Chapter Two
Energy hummed through Nikko as they pulled up to the restaurant. He knew this night had every possibility of going bad. Nikko almost groaned out loud when he saw Theo Luciano get out of a big black town car. Theo was Sasha's brother, so Nikko tolerated him. If Nikko didn't like Sasha quite so much or didn't owe her father Ciro a debt, Nikko might have just popped Theo himself by now.
Sasha's brother was largely an idiot, especially when it came to tact and the politics of the mafia. Something Sasha has been quite gifted at, which is why her father had groomed her to take over for him instead of her idiot brothers. Unfortunately, Ciro had been gunned down by his own brother Franco, and Franco had a lot more in common with Theo than Sasha. When Franco took over, he destroyed many of the Luciano family alliances, which weakened not only the Lucianos but also the Rossis and the McShanes.
Neither would do business with Franco, and that had allowed the Petrovs to gain a foothold and expand. After Franco had been dealt with and Sasha had taken her rightful place as the head of the Luciano syndicate, she had worked to re-establish the alliances that Franco had destroyed.
Sasha and Declan McShane, the head of the Irish syndicate, had come to terms a few months ago. The Rossis hadn't been quite so forgiving, and they had caused some significant trouble for both Declan and Sasha.
That is why they were all here tonight. The Lucianos and the McShanes were trying to forge an alliance with the Petrovs. Viktor had taken over for Sergi, and by all accounts seemed a lot saner than his brothers. More businessman and less thug. Still, Nikko figured they had about fifty-fifty odds on whether they would come to an agreement or be gunned down.
For the hundredth time tonight, Nikko wished he had insisted that Sasha take the meeting instead of Theo, but then the rule was nobody got near Sasha except for those that were part of the inner circle, and Viktor was most certainly not part of that circle. Nikko figured Viktor was less inclined to gun down Sasha than Theo, not that he could really blame him, since Nikko often fantasized about gunning down Theo himself.
Theo was hot tempered and mouthy. His ego was bigger than his brain, and often got him in trouble. Sasha had been crystal clear that Theo was to keep his mouth shut and let Nikko broker the deal, but Nikko figured the odds on that were approaching zero.
Nikko was glad Ranger had agreed to watch his back. Nikko knew Theo was just as likely to put a bullet in his back as Viktor. There was no love lost between the two of them. Theo resented Nikko's place at Sasha's right hand, just as he had resented Nikko at Ciro's right hand all those years ago. It had been Sasha's father, Ciro, that had literally pulled him out of the gutter, and helped him get on his feet. Ciro had been the closet thing Nikko had ever had to a father.
Ciro had treated him like a son, and both of Sasha's brothers had resented that, but especially Theo. Nikko wasn't blood, and Ciro had chosen skill over blood and that had rankled Theo. Hell, Nikko wasn't even Italian, well maybe. Nikko had no idea what he was other than maybe a feral mutt. Nikko had no memories of ever having a father, and anymore he barely had memories of his mother. When he thought of her it was like looking through fog. Everything was little blurry and indistinct. He couldn't quite make-out her facial features anymore or even remember the sound of her voice no matter how hard he tried.
Nikko had been young when his mother died. Six maybe? Nikko didn't even know. He just remembered the blood. So much blood. Nikko wasn't even really sure what had happened. His life with his mother had never been easy. They had been poor, and Nikko could remember going to bed hungry a lot of the time, but he remembered his mother being kind, and he did remember her laugh. She'd had the most beautiful, musical laugh. Or, at least he thought she did. Maybe that memory had been distorted like everything else in his life.
When his mother had died, Nikko had been put into the system. Nikko had no family, or at least none that had wanted to take him. Nikko doubted anyone had really looked that hard. Too old for the crowd that wanted a baby and too young to be equipped for the foster care system, Nikko had been shuffled around from house to house and finally landed in a group home. Eventually Nikko had run away and chosen a life on the streets over the neglect and apathy of the broken foster care system.
Nikko was barely twelve, when he finally left for good. Nikko doubted anyone had actually noticed he was gone. Nikko had used the tools he had available to him. His body and his brain. Nikko had learned to steal, cheat, and scam people for money and food, and when that wasn't enough, Nikko turned tricks. There were always plenty of sick bastards that wanted to fuck a child. Especially one as pretty as Nikko.
