his arms tighter around me. I heard Viktor make a call to Ivan to let them know the change in the plan. I stepped back from Adrik and said, “I’ll call Ms. Jackson and see if she’s ready to go now.”
I told Ms. Jackson we would have chaperones on our weekly trip to the store when I called to see if she was ready to
“Oh, child. Not those strapping young men that have been watching over you?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, Ms. Jackson. Those strapping young men will accompany us to the store. Did you need to go anywhere else this week? Are your prescriptions good?”
“Can they take me across town to Edith Riley’s place? Maybe escort me through the old folk’s home like they’re my playthings?”
“Ms. Jackson! Don’t you think you’d get more mileage out of therm if they took you to Bingo?”
She giggled into the phone. “Sephie, you are a genius.”
I chuckled. “We’ll be down in a few minutes to fetch you for this adventure we’re about to have.”
“Lord, this is going to be the best shopping trip of my life. No offense, Sephie. You’re precious. But you ain’t 6’5 of chiseled muscle precious.”
“No offense taken, Ms. Jackson. See you in a few.”
was still laughing to myself and shaking my head when I walked back to the kitchen. Adrik was in my small living room, carefully studying each one of the handful of pictures I had on display. They were the only memories I had of happier times. When my mom was still alive. Before my life took a dark turn.
Adrik saw me walk into the kitchen and stood up straight, that smirk on his face that I was growing accustomed to.
“What put such a beautiful smile on your face, solnishko?”
“Ms. Jackson requested your bodyguards escort her to Bingo so she could show them off to her friends. Think they’d be down? I feel like Ivan is going to jump at this chance,” I said as I cleaned up the first aid kit on the counter and put everything back in its place.
He walked to the kitchen to stand beside me, his face scrunched in thought. “You know, I could order him to do it.”
“Oh, that’s just plain mean. I love it.” I said, smiling broadly up at him.
“I love your smile,” he said, twirling a curl around his finger as he scanned my face. That twinkle was back in his deep blue eyes. I felt myself blush and looked down at what I was doing. I felt his arm around my shoulders. He leaned down and kissed my cheek. “You don’t have to hide from me,” he said quietly as he handed me the roll of bandage tape.
I peeked up at him underneath my lashes, his gaze intently on me, as always. “It’s just…” I stammered, not really knowing what to say. I opened my mouth to speak but ended up shutting it again.
He reached for my chin and lifted my face, so I was looking at him. He smiled sweetly at me and leaned down to press his lips to mine. Just as our lips met, we heard the door opening. I stepped back, not sure I wanted anyone to catch us kissing just yet. He laughed at my nervousness and grabbed my hands, wrapping them around his waist. I hid my face in his chest, inhaling his scent.
Chapter Fourteen
Sephie
Ms. Jackson was in the backseat with me and Adrik. Viktor was driving while Andrei was in the passenger seat. We were following the other SUV with Ivan, Misha, and Stephen. You would’ve thought it was Ms. Jackson’s birthday, she was so excited.
“I haven’t been this close to this many fine–looking gentlemen since I was in my 20s,” she whispered to me. “I knew you were special, girl, but what did you do to deserve this many handsome men at your beck and call?”
I laughed. “I don’t think they’re exactly at my beck and call, Ms. Jackson.”
Adrik cleared his throat, beside me. I looked at him in shock. He smiled at me. “Whatever you need, solnishko. You say the word.”
“Did you just call her solnishko?” Ms. Jackson asked, leaning forward so she could see Adrik.
“Da. You know Russian?”
“Enough,” she sat back. She hooked her arm through mine and patted my hand. “Yep. Special, special girl,” she said quietly. I glanced at her face. She had the look of someone who was reliving her past, so I decided against asking any further questions. I felt Adrik take my other hand and lace his fingers through mine. He gently squeezed my hand.
I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment of peace I felt whenever Adrik was around. I hadn’t known him for very long, but I felt things I’d never felt whenever he was around. I tried not to think about it too much. It was unconventional, to say the least. It felt like he quieted my storms. Like he was holding my hand as I was fumbling through the darkness, keeping me steady. All I knew is that I didn’t want it to end just yet.
I felt the SUV stop and heard Viktor put it in park. Ms. Jackson made a move to open her door, but Andrei stopped her “Not yet, Ms. Jackson. Give us moment.”
“Honey, I’ll give you as long as you want, as long as I can look at you while you’re doing whatever it is you’re about to do.”
Viktor caught my eye in the rear–view mirror. He was trying so hard not to laugh. Poor Andrei’s face was as red as my hair. He could not get out of the vehicle fast enough.
“Lord, I hate for him to leave, but I love to watch him go.”
I was laughing uncontrollably beside her. Even Adrik was laughing.
“Bingo might be in Andrei’s future, as well as Ivan’s,” Adrik said, trying to catch his breath.
“I could think of other activities that would be a whole lot more fun than Bingo,” Ms. Jackson mumbled, loud enough that only I could hear.
“Ms. Jackson, I never knew you had this side to you!”
“Well, child, you never had this much eye candy around you before.”
“Point well made”
After just a few minutes, Andrei opened Ms. Jackson’s door and offered her his hand. “Oh! And a gentleman to boot! Your mama must be so proud.”
