Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
I stare at the ring, almost wanting to choke on my own laughter. If my mother knew I was seriously looking at pursuing a woman, let alone considering a ring for her, she would have a heart attack. Perhaps I need to put Anya to the true test by meeting the future in-laws.
“I’ll take them all,” I casually say as my phone begins to buzz in my pocket.
The woman’s eyes widen, but she offers a bright smile. “Of course. I’ll pack them for you immediately.”
I answer the unknown number.
“River, it’s been a while,” the man on the other end says. I recognize the voice. We’ve spoken a few times over the phone already and met in person once. “I heard you were in New York for business, and I’m interested,” Igor says.
“Igor, it’s unlike you to call personally. I usually have to deal with your second in charge. To what do I owe the honor?”
“Well, let’s just say my middleman saw the new item you had on display at the Ivanov auction. I heard it was a one-off. But since you’re in town, I was interested to know if maybe you have more. I’m willing to fly in from Russia to negotiate business.”
My smile grows as I hand over my credit card to the woman. I’d done underhanded deals in the area before but always in small numbers and cautiously to ensure the twins never found out. Considering the circumstances now, I have free rein to do as I please. Within limits, of course. I don’t want to give Anya a reason to put out another hit on me.
She might’ve already tried that once, but if she were to do it now, while in debt to me… that would be very bad for her business. We might not be good people, but one thing we are good on is our deals. If not, then you end up as good as dead.
“I might be interested,” I say as I shuffle the phone between my ear and shoulder. “Send me the place and time you’d like to meet. I’ll make arrangements to be there.”
The timing couldn’t be any better. It’s come so easily that I can organize a little date with the she-devil herself as well.
CHAPTER 15
Anya
Rummaging through my brother’s belongings is as boring as watching paint dry. Because despite his immense and expensive whisky collection, Alek doesn’t splurge on many things. His house staff have hidden themselves away after my intrusion, and I’ve been throwing his shirts from hangers in fits of rage ever since.
Vance stands at the door as Clay walks in with a pot of herbal tea. All of my favourite flavors are in Alek’s kitchen because I made it so. Clay sets the tray down as he quietly says, “Miss, this is the fourteenth time you’ve searched for a clue in your brother’s home. I don’t think there’s anything here. Perhaps you should get some rest.”
“Luckily, I don’t pay you enough to think,” I snap back.
He says nothing more as he carefully pours the tea. I sigh and want to crumple to the floor, not that I ever would in front of anyone.
I take one of Alek’s shirts, bring it to my nose, and inhale, the remains of his cologne still there, bringing my thundering heart to ease. I know he’s not dead. But what if…?
No, not Alek. Never.
But why would he leave me behind?
Was I not enough to trust with his secret?
Was I a nuisance instead of someone who could help?
I shake my head, knocking the insecure thoughts out. They have no place in my world. I refuse to go down some dramatic rabbit hole, questioning my brother’s loyalty and opinion of me.
After standing, I take the cup of tea and sit at the end of Alek’s bed. Looking around his room, I realize how bland it is. Well, if I’m comparing it to my own lavish tastes. The only painting on the wall is one of a ballet dancer. I never quite understood his fascination with the eyesore, but I’d allowed it since it was something besides neutral tones like the rest of his house.
Clay drops to his knees and removes one of my heels as he begins to massage my foot. I sigh in relief as I look between him and Vance. I know they don’t care about me; I’m just a paycheck to them. I wonder, however, if I didn’t have them during these months, whether I would’ve lost my mind entirely. Most likely not. I would’ve managed as I always do.
His strong fingers move up my calves as he kneads the muscle, and it stirs an entirely different demand from me. I haven’t fucked in days. Although my men don’t listen to River, I don’t want to risk him sticking to his word if they touch me. And I think he was deadly serious in his threat.