As fate would have it, one day Nikko pick pocketed the wrong guy. He'd bumped into Ciro on the street and lifted his wallet. Ciro had more money in his wallet than Nikko had ever seen before, and Nikko was counting his good fortune when Ciro and his bodyguards found Nikko in an alley.
Nikko figured his luck had run out, but he had stood his ground. Courage was the only thing Nikko owned and he figured he'd go down at least keeping that. Everything else had been taken long ago. But instead of beating him or killing him, Ciro just asked for his wallet back. Ciro had studied Nikko with his penetrating, knowing gaze, tipped his hat to him and left. He let Nikko keep the money.
A few days later, Ciro had his bodyguards pick Nikko up and bring him to his house. Nikko had never seen luxury like that. Ciro's bodyguards had given Nikko new clothes and sent him to shower. Nikko had been afraid Ciro was setting him up as his new sex toy. By that time, Nikko didn't trust there were good people left in the world, and everything had a price. Nikko had been bargaining with himself on how far he was willing to go and what he was willing to do. Was being kept better or worse than being on the street. He figured he'd be passed around, but at least he'd have a bed and food. The reality was Nikko was passed around on the street anyway, just in a different way.
Instead, the guards had taken him back downstairs to the kitchen and fed him. While he was eating, a little auburn-haired girl had come in to get a glass of water. She'd brought him more milk and sat down at the table and talked to him like she found street urchins wolfing down food in the kitchen every day, and it was perfectly normal. That had been Sasha, nothing much had ever fazed her. She moved with ease through all walks of life and connected with people.
Ciro had summoned him to his office. Sasha had waived goodbye and told him he should come back so they could go riding. The whole moment had been surreal. Nikko hadn't seen Sasha much after that. She'd been away at boarding school most of the time. Nikko always figured Ciro had kept her away to protect her from everybody, including Nikko. Sasha and Nikko had seen each other on holidays and school breaks, and had an easy relationship. Nikko always looked forward to Sasha being home.
At the time, Nikko was nothing but a punk teenage kid, but Ciro had treated him like a man. Like an equal. Ciro had offered Nikko a job, with one caveat. Nikko had to devote time to his education. Ciro said there was no excuse to be uneducated or have poor manners.
Nikko had agreed, and Ciro had taken him under his wing and taught Nikko damn near everything he knew. Over time, Ciro became more family than employer, and even supported Nikko as he branched out and grew his own business. Ciro had let Nikko go, even though Nikko knew Ciro had hoped Sasha and Nikko would marry and take over the syndicate one day when Sasha was older. Nikko had always cared for Sasha, and Nikko would do what he could to protect her now, and repay his debt to Ciro. Even if that meant tolerating her idiot brother.
Nikko's life had taken a twist with the CIA mess, but it had been Ciro's lessons that had kept him sane. Allowed him to navigate and get both him and Natasha out of their clutches for the most part. Ciro had been a ruthless man, but he had also taught Nikko boundaries. Ciro never hurt innocent people and he never harmed women or children. Ciro was old school.
Nikko figured that was one of the reasons when he found Natasha beaten and bloody, there was no way he was going to leave her. Nikko knew what it was like to sell your body and your soul, and in Nikko's case he'd done it willingly. Natasha had never had that choice. Natasha had been trafficked as a child, and when Nikko found her, she was a twelve-year-old sex slave. Nikko would have killed every single one those men to free her or died trying.
Nikko had been all of seventeen, but Ciro had taught him right from wrong, and there was no way he was ever going to leave that beautiful little raven-haired child in that hellhole. Hell, Nikko was pretty sure he'd been in love with her the moment he had seen her. The wave of protectiveness he had felt for her had nearly buckled his knees. He'd never felt that way about anybody. He'd seen a kindred spirit. One that was battered and bruised, but definitely not broken.
Natasha and Nikko were alike. It was one of those things that bonded them in a way most people would never understand. Neither had any family, and they had lived through the same type of hell. There were no secrets between them. Natasha knew about everything that Nikko had done, and she never once judged him. Quite the opposite in fact. Natasha and Nikko had trusted each other and given themselves over to each other. They had healed each other the best they could. Nikko showed Natasha the same kindness Ciro had shown him, and in return Natasha had saved him from himself and his demons.