I didn’t even have to see his face to know that he was blushing. Adrik opened his door. Stepping out, he turned and offered his hand to me. I smiled and took his hand as he helped me out of the vehicle. Once I was standing, he pulled me close and planted a very quick kiss on my lips. I looked at him, wide–eyed. He just winked at me and walked toward the store, with me in tow.
We got Ms. Jackson’s shopping completed quickly. Andrei followed her around dutifully. Viktor was roaming the store, while Ivan, Misha, and Stephen kept an eye on the parking lot. Adrik would only let go of my hand if necessary. Otherwise, he seemed happy enough to simply follow me around while I helped my neighbor stock up for the week.
When we got back to Ms. Jackson’s apartment, she looked at Andrei and Adrik and asked, “gentlemen, would it be possible for me to have a moment alone with Miss Sephie?”
They both nodded. Adrik looked at me and said, “we’ll be right outside.”
As soon as the door closed, Ms. Jackson took each of my hands in hers and looked up at me. “Child, do you know that man is in love with you?”
“What? No. We just met. Literally. Like two days ago.”
“No, dear. Can you not see the way he looks at you?”
“Well, I mean, yeah, but it doesn’t mean he’s in love with me.”
“He calls you solnishko.”
“They all call me different Russian words. I have no idea what any of them mean. They could be calling me a bitch for all I know.”
She scoffed. “Hardly. Russian men are not known for terms of endearment, so the fact that he’s calling you his ‘little sun‘ only days after meeting you means he’s head over heels for you. What else does he call you?”
“Little sun? I don’t get it,” I said shaking my head.
“It’s one of like five terms of endearment for a significant other in Russian. They’re not a sentimental people. What else?”
“I think he called me malishka once.”
“I rest my case. He’s smitten. What do the other men call you?”
“Well, just Viktor and Andrei. Misha and Ivan aren’t as chatty, although Ivan did call me a princess, when I stitched him up this morning. Viktor and Andrei have both called me sestrichka a couple of times.”
“Lord, they’re all in love with you.”
“No way, Ms. Jackson. You’re being silly. What does it mean? And how do you know Russian??”
“It’s a pet name for a little sister, but again, only reserved for very special women,” she said. “And as for me knowing Russian, well, I spent time there during the Cold War.” She sighed, and added very matter–of–factly, “I was spying on the Russians while they thought I was feeding them information on the Americans.”
“What?? How have you never told me you were such a badass before??” I gasped, “is that how you know how to stitch people up? Did I really learn how to do that from a legit spy? You told me you were a nurse!”
She laughed. “Well, I was technically a nurse too. After I came back, I went into nursing. Being a spy is hard on a girl.” She sighed. Again, lost in her memories. “That was a long time ago, honey. But you need to know that you are the light to that man’s dark. You are living up to your namesake, dear child,” she said as she reached up and patted my cheek.
“I don’t think I understand.”
“Adrik. It means dark. When he calls you solnishko, he’s telling you that you are the light in his dark world.”
I sighed. “I don’t…I don’t know what to say.’
She smiled at me. “You don’t have to say anything, dear. You just have to continue to be yourself. How long have I been telling you now that you’re a special girl? You never believed me, but it doesn’t make it any less true. My wish for you is that you’ll let that man show you how special you are.”
“Ms. Jackson…” I felt the tears welling up in my eyes.
“Hush, child. You deserve every bit of the kingdom that man can give you. Just promise me you’ll keep the eye candy around for me to appreciate.”
“I promise I’ll make the Bingo escort happen.”
She threw her head back and laughed. “Are you sure you want to be responsible for the sheer number of heart attacks
you will cause with those kinds of shenanigans? You know ol‘ Edith has a pacemaker. She can’t handle that kind of excitement.”
“That’s fair.” I chuckled as I leaned down to give her a hug. She might’ve been old, but her frame gave the impression that she was lean and strong in her prime. And she could still give the best hugs. Ms. Jackson was quick to befriend
me when I first moved into the apartment. I think she knew I was nothing more than a lost little girl and I’ll forever be grateful that she took pity on me and helped me find myself.
“Now. You go to him. I know you’re going away for a little bit. I heard them talking when they thought I couldn’t understand them. It’s for your safety and I agree. The man they’re looking for is not a good man and if he’s the one who gave you that masterpiece on your neck, then they need to find him before I do.”
“I’ll come back to check on you. I’ll have to take you back to the store next week, too.”
“Don’t you worry about me, child. I may be old, but I’m still resourceful. You stay safe and you let those men protect you. I know you like to argue, but you listen to them when it counts, you hear me. I can see it on the face of every single one of them. They love you and will die trying to protect you, so you let them.”
I chuckled, “well, maybe not Ivan. He looks at me like he’s trying to burn holes through my soul.”
“You don’t know Russian men, honey. That bear of a man would do anything you asked, especially after you stitched him up. He’s putty in your hands. You just can’t put up with his shit.”
“Well, I can’t say I believe you on that one. I’m still heavily under the impression that he would rather murder me himself.”
“Give it time. You’ll see I’m right. Your mother blessed you with the name of a queen. It’s time you stepped into that role.”
Chapter Fifteen
Sephie
After helping her put away the rest of her groceries, I closed her apartment door behind me. I was lost in thought as I turned to find Adrik waiting, just like he had promised. He was standing just past the breezeway, smoking, and on the phone. When he saw me, he put out his cigarette and extended his arm to me. I walked over to him, allowing him to wrap his arm around my waist. Still on the phone, he kissed the top of my head as I rested my head against his shoulder.
I felt his body tense and suddenly his words had a deadly tone to them. I couldn’t understand what he was saying, but I knew it wasn’t good. He was normally soft–spoken, but he raised his voice while talking to the person on the other end. All while he gently twirled my curls in his free hand. I had to chuckle at the absurdity of this man probably threatening someone’s life while playing with my hair like he wasn’t threatening someone’s life.
He abruptly ended the call and looked down at me.
“I’m sorry, solnishko. Business,” he sighed as he put his phone away.
I smiled at him, and his body immediately relaxed. “No need to apologize. It wasn’t my life you were threatening just then.”
His breath caught. He pulled me so I was standing in front of him and held me close. His eyes scanned my face and my hair for several moments. I thought back to what Ms. Jackson had just told me as his looks softened the longer we stood like that. I smiled at him. I liked seeing his face soften,
“I will never tire of your beautiful smile,” he said as he brushed my hair back from face, placing it behind my shoulders. “Nor your amazing hair.” His hands ran down my back, giving me goosebumps. He looked deeply into my eyes as he held me securely against him. “You look extra beautiful today.”
“It’s all the eye candy I’m surrounded by. It’s beauty by default,” I laughed.
“Your neighbor is a very interesting woman,” his thumbs rubbing my lower back as he held me close.
“Oh, you have no idea.”
He cocked his head slightly and looked at me inquisitively. I laughed again, “you’ll have to ask her. It’s not my story to
tell.”
He chuckled, “whatever it is, I’m grateful that it allows me to see your smile.”
I felt my cheeks flush, but instead of looking down like usual, I stood on my toes and kissed his cheek in a moment of unbridled bravery.
“I owe Ms. Jackson a thank you, clearly,” he said, wrapping his arms around me.
“I owe you a thank you for taking Ms. Jackson to the store today. I know it was not part of your plan for the day but thank you.”
“Of course. I want to make sure you are safe. Always. Now come, we should leave,” he broke the embrace and took my hand, leading me up the stairs to my apartment. “You should grab a few things. I don’t know how long you’ll be gone.”
Adrik left me to gather a few things while he went to speak with Viktor in the living room. I could hear their hushed voices as I stood in the middle of my bedroom, trying to decide what to do. I was feeling very conflicted. On one hand, I felt completely safe with a man who was basically a stranger, and also the king of the underworld. On the other hand, was I really going to allow him to take me away from my life? I knew it wasn’t much, but I had worked hard to build my little life I was living. I went from having absolutely nothing when I left my old life to being able to take care of myself all on my own. I didn’t have many friends, but the ones I did have, I cherished. If I left now, would I ever see them again? Would I ever be able to make my own decisions again? Was he taking me somewhere to lock me in the proverbial ivory tower, never to be seen again?
I thought back to Ms. Jackson’s words from earlier. “It’s for your safety and I agree. The man they’re looking for is not a good man“. I shook my head, trying to make sense of everything that was happening. “I know you like to argue, but you listen to them when it counts, you hear me. I can see it on the face of every single one of them. They love you and will die trying to protect you, so you let them.”
Ugh, why does my life always have to be so difficult? I exhaled and went to my closet to grab a bag. Just a few things. Just a few days. Then I can come back. They’ll find Anthony and I’ll be able to come back. It’ll be fine. I can do this.
As I was zipping my bag closed, Adrik came to my bedroom. His genuine concern showing on his face. “You okay, solnishko?” He closed the distance between us, and I felt myself relax when his arms wrapped around me once again.
I sighed, “yeah, I think so. It’s just for a few days, right?”
“I hope.” He put his hands on either side of my face and looked deeply in my eyes. “I want to keep you safe. I’m only taking you away from here to keep you safe.” He noticed the tears forming in my eyes. “Shhh. It will be okay. I promise,” he gently pressed his lips to mine.
We both heard a knock on my open bedroom door. Viktor, taking up the entire doorway, said urgently, “boss, we must go. Now.”
Without any hesitation, he grabbed my hand and started walking toward the door. “Grab her bag.” His grip on my hand was tight, his shoulders visibly tense. When we got to the kitchen, I noticed they had closed all my blinds and Misha already had his gun drawn. “How close?” Adrik asked.
“Five miles out, but our spotter said four vehicles. We don’t know how many routes they’re taking.” Misha handed Adrik two bulletproof vests. Adrik turned to me and said, “arms up. I need to put this on you.” I raised my arms, as he slid the vest over my head and arms. He reached back and swept my hair back, out of the vest. He secured the sides of the vest and kissed my forehead before putting his own vest on.
Adrik nodded and went to the door of my apartment. When he opened the door, Andrei was there with a rifle in his hands and a tactical vest on, looking like he was ready to kill any and everyone that got in his way. My eyes went wide, taking in the change from happy giant Andrei to GI Andrei. “Shit just got real, ya’ll,” I said to nobody in particular. Adrik didn’t respond, he simply pulled me against his side, wrapping his arm tightly around my body. “We’re getting out of here, but you keep your head down, and no matter what, you stay by my side.” I nodded.
“Time?” Adrik asked as he started down the stairs, following Misha. Viktor was behind us, while Andrei covered the parking lot from the landing.
“Three minutes,” Misha replied.