Nikko missed Ciro, he could really use his advice about now. Without Natasha, Nikko was adrift. He had nothing anchoring him anymore. He knew he was getting out of control. Hell, who was he kidding, he was out of control, he'd snorted a couple of lines of blow before coming to this meeting. Something that was dangerous and stupid. He needed to keep his head about him.
Nikko was fucking up everything in his life. He'd been treating Kate badly, because Nikko knew it was only a matter of time before she left him anyway. So, Nikko had pushed her away, and Kate had finally wizened up and left. Kate didn't know him, and if she did, she wouldn't love him. Kate just thought she loved Nikko, and Nikko had thought he loved Kate. He'd abandoned Natasha for what he thought was true love. That just proved he was stupid. People like Nikko didn't get happily ever after, because they didn't deserve it.
Kate was an amazing woman and she deserved a lot more than some guy that killed and fucked people for money. Only Natasha had ever known all of his secrets, and she was gone. And that was Nikko's fault. Natasha had loved him, but she had never been in love with him, but that had worked just fine for a decade until Nikko had met Kate. It was his own hubris for thinking he could have more. That he deserved more. Nikko had pushed Natasha away, right into Reyes' arms. Natasha had found love, and Nikko was glad. Nikko would never fuck up what those two had, so he'd stayed away and kept his spiral from Natasha. Natasha deserved happiness, not Nikko and his fucked-up problems.
Nikko pulled himself out of his little trip down memory lane, and focused on scanning the area. Nikko saw Declan McShane emerge from the shadows. He and Declan had a complicated history, but they were more allies than enemies, most of the time. Declan, like his father before him, was definitely a man of his word. Nikko wasn't worried about Declan gunning him down, at least not tonight. Nikko was glad Declan was here.
Nikko and Ranger met Declan and Theo on the sidewalk. Theo did his usual posturing and Nikko could tell Declan really wanted to roll his eyes, but instead stroked Theo's ego and threw Nikko a look that said you owe me.
Nikko's driver stayed with the car. He assumed Declan's had as well. Both men would scout the area and be on the lookout for any trouble. The hair on Nikko's neck was standing up, and that was never a good sign.
As they entered the restaurant, the first thing Nikko noticed was Stephanie Plum sitting in the corner. Nikko desperately wanted to roll his eyes, because Nikko knew the night had probably officially just gone to shit. What the hell was Stephanie doing watching Viktor? This had awkward written all over it. Nikko had visions of Stephanie kicking his ass for dragging Ranger into mafia business. That woman had no problem taking him to task.
Most people at least had enough sense to steer clear of him, but not Stephanie Plum. No, that woman was fearless, and had no problem telling Nikko when she thought he was an ass, which admittedly was pretty often these days. Stephanie was one of those women Nikko would never understand. Stephanie had seen the dark side of humanity, and despite it all, she always saw the good in life. The good in people. Nikko figured that is why she tolerated him. She still believed somehow Nikko could be saved. That he was worth saving.
Nikko liked Stephanie, but he was already dreading their next conversation. She had a way of cutting right through his bullshit and dragging the truth out into the light. She never cut him any slack, and she had an uncanny ability to read him like an open book, and that just scared the shit out of Nikko.
Nikko kept his expression neutral and his gaze moving. The last thing he wanted to do was draw attention to Stephanie. He had a feeling Ranger was just as surprised to see her as he was, but both men kept moving.
Viktor and his two goons were sitting at the table. All three rose when they entered the restaurant. It was less about being polite and more about showing they didn't have any weapons. Nikko nodded to Viktor; he appreciated the gesture.
A brief round of introductions was made, although none were really needed because Nikko didn't give a shit who the goons were. They all sat down, and pretended to be civilized.
Ranger forced himself to focus. Why was Steph here watching Viktor? It had to be the task force. She must suspect Viktor had picked up where Sergi had left off and was trafficking women. Ranger really wondered if Steph had learned nothing from the Kovac situation that had landed her in witness protection. Ranger could feel his irritation starting to rise and willed himself to remain calm. He needed to find a way to get Steph out of here. If the bullets started flying, he didn't want her caught in the crossfire. They'd deal with her reckless behavior later, but right now he needed to figure out a way to get her out without blowing his cover or hers.
Declan scanned the restaurant and his gaze fell on the woman he had helped out of her car. She was intriguing. All that dark hair and killer body, with that girl next door feel to her. Declan could just imagine her on her knees, his hands fisted in that dark, curly hair with her generous mouth wrapped around his cock. Declan knew that was an entirely inappropriate thing to be thinking about a stranger, but damn if he didn't care.
She was sitting alone in the corner, looking like she was waiting for someone. That was definitely a lucky someone. Declan thought it was a shame such a beautiful woman was sitting alone in a restaurant. If he wasn't meeting with Viktor, he might actually consider joining her or having her join him. It had been a long time since Declan had had any interest in a woman beyond some nameless sex. Something about the woman had intrigued him. Something beyond her looks.
Declan looked up as the server approached, and a little jolt shot through him. She had an exotic beauty about her, but something about her seemed vaguely familiar. Declan was sure he didn't know her; he would have remembered her. A woman like that was unforgettable. Declan's gaze remained glued to the server that had introduced herself as Finley as Viktor asked her to bring a bottle of Beluga Noble vodka and open it at the table. The familiarity between Viktor and Finley irked Declan, and he didn't know why. It was absolutely none of his business if Viktor sampled more than the borscht at his restaurant.
Declan pushed the irritation that rippled through him down. He had to force himself not to watch her walk away and focus on what Viktor was saying. Getting distracted by anything, including a fine piece of ass, was a good way to get dead in Declan's business.
Finley had almost hyperventilated when she had gone back to Viktor's table. What the hell was Stephanie's husband doing meeting with Viktor? As far as Finley knew, Ranger wasn't helping with the task force. Stephanie hadn't mentioned that Ranger would be having a sit-down meeting with the head of the bratva. And, if that wasn't bad enough, sitting there with him was none other than Declan McShane. Finley had been terrified he would recognize her, which she realized was absurd. She'd been a thirteen-year-old girl the last time she had seen Declan, and tonight she was wearing a disguise. Different hair, different eyes, and a fake name.
If she was honest with herself, Declan probably didn't even know she existed. She had been gangly and awkward and hardly someone he would have noticed, even though she had definitely noticed him. She'd had the biggest crush on him. Her father had worked for the McShane family and she had admired Declan from afar like only teenage girls can. Her father had been loyal to the McShanes until he had been gunned down.
The McShanes had taken care of her and her mother, but they had no longer been part of the inner circle, and Finley had lost connection to the only family she'd ever really known. Her mother had gone on to remarry a nice man that worked in banking and had zero ties to the mafia. They'd moved to the suburbs and led a normal, if not boring life.
Finley had attended an all-girls Catholic school, where she had failed miserably to fit in. Growing up in the mafia hadn't exactly taught her skills to blend in in suburbia. Finley could shoot, fight, steal, run numbers, and cut cocaine. None of which had won her any friends.
Finley's resentment had started to grow. Her life and her father had been taken from her in one day, and exactly nobody had paid for that. It was sitting alone in the library in her stupid itchy school uniform that she began to fantasize about revenge. Her father's life had mattered, and if the McShanes wouldn't retaliate, she would. It had been stupid and fanciful, and she was probably romanticizing their life as part of the clan, but that little kernel had stuck and started to fester. Blood for blood, that was the rule.
Finley pulled herself away from her thoughts. She didn't have the luxury of getting distracted, she had a job to do. Finley had to force herself to focus on her task. Her task was Viktor. The Petrovs needed to go down, and the only way to make that happen was to get the dirt on Viktor.
Finley took the bottle of vodka out to the table and opened it as instructed. She poured each man a shot and then melted away like the good little servant that she was. Anger rippled through her at the arrogance of such men, and she had to force herself to remain passive. When Declan raised his glass, his eyes remained glued to hers, like they shared a secret. He had a knowing look on his face that made her skin tingle. Finley could feel sweat start to pop out along the small of her back. There was no way Declan knew who she was.