We rushed to the waiting vehicles. Adrik opened the back door of the second one, hurrying me inside. I jumped in, sliding over to make room for him. Viktor threw my bag in the first vehicle and jumped in the front seat. Ivan was driving the vehicle we were in. Stephen driving the other. Misha was in the back seat of the first vehicle and just as I was about to inquire about Andrei, he jumped in the front seat of our vehicle.
Chapter Sixteen
Sephie
The SUVs tore out of the parking lot and raced down the back alley toward the main road. Adrik pulled me close beside him, helping me to stay steady on the sharp turns. We were so close to the first vehicle that I thought for sure we were going to hit them, but whatever move the first vehicle made, Ivan countered it perfectly. He always stayed a consistent distance from the vehicle, no matter what. If I wasn’t scared out of my mind, I might be impressed.
We had made it 2-3 streets over from my apartment, weaving through the city to make it to the freeway when two of the other SUVS we were running from showed up in traffic behind us. Ivan sped up and passed Stephen, putting their vehicle between us and the two SUVS weaving through traffic to get closer. I turned around to look at how close the other vehicles were to them. There were only a few cars in between them now. Their vehicle started to slow, and I saw
Viktor lean out of the window, gun pointing behind their vehicle, I heard two shots and the first SUV veered off the street, plowing into parked cars. The second SUV didn’t stop, it just replaced the first vehicle that had just crashed.
We were suddenly turning sharply, and I grabbed onto Adrik to keep from being thrown across the back seat. We were speeding through the side streets, going the wrong way down one-way streets. Adrik smiled gently at me. “Almost there, solnishko. It will be fine.”
I stared at him in amazement. We were in the middle of a high-speed pursuit. Gunfire was popping off behind us and he was as calm as could be. And smiling on top of it all? This man was not normal.
Another sharp turn threw me into him this time. His arms wrapped around me, holding me steady. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” I responded by grabbing his arms that were wrapped around me and holding tightly. “Shhhh…” he quietly cooed into my hair. “It will be over soon.”
There was a loud explosion behind us. I sat up abruptly and looked behind us, worried s*ck that I would see Viktor, Misha, and Stephen’s vehicle flying through the air. Instead, they were once again right behind us, but the back hatch was open. I let out the breath I had unknowingly been holding and turned forward in my seat once more.
“See? I told you. We’ll be fine,” Adrik said as he grabbed my hand and held it in his.
I looked up at him, still somewhat wide-eyed, as I was still amazed that he could remain so calm in this situation. The vehicle veered onto the freeway, Ivan increasing his speed even more. I had no doubt that Stephen was once again inches away from the back of our vehicle.
Andrei radioed Misha, “the other two?”
Misha responded, “they went to the apartment. There’s no way they’ll catch up to us now.”
Andrei turned in his seat, to look at Adrik. “We’re 15 minutes out, sir. It looks to be clear now.”
Adrik nodded, I felt his body relax slightly as Andrei turned forward in his seat. I squeezed his hand, resting my head against his shoulder.
Those 15 minutes seemed to go by quickly. Before I knew it, we were pulling up in front of giant iron gates. The gates swung open, closing after the SUV behind us. We drove down the long driveway and pulled in front of the house. The grounds were immaculately kept, with giant oak trees along the driveway. Their branches making a canopy for the driveway.
Once the vehicles stopped, we all got out. I ran to Viktor and threw my hands around his neck, completely catching him off-guard. He just stood frozen for a moment, but eventually returned the hug, with his giant arms wrapping around me. His giant frame making me feel like a midget. “I was so worried,” I whispered to him.
He let out a chuckle. He stepped back and looked at me, a glint in his eye, “it’s going to take a lot more than that to keep me down.” I smiled at him, then went to Misha and Stephen and hugged them both. “Thank you.” Neither knew what to say, they just smiled sheepishly at me.
I walked back toward Adrik and Andrei who were watching the exchange, amusement evident on their faces. As I got closer, Andrei opened his arms and said, “do I get one too?” I giggled and jumped into his arms. He picked me up and swung me around, as I squealed. He set me down, laughing. “I could get used to this kind of appreciation.”
Ivan walked around the front of the vehicle to stand behind Andrei. I walked to him and extended my hand to him. “You don’t strike me as the hugging type,” I said. He grabbed my hand and pulled me in for a bear hug. “Can you teach me how to drive like that?” I whispered to him.
He laughed for the second time since I met him. “Sure,” was all he said as he let me go. I grinned at him and walked back to Adrik. He opened his arms for me, and I readily wrapped my arms around him, resting my head on his chest. “I
saved the best for last,” I said quietly so that only he could hear me. His arms tightened around me.
Chapter Seventeen
Adrik
While Persephone was having a private conversation with her neighbor, I decided to light a cigarette. Inhaling deeply, my mind racing in circles, wondering why we couldn’t get reliable information on Anthony’s whereabouts. There was no way that asshat of a child could get the loyalty of this much of the city. He had to have help, which meant I had dissenters in my ranks. Even more than the situation with Anthony, that bothered me.
When I took over the business from my father, I tried to be fair and reasonable in every one of my decisions. My father was known for being ruthless, and maybe greedier than he should’ve been. No one ever called him on it on account of his reputation. I wanted to take the business in a different direction, where we weren’t constantly at war with the people of the city, or the police. It was exhausting. Too many good people died because of my father’s rule. I was tired of death on a daily basis.