Declan's gaze was unsettling, and when his gaze dropped to her cleavage that shimmered in the low lighting her breath caught. Finley felt like he had actually caressed her. When his gaze locked with hers his eyebrow quirked up and he gave her a sardonic smile before looking away. The dismissal was like a slap in the face. Finley felt her face flame and it took all her willpower not to reach down button her shirt.
Viktor raised his glass. "Za vashe zdarovje."
Nikko nodded. "And to your health" Nikko replied and they all downed their shots.
Nikko's gaze drifted to the server and her cleavage. Nikko didn't even feel bad about staring at her breasts. It was clear the sexy little server knew exactly what she was doing. Her shirt was unbuttoned and her breasts had been strategically arranged for maximum impact. He wondered if he would be disappointed to learn half of that ample cleavage was the result of the trickery of some push-up bra, or if that was all her. Nikko figured he didn't much care. He wasn't one for casual sex anymore, but even old dogs could learn new tricks. Maybe he'd see if she was interested, but then again there seemed to be a little something off about her. Nikko knew crazy recognized crazy. Maybe she was just what he needed.
It was like she wanted to get close to Viktor, but at the same time she was repulsed by him. When Viktor's hand had brushed her arm, Nikko would have sworn it had taken all of her willpower not to jerk away. Maybe Viktor had gotten rough with her or something. But then that wasn't his reputation. It was clear Viktor was definitely interested, but he'd been nothing but respectful. Unlike Nikko, Viktor's gaze had never left her face.
Eh who knew, it was way too much for Nikko's drugged up brain right now. Hell, it wasn't like Nikko was opposed to sharing her with Viktor. When Nikko hadn't been with Natasha, there was very little that he hadn't tried. They could both fuck her in the back of the limo if that's what Viktor wanted. Who knew, maybe that would be the fastest way to cement a partnership between the Lucianos and the Petrovs.
Finley glanced back, and the one with the crazy, beautiful eyes was openly staring at her, or more accurately staring at her breasts. The one called Nikko was tall and graceful, with all hard planes and beautiful angles. He had dark hair, high cheek bones, and the most beautiful amber eyes with a dark limbal ring. His eyes looked feral, and almost looked magical. There was nothing even remotely civilized about him. Out of all the extremely dangerous men at that table, Finley was pretty sure, he was the most dangerous, and he was quite possible crazy. But then normal was overrated in Finley's book. Normal and safe were boring.
Nikko's eyes locked with Finley's and she felt her breath hitch. He was stunning. Finley smiled at him, and she saw his gaze shift from interest to pure predator in an instant. She could have sworn she saw his eyes darken. She felt awareness sharpen her senses. Too bad she was working. She had no doubt that an encounter with him would burn like fire, but she thought it might almost be worth it. Finley didn't do relationships, and somehow, she had a feeling that would be just OK with Nikko. Besides it was pretty clear Declan McShane had just about as much interest in her now as he had when she was thirteen, which was exactly zero. His dismissal still stung.
Finely had to focus on Viktor, he was saying something. Reluctantly she pulled her eyes away from Nikko, even thought she could still feel his gaze heating her skin.
Viktor ordered gravlax, pelmeni, and ikra for the table, and then excused himself for a moment. Tension swept through Nikko, but he forced himself to remain calm and relaxed. Viktor was either going to the men's room and would be back in a minute, or he was going to get his army and gun them all down. Only time would tell. Nikko figured he was living on borrowed time anyway and took another shot of vodka. Dying had never much scared him, it was the living part he had trouble with.
Unease slid through Ranger. Stephanie had gone to the back towards the ladies' room a couple of minutes earlier and now Viktor had left the table and headed the same way. There was no reason to worry he told himself, but he didn't really believe it. Steph could take care of herself, but he hoped she had enough sense not to tangle with Viktor.
When Stephanie came out of the ladies' room, Viktor was lounging up against the wall in the hallway. Stephanie barely managed to quell a startled yelp. Instead, she gave him a quick smile and forced herself to keep walking, hoping and praying he would let her pass.
Viktor stepped in front of her, and with lethal speed Viktor pushed her into a supply room and locked the door.
Stephanie found herself pinned up against the wall by Viktor's hard body, her hands held above her head in one of Viktor's hands. His grip felt like a vise. Stephanie's heart was pounding and her breath was coming in shallow pants. The room was lit by one lone bare bulb, giving it dingy ominous feel.