Gradually, I mended the relationships with the people of the city. We started giving back to the people, supporting their causes, giving money for little leagues, building parks. With a little time, the people of the city lost their fear of my organization. They started coming to us for business deals, for help with matters that the city wouldn’t help with. My empire has grown exponentially as a result, but the people of the city are safe. They’re protected. Gone are the days when kids couldn’t play outside for fear of stray bullets.
I was proud of what I had done. The police worked with us, instead of against us. Sure, they required their cut of the illegal side of the business, but that’s to be expected. They knew what we were doing in the dark, but because we had helped build the city up so much, they said nothing about it. This was how you conducted business successfully.
Now, clearly, I had at least one boss, likely more, that had openly declared war on me. What was his end game? It can’t be all to do with Sephie. I would still end his life for harming her, but there had to be more to his play. What was he after? Power? Territory? Did he know that I found out about his recent venture into human trafficking?
That was a lucrative business, but one that I absolutely would not allow. It was disgusting. More so than the drugs and the gambling. I forbid it and every other boss in the city knew it. I’ll give Anthony credit, he had serious cojones for going against my direct order. It would not serve him well in the end, but he had chutzpah.
As I took another drag from my cigarette, my phone rang. Looking at it, I recognized the number and answered right away. It was my spy that I kept at the private airport just outside the city. I wanted to know where Anthony was going should he try to leave the city.
“Hey boss, so I have good news and I have bad news.”
“Good news first.”
“Anthony has chartered a flight for middle of the week. He’s on the passenger manifest, along with his four closest associates.”
“And the bad news?”
“There’s no flight path logged yet. They have time to log it, granted, but I have a feeling that they’re going to take off without logging it to try and give us the slip.”
My jaw clenched as I felt the temper I had inherited from my father threatening to rise up to the surface. I turned to see Sephie stepping out of Ms. Jackson’s apartment. I put out what was left of my cigarette and extended my arm to her. She was the key to keeping my temper under control right now. So help me, every single time she was near me, I felt completely calm and in control. From the first moment I looked at her unabashedly staring at me in the restaurant, I felt complete calm and peace when she was near. I don’t understand how, but I know I will do whatever I need to do to protect that feeling.
As soon as she sees my outstretched arm, she walks quickly to my side. She fits perfectly next to me. I’ve never been with a woman as tall as her and I didn’t realize what I’ve been missing. She’s still shorter than I am, but I don’t have to break my back bending over to kiss her. She instantly wraps her arms around me and rests her head against my shoulder. I know I will never tire of feeling her against me. I placed a kiss on the top of her head and went back to my conversation.
“Can you stop the plane from taking off without a flight path logged?”
“Technically, no. They can log a path while they’re in the air”
“I’m not asking for the legal method here.”
“We can ground the plane by force, but it won’t be pretty, and I can’t guarantee that everyone on the plane won’t be dead at the end of it.”
My frustration with this situation got the best of me. I raised my voice enough to drive my point home. “I pay you for guarantees. If they’re not scheduled to leave until the middle of the week then you have three days to fucking figure something out. If you don’t figure out how to both keep him from leaving, as well as keep him alive in the process,
then it will be your life that is lost.”
I ended the call and put my phone back in my pocket. I looked down to see Sephie peeking up at me. “I’m sorry, solnishko. Business.”
Her beautiful smile stretched across her face, “No need to apologize. It wasn’t my life you were threatening just then.’
I inhaled sharply. I thought she didn’t understand Russian? She could gather I was threatening someone just from the tone of my voice? She was truly remarkable. I pulled her in front of me, taking in how stunning she was in the afternoon sunlight. “I will never tire of your beautiful smile,” I said. I watched the way the sunlight brought out new shades of red and auburn. Twirling a curl between my fingers, I added “nor your amazing hair.” My hands roamed over her back, wanting to feel her soft skin underneath her shirt, but not wanting to be too forward. I settled for holding her close and told her, “you look extra beautiful today.”
She laughed. Her smile growing wider, “it’s all the eye candy I’m surrounded by. It’s beauty by default.”
Whatever it was, I would gladly take it.
Chapter Eighteen
Adrik
We pulled up to the estate finally. It was close. Too close, considering we had Sephie with us. I already knew I would burn the entire city to the ground if something happened to her. She only just came into my life, but without her, the careful self–control I’d created since taking over from my father would be gone with her last breath. I would turn into him, and the city would pay.
We stepped out of the vehicle. She immediately ran to the vehicle behind us, straight to Viktor. She slammed into him, hugging his neck tightly. He was taken aback by her gesture and looked to me before moving. I simply nodded. He wrapped his arms around her, like an older brother reuniting with his favorite sister after a long absence. She then went to both Misha and Stephen and gave them each a hug too.
I couldn’t help but smile at her innocence. Her light shone so brightly that I was sure it could light the entire world. Even my men, who are normally quite grumpy and say very little, have all turned into little puppies around her. They will gladly follow her around, just to be near her. We all saw the good in her.
She made her way back toward me and Andrei, who was standing next to me. He stretched his arms wide and asked, “do I get one too?” She beamed at him as she ran to him. He picked her up and swung her around, as she squealed. I made a mental note that she enjoyed that. I caught myself wondering what else would make her squeal.