She felt Viktor wrap his hand around her throat exerting only gentle pressure, as he slid his thumb back and forth over her neck. Stephanie knew he could feel her pulse racing wildly. He locked eyes with her. Stephanie realized his eyes were light blue, they reminded her of Natasha. It was all she could do to stifle hysterical laughter. She saw Viktor's eyes narrow slightly as he bent closer. Viktor probably wondered if she was actually sane.
Viktor's face was very close to hers, his breath brushing her cheek. His thumb tracing her jawline. His voice was low and deep. Almost soothing. His accent more pronounced than earlier. "Why are you watching me?"
His hard body was pressed up against her and it felt like his heat was searing her. His scent tickled her senses. When she took a calming breath his deeply rich masculine scent filled her nose. He smelled like sandalwood, cardamom, and bergamot.
Stephanie knew struggling was futile, and she willed herself to relax in his grip. He was strong and muscular and much bigger than she was. He used his body to pin her and keep her immobile. It should have been a terrifying, but it wasn't. The feel of his body pressed against her wasn't revolting, which surprised her.
Stephanie had to will herself to speak, and she was exceptionally proud of herself that she was able to respond, even though her voice came out almost like a whisper. "I'm not. I'm just waiting for my friend. I'm sorry if I've offended you."
Viktor's low chuckle sounded in her ear as she felt him reach behind her and unzip her dress.
Icy fear was starting to build in Stephanie, and she felt herself stiffen. She knew no one was going to hear her in the supply room. Was he going to rape her right here, while Ranger was in the other room?
"Ms. Plum, you flatter me. But let's dispense with the lies, shall we?"
Stephanie registered he knew who she was. She figured that couldn't be a good sign.
She felt his big hand slide down between her breasts. It was warm and slightly calloused. She realized he was looking for a wire, not actually feeling her up, and she relaxed marginally.
"I know who you are, and what you do." He continued as she felt his hand slide underneath her right breast.
"I assure you Ms. Plum, I am a bad man, but I don't peddle in flesh."
His hand slid under her left breast and he stopped when he felt the tracker. He pushed the cup of her bra up over her breast dragging the palm of his hand over her breast slowly and intimately. Stephanie sucked in a sharp breath. She saw his sly smile and narrowed her eyes at him. Viktor knew exactly what he was doing.
His hand slid back down and he pulled off the tracker. Stephanie barely managed to stifled a gasp. What was wrong with her? She should be terrified. She saw his blue eyes darken, and it gave her a moment of satisfaction to realize he wasn't anymore immune to this than she was. He pulled his hand out of her dress and dropped the tracker in his pocket.
"Then why is it that suddenly girls are coming in using the same routes that Sergi used?" Stephanie asked. She knew it was probably a stupid thing to say, but she figured if he thought others knew he might be slightly less likely to kill her.
Stephanie saw something like surprise and confusion flicker across his face before it was quickly gone.
He leaned down and she could feel his lips just above her neck, not quite touching as he inhaled her scent. His lips brushed the shell of her ear.
"What if I promised you, I would make sure no one in my organization is trafficking in women? Would you leave me alone, move on to someone else?"
Stephanie felt him pull her dress up and bunch it around her hips. She gasped as she felt his hand slide up her inner thigh, his fingers barely touching her. Then he ran his hand up the inside of her other thigh until he found her gun. He made a tsking sound that sounded a lot more like approval than disapproval as he pulled out her gun and pocketed it.
"Why would you do that?" She breathed. Stephanie's mind was racing in a thousand directions, and she was having trouble comprehending the words he was saying. She could hear her own pulse pounding inside her head.
She felt Viktor's hand run up the outside of her thigh until he reached her knife. He pulled it out of the sheath and put it in his pocket.
Stephanie felt him shrug. "You were responsible for bringing my brother's killer to justice."
Stephanie thought that if Ranger gunning him down was justice, then yeah, she might have had something to do with it. It seemed like an odd thing to say. Almost like he was glad he didn't have to expend the effort. She got the distinct feeling Viktor didn't have a lot of sleepless nights over Sergi's demise.