When Andrei set her down, he said “I could get used to that kind of appreciation.” She caught sight of Ivan and squared her shoulders as she walked to him. She extended her hand to him saying, “you don’t strike me as the hugging type.” He looked at her but was completely defenseless against how brightly her light shone on him. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his bear arms, closing his eyes tightly like he was fighting back a flood of emotions. She said something to him, and I was shocked at his reaction. He laughed. Ivan has been working for me for ten years and I’ve rarely seen that man smile, much less laugh.
I shook my head, watching her with my men. They were all trained killers, but in the span of about 2 days she had wrapped every single one of them around her finger. And she had no idea.
She turned away from Ivan and made her way back to me. She wrapped her arms around me, placing her head on my chest. She whispered, just loud enough that only I could hear her, “I saved the best for last.”
It was that moment that I knew, unequivocally, that I was madly in love with this woman. I would die to protect her. I would work every day of this life to keep her by my side.
I kissed the top of her head, thinking about how happy I was in that moment. It didn’t make sense. We just escaped death, but we were all standing around smiling like idiots.
Because of her.
“Come, let me show you to your room,” I said, grabbing her hand and walking toward the steps to the front door. Her eyes were wide with wonderment as she took in the house.
As we walked through the front door, she could see the grand staircase and the chandelier hanging from the high ceiling in the foyer. There were two wings off that main hallway. My men stayed in the east wing, while all the staff of the house stayed in the west wing. I had the top floor to myself. Sephie would be staying in a room right across from my bedroom, so I could be close to her while still giving her some space.
Sephie looked around, eyes still wide. “Are you going to have someone stationed periodically through the house just to give me directions?” She pretended to have a British accent as she said, “yes, madam, if you will just walk down the grand hall, there will be a phone at the end. Pick that up. They will direct you to the restroom from there.”
I just shook my head and led her to the stairs. “It’s really not that confusing. You’ll find your way around in no time. The important thing to remember is that the boys all have rooms to the right as you walk in the door. The kitchen is that way,” I said pointing to the left of the staircase. “I’ll show you to your room for now. I have some business to take care of, but if you like, I can show you around the rest of the house later.”
She nodded eagerly. “I would very much like.”
“How can I refuse then? I’ll give you the grand tour when I’m done. Come. Your room awaits,” I said, giving her my best butler impression.
She giggled and followed me up the stairs. Even the way her laugh echoed on the marble floors was music to my ears.
I stopped in front of her room, opening the double doors, and stepping aside for her to enter first. “Here we are, madam. Your suite.” She walked past me and gasped as she took in the room.
All of this? For me? Shit. I’m gonna get lost just trying to find the bathroom in this one room.” She paused, turning around to take in the full 360–degree view. “My entire apartment could fit in this room.”
I laughed. “Come, you haven’t even seen the best part yet,” I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward her private balcony. It overlooked the pool below, but she had the best view of the gardens, as well as the mountains in the distance. I would stand on this balcony during the summer nights, inhaling the sweet floral aroma from the hundreds of flowers below on nights when I couldn’t sleep.
“This…this is beautiful,” she said, her hand covering mouth.
“And that is why you will be staying in this room.” She was standing at the railing of the balcony, her hands now resting on the stone rail. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.
“I love this view,” she said, breathlessly.
I turned her to face me, keeping my arms around her. “I love this one more,” I said as I gently kissed her. She responded by wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me closer to her. Without hesitating, I deepened the kiss. I had been holding back before, but after this afternoon and being that close to something potentially happening to her, I needed her to know how much I needed…her.
I heard her moan softly and she faltered briefly, like her knees gave way. I grabbed her waist lower and picked her up off the ground so she wouldn’t have to stand. I felt her giggle against my lips. She stopped the kiss just long enough to look into my eyes. She put her hands on either side of my face and kissed me even more passionately than before. I couldn’t get enough of her, and she couldn’t get enough of me.
After a moment, she broke free, breathing heavily. She gazed deeply in my eyes, almost like she was searching for something. Like she was reading my soul. She could have it all, as far as I was concerned. I’d never met anyorie like her, and I knew I never would again. She smiled sweetly at me and planted a chaste kiss on my lips. “You have business, remember?”
I lowered her to the ground once again, not wanting to let her go. I groaned. “I’d much rather ignore that and stay with you.”
She chuckled and tried to push me away. “The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can finish my tour of this castle. Or would you rather I explore on my own and remain lost for 3 years before I find my way out?”
“You have excellent negotiation skills,” I said as I pulled her back to me for another quick kiss before turning to leave. “Rest and relax. The guys will be downstairs if you need anything. My bedroom is just across the hall and my office is at the end of the hall.”
“I’ll be here. Maybe I’ll have a dance party since there’s so much floor space. You never know,” she said, raising one eyebrow at me.
I sighed, “solnishko.” I couldn’t help myself. I stole one more kiss. I felt her moan again in my mouth, right before I felt her hands on my chest, pushing me away.
“Go!” She said, pointing to the door. I laughed and turned toward the door.
“End of the hall or across the hall if you need me. You can always come in my rooms, no matter what is happening.
Always,” I said one more time, for emphasis.
She nodded and watched me walk out of her room.
As soon as the door closed behind me, I felt like I was already missing her. The more time I spent with her, the less I wanted to leave her. These would end up being the fastest business calls I’d made in a while, just so I could get back to her.
Chapter Nineteen
Adrik
I had a stack of reports on my desk to get through by the end of the day today. I hadn’t planned on our extra excursion to the grocery store, so I was hoping to have these completed by now. I sighed, remembering how much I had laughed just today alone. Sephie made mundane activities like the grocery store fun somehow.
1 shook my head, still not completely sure how I found myself here, but not wanting to change a thing about it, other than not being able to find Anthony. I sighed, picking up the first folder and diving in. The sooner I get it done, the sooner I can finish her tour of this castle. I smiled, reading boring import reports.
It took me considerably less time than it normally would have to get through the reports, but I had still been in my office for close to two hours. I walked out of my office and headed straight for her bedroom door. I knocked softly and waited for a response. When I got none, I knocked once more. Again, no answer. I opened the door slowly, not entirely sure if I should enter her room without permission. I didn’t want to catch her by surprise.
I stuck my head around the door and scanned the room, looking for her. My eyes landed on her curled up on the bed, on top of all the covers, napping. I walked to the bed, intending to cover her up, as there was a cool breeze now coming in through the open balcony door. As I pulled a blanket over her, she woke up and immediately her warm eyes were smiling at me. “Hi,” she said in a hoarse whisper. Her throat was still damaged from Anthony, the hoarseness apparent when she was tired.
I sat down on the edge of the bed and ran my hand up her leg, resting on her hip. “Hi. I’m sorry it took me so long, solnishko.”
“Don’t be sorry. You’re an important man and have important matters to attend to. The world doesn’t stop turning, Adrik. Especially not for me.” I felt that tightness in my chest at her words but chose not to address it just yet. There was more meaning behind those words, but now was not the time. I reached up to brush her curls away from her face.
“Would you still like the grand tour? We can do it tomorrow. You can rest now.”
“No, no. I want to see everything. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. Show me everything,” she said, sitting up beside me.
Standing up, I offered her my hand. “Well, in that case, please, follow me.”
She eagerly took my hand and stood beside me. Just as she stood up, her stomach growled so loudly that I’m not certain a dead person could’ve heard it.
“So, can we start with the kitchen? I just remembered that I haven’t eaten today. Clearly. As literally everyone in the house could hear.”
“I will feed you and then we will finish the tour. You have my undivided attention for the rest of the night.”
Longer, if you wish, solnishko.
Sephie
I happily followed Adrik down the stairs toward the kitchen. I had completely forgotten to eat all day long and now I was sure I could eat enough for three people. When we got to the bottom of the stairs, my bare feet hit the cool marble of the entryway. We turned to the right and walked into the largest room I think I have ever seen. This was larger than the meeting room at the back of the restaurant, even.
As we walked through the room, I spotted a grand piano in front of the impressive windows. I secretly wanted to go sit and play, but food was much more important, as my stomach grumbled once again. Quieter this time, at least.
“Can I play sometime?” I asked, pointing to the piano.
“You know how to play?”
I nodded. “My mother was a piano teacher before she died. I grew up playing.” Looking down, I added quietly, “I haven’t had access to a piano in years though.”
Adrik squeezed my hand. “You must play whenever you like. Whatever you see in the house is yours,” he said, sweeping his hand across the room.
I smiled, secretly very excited that I would be able to play, at least for a few days.
We walked into the kitchen and there was a woman at the sink. She looked like she could be late 20s, maybe older, but she took care of herself, so she likely appeared younger than her age. She had blonde hair that was pulled tightly into a bun, a wh*ite apron over her clothing. She looked up when we walked in and bowed her head to Adrik. “Boss, may I make you something?”
“What do we have for dinner, Tori?”
“Your men requested steak, but I can make you anything you like, sir.”
“I’m guessing there aren’t any leftovers from the gluttons?” He said, smirking.
“No, sir. I can make more, though. It’ll just take me a few minutes,” she said with a small smile.
Adrik turned to me and raised his eyebrow. “What do you think? Sound good?” Before I moved my gaze to Adrik, I caught Tori’s eyes going wide for a split second before she composed herself. What was that about?
“Yes, please. That sounds amazing,” I said, my mo*uth watering already. Steak was a luxury that I rarely got to enjoy. Once or twice at the restaurant when we didn’t sell enough in a week, we’d get to take one home instead of throwing them out, but I never bought it for myself.
“Then, please Tori, make us the same.”
“Yes, sir. Would you like me to call you when it’s ready?”
“That would be great. I’m going to show Sephie around while we wait.”
Of course, sir.”
Chapter Twenty
Sephie
We continued walking around the maze of rooms. The staff quarters were off the kitchen. More bedrooms for guests next to the staff rooms. There was a library on the other side of the kitchen, which I was excited about exploring. Another grand room held a few couches and oversize chairs. There were French doors leading outside to the pool and the gardens that I could see from my balcony. We walked outside, as Adrik said he wanted to show me the gardens up close. As soon as we walked by the pool, we were hit with the loveliest floral aroma from the gardens. It was even stronger than what I could smell from above. It was like walking through Heaven. I inhaled deeply.
“You like?” Adrik asked as we walked through the small maze of familiar flowers and flowers I had never seen before.
“I love. It smells amazing. I want to bottle it and wear it all the time,” I laughed.
“This is one of my favorite places on the property. I come here often when I can’t sleep,” Adrik said.
“What are your other favorite places?” I asked.
“In good time. We don’t have time right now. We must feed you before your stomach wakes up the neighborhood,” he said poking me in the stomach.
I blushed, “yeah, sorry. My stomach has a mind of its own. Clearly.”