"Do we have a deal?" He asked as his gaze dropped to the pendant nestled between her breasts. His gaze lingering far longer than was necessary. He reached down and yanked it off.
"Yes." Came her reply. Stephanie didn't even recognize her own voice.
She saw his lip twitch up in a smile. Stephanie felt him turn her around and he placed her hands on the wall above her head, and released them. Stephanie kept her hands on the wall.
"Don't test me Ms. Plum. You are a beautiful woman, and I don't like to hurt women, but I can't have you interfering in my business. You understand, yes?"
Stephanie felt him run his hands down her arms, down her sides, and then pull her dress down. His hands sliding over the curve of her ass.
"Yes, I understand."
She felt him brush her hair to the side and his lips hover just above the back of her neck. His breath was warm on her neck and her skin tingled.
He parted the back of her dress, the cool air hitting her back gave her goosebumps. She felt his calloused hand dip into her dress and slide along the waistband of her panties looking for trackers, and then glide up her spine. Stephanie felt her body tremble.
When he removed his hand, she almost missed the warmth.
She felt him zip her dress and then rub his thumb over her neck in a gentle caress. An involuntary shiver went down her spine.
"My brother and his men are not as understanding as I am. This is your one warning. I don't want you as an enemy Ms. Plum, and I guarantee you that you don't want me to be yours."
He opened her clutch and rummaged around, and then she heard it snap shut. Stephanie didn't dare move or turn around.
She felt him turn her around to face him. One wrist captured in each of his hands. He raised each arm to his mouth and brushed a light kiss on each wrist, his thumb rubbing gently back and forth. She knew he could feel her pulse stuttering and pounding wildly.
His gaze locked with hers. "You are already under Nikko's protection, and if you do this, you will be under mine as well. I give you my word, I will not harm you."
"If you show me you aren't trafficking in women and help me find out who is, we have a deal." Stephanie knew she was being bold or stupid or both.
Viktor's brows shot up and he have her an appraising look. "Ah, printsessa, you drive a hard bargain, do you not."
Stephanie held his gaze.
A beat went by. Viktor was smiling, a genuine one that reached his eyes. "You printsessa, have a deal. I think under different circumstances we might have made good partners, yes."
Viktor's meaning was clear and Stephanie felt herself blush. Viktor leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I am not sure if you are brave or foolish kotenok, but I like you. Don't make me have to hurt you."
Viktor turned and unlocked the door and left. Stephanie let out a breath and sank down into a crouch, willing herself to breathe and her heart to stop racing. Holy shit, had that just happened? He had been dangerously alluring, and Stephanie wondered what that said about her that his touch hadn't completely terrified and repulsed her. That she had wanted to believe him that he wasn't trafficking girls. She needed to focus on the fact that he was a monster, and even monsters could be charming.
Stephanie took in a few more calming breaths and thought about what he had said. Viktor had seemed sincere. What if Viktor wasn't trafficking in girls? Why offer to prove to her he wasn't? Why not just kill her? A shiver went down her spine. Viktor could have kidnapped her right out of the restaurant, and disposed of her. Or he could have hurt her instead of just disarming her. But he hadn't. Instead, he had struck a bargain with her. Viktor was an interesting guy she'd give him that.
Stephanie straightened her clothes, and ignored the fact she could still feel his touch and his breath on her skin and walked back into the restaurant.
The maître d' met her at her table with a bag. "Your dinner madam, and a bottle of wine. Compliments of Mr. Petrov. Please come with me, your car is waiting." The maître d' took her by her elbow and guided her out of the restaurant. She could feel Viktor's eyes following her. As she approached the door, she saw his reflection in the glass, and locked eyes with him giving him a smile.
The maître d' helped her into the back of a black town car, and gave the driver her address. Viktor was sending a clear message.
Stephanie relaxed back into the soft leather seats and looked in the bag. It looked like a couple of entrees, a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac, and a single red rose.
Stephanie pulled out the note. It was handwritten on expensive stationary and smelled like him. It said "A toast to our partnership. Check your purse." It was signed V.
Stephanie opened her clutch. Inside was a burner phone. She flipped it open and read the text. Dinner on Friday at 7PM. My car will pick you up.
Whether or not she would be getting in that car and having dinner with Viktor remained to be seen. If nothing else Viktor had flair.