He let out a small laugh. “I’m not complaining. You’re not the only one who hasn’t eaten today. My stomach is grateful yours sounded the alarm.” I smiled up at him, loving how relaxed and at ease he seemed anytime he was near me. I’d
seen the tension and the murderous aura he gave off when he was taking care of his business, but I knew I’d only seen a peek of what he was capable of. I’d seen the other bosses in the city enough to know how dangerous they were. If Adrik was above them all, that meant he was even more dangerous.
“Excuse me, sir? Your dinner is ready,” Tori said from the back patio, by the pool.
“Thank you, Tori. We’ll be right there,” he said. He watched as she turned to leave and pulled me in close. He kissed me sweetly, his arms wrapping around me the way I had already grown to love. I returned the kiss, but then stepped out of his grasp.
“Race you!” I said, not even giving him time to register what I said before I took off running to the house.
“Oh, hell no,” I heard him say as I heard his footsteps behind me. I giggled as I ran around the pool, trying to stay ahead of him to get to the door first. I barely made it to the door ahead of him and raced inside. I weaved in and out of the couches and chairs, while he chose to simply jump over them. I laughed at him, as he caught up to me and passed me. He turned just before we made it to the kitchen and caught me, sweeping me off my feet. I squealed as he lifted me into the air, spinning me around once.
“Got you,” he whispered, slightly out of breath.
“No fair jumping the couches,” I said, laughing, trying to catch my breath.
“Oh, now you make rules? After you lost?” he asked, still holding me like I weighed nothing. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he carried me the rest of the way into the kitchen. Tori had set two plates of food on the bar of the large island in the middle of the kitchen. She was washing a pan and looked up as we entered the kitchen. Again, I caught her eyes go wide and this time she dropped the pan she was washing, making a loud bang. She immediately dropped her gaze and kept washing.
We sat down just as she finished up. “That’ll be all, Tori. We’ll clean up. Thank you,” Adrik said.
She simply nodded, as she was drying her hands on her apron. She kept her gaze down and left the kitchen.
“Why was she so surprised when we came into the kitchen?” I asked, cutting into my steak. It cut like butter. I was going to enjoy this. My stomach was already grumbling in anticipation.
Adrik looked at me, confused. “What do you mean, solnishko?
I finished the bite of steak I had just taken – God, it was better than I thought and said, “she was surprised when you asked me what I wanted to cat and again when you carried me into the kitchen.”
He chuckled, as he cut another bite of steak. “They’re not used to seeing me with a woman, solnishko. I don’t bring women here. Some of the staff even think I’m gay because they’ve never seen a woman here with me.”
“Why not?”
He rested his hands, fork and knife still in hand, on either side of his plate, seemingly lost in thought for a moment. “Because I’ve never found anyone worthy of coming here, until now.” He turned and looked deeply in my eyes, as I was so stunned that I had quit chewing. Ms. Jackson’s words, coming back to mind. “Do you know that man is in love with
you?”
I just stared at him for a moment, as he took another bite of steak. “Are you just going to save that bite for later or are
you going to eat it?” That smirk that I loved back on his face. I started chewing again, somewhat snapped back to reality. My mind was still racing.
“How could they think you’re gay? Don’t you have hundreds of women throwing themselves at you?” I asked, trying the mashed potatoes that Tori had made for us. Sweet Jesus this woman was now my favorite person because of her culinary skills.
“They try, yes. When I was younger, I dated a few of them. I slept with more of them, but there was no depth there. No feeling. They were all more interested in the empire than they were me.”
I sighed. I took a drink of water, looking toward the staff quarters. “How sad.”
“Hmm? What’s sad?”
“It must be difficult to be in your position. You don’t know who you can trust and who you can’t. That’s sad. Everyone needs people they can trust.”
He nodded in agreement, lost in thought for a moment. “I have my men,” he said. “I trust them completely. They’re actually good judges of character. In the past, they’ve saved me from women who were just after money and power. The women showed a different side to them than they did to me.” He took a drink of water, adding, “that’s how I knew you were special. Every single one of my guys loves you like a little sister. I’ve never seen them act the way they do when they’re around you.”
I laughed, “even Ivan? Because I’m still convinced he would like to murder me in my sleep.”
He set his fork and knife down beside his plate and turned in his seat toward me. He grabbed my chair and turned it so 1 had no choice but to look at him. “Especially Ivan, solnishko. Do you know how many years he’s worked for me?” I shook my head.
“Ten years. He’s worked for me for ten years and today was the first time I’ve seen that man laugh. I might’ve seen him smile once or twice, maybe. But never, ever, have I seen him laugh. He’s the most serious man I’ve ever known. Until he’s around you. You cracked his impenetrable defenses.”
“I just asked him to teach me how to drive like he does.”
Adrik shook his head, chuckling. “You still don’t see it.”
“Don’t see what?”
“How special you are.”
I scoffed. “Now you sound like Ms. Jackson.”
“If she said you’re special, then she’s a very smart woman,” Adrik said, standing up and taking my completely empty plate to the sink. My stomach was so full and happy now. I leaned back in my chair and patted my full belly, my mind still racing. As Adrik turned on the water, I realized I was being no help and jumped up to help with the dishes.
“I can wash those,” I said, standing next to him.
“Net. I’ll do it.”
I grabbed a towel and hopped up on the counter beside the sink. “Ok, you wash, I’ll dry.”
He smiled as he handed me a clean plate.
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” I said, drying the plate.
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