Chapter Four

As far as Stephanie was concerned, the woman Nikko had recommended had been nothing short of a miracle worker. She'd given Stephanie a mini-makeover and done her hair and make-up. From the looks she was getting from Jack and Luca, they seemed to agree.

"Looking good Steph." Jack gave her a broad smile.

Stephanie gave him a classic Italian hand gesture and he laughed. Stephanie had laughed too right up to the point she'd gotten dressed.

The dress had a plunging v-neck, no back, and stopped mere inches below her cooter. The fringe provided a little additional coverage, but not much. She'd be lucky if her bare ass wasn't hanging out all night. The dress left no place for a weapon, and nothing to the imagination.

The stupid thong panties were a joke, and served exactly no purpose except to irritate her. The only blessing in the whole mess, the strappy sandals. They were wedge heels and actually pretty comfortable. It was possible she might even be able to run in them without breaking her fool neck.

Jack and Luca were prowling around, tension rolling off of them in waves. They would be standing by, but didn't really have a role in tonight's festivities. If everything went according to plan, they would follow Alexi and Stephanie from the wine tasting and set-up surveillance of the party. Stephanie knew that made them uneasy, and nobody would rest until she was out of Alexi's clutches, least of all her. There were about a hundred things that could go wrong. Maybe a thousand.

"Relax guys. It's just a walk in the park." Stephanie assured them.

"I don't like that you're in there alone." Came Luca's surly reply.

"I won't be alone. You guys are right outside and Nikko has an inside man." Stephanie reasoned.

Her answer didn't improve Luca's mood.

"Look Steph, you won't even have any way to communicate. Even if we are outside, Alexi has a dozen armed guards, and we might have no idea you need help. I think this plan is too risky." Luca pressed.

Stephanie held up her hand in a stop gesture. "It will be fine."

Jack snorted. "You know what fine means Plum."

Stephanie winced a little. Fucked-up, insecure, neurotic, and emotional. Yeah, it wasn't too far from the truth. "It will be a success. Nikko has this covered."

"Why all of sudden do you trust this guy? You don't know a damn thing about him." Luca snapped.

Her eyes met his. They were blazing with anger and concern. Stephanie didn't know how to answer, because she really couldn't explain why. There had been a subtle shift between them at the bar when Nikko had taken her side against Wayne and Howie. For him, it hadn't even been a question. Nikko didn't doubt her skill as an operator or put her in a box. He had telegraphed his confidence in her, but it was something even more subtle, more profound.

When Nikko had placed his hand on her neck, he'd not only conveyed his trust in her judgement, but Nikko had taken her side. He had felt like a safe haven. Stephanie had always respected her instincts. People could curate what they said, but the soul always knew. Intuition wasn't blind, it could see the truth. That's how she'd found Jack and Luca, and they might not like it, but she felt the same loyalty in Nikko.

She was saved by the chime of the doorbell. At precisely eight forty-five Nikko arrived. He was dressed in an expertly tailored dark suit, that hid his gun, and probably half a dozen other weapons. Nikko cleaned up well, but even in the most expensive and sophisticated of clothes there was a dark, hard edge to him. He was studying her, the look on his face unreadable. Everything about him screamed danger, and she realized Luca was right. She didn't know anything about Nikko. There was no reason to think he was setting her up, but if push came to shove, whose side would he be on? Stephanie searched his face looking for an answer, but came up empty. Unease knotted in her belly, as her mind warred with her gut.

Stephanie fully expected some snarky comment or thinly veiled sexual innuendo, but Nikko was all business. Stephanie would give him some credit. Nikko's eyes never drifted from her face.

Stephanie backed down into the car and swung her legs in. She could feel the smoothness of the leather on the backs of her thighs, and the warmth from the heated seat. The car was nice, but not ostentatious. It was a luxurious, but practical, BMW 8 series. Stephanie wondered if it had been chosen to blend in. Nikko shut the door and went around to the driver's side and slipped into the seat. She studied him as they drove through the narrow cobblestone streets. Luca's angry words echoing in her head.

She could tell he was in the zone, completely locked down. Everything about him reminded her of a predator. His focus, his energy, he had that eye of the tiger thing going in spades. The shift in him was a little jarring. Tonight, he was all business. No hint of playful Nikko anywhere.

"Are you worried?" She asked him.

He glanced over at her and then back to the road.

"Not particularly." Came his vague reply.

"There are a lot of moving parts. A lot of things that can go wrong." Stephanie pointed out.

"There always are."

"And that doesn't worry you?"

Nikko glanced over at her again. "Worry never helps. You plan and then you deal with whatever happens."

Stephanie figured Nikko had a point. She made a noncommittal sound.

They pulled up and a valet opened the door for her. She managed to swing her legs out and exit the car without flashing the whole world, at least not too much.

Nikko was beside her and she flinched when his hand rested on her bare back.

"Relax, Stephanie. Try and pretend you like me." His low voice chastised.

Stephanie stopped and turned to face him. "That's the thing Nikko. I do like you. Don't make me regret it."

A beat went by and he gave her a genuine smile. One that softened the sharp edges and made him devastatingly handsome. "I'll do my best."

Stephanie relaxed a little. It was game time, and she'd played this role a hundred times. She'd also hated it every single time, but she pushed that thought away. The leering and the pawing always turned her stomach, but Nikko had been right about one thing. Men always underestimated women, especially when cleavage was involved.

Nikko hadn't been kidding when he'd said the wine cellar was underground. They descended a series of narrow stairs. It felt like they were traversing a labyrinth, and with each step they were transported to some long-ago time. Stephanie could practically feel the history in the walls. The area under the castle was littered with a series of caves and manmade passages carved in the Middle Ages that served as an escape route. The cellar itself was carved out of limestone, and had a medieval feel to it. With all the rock and wrought iron, it truly felt like they had taken a step back in time. Stephanie let herself appreciate the uniqueness and history of it all for just a minute before reminding herself why they were here.

Stephanie and Nikko each got a wine flight for the evening. Stephanie registered the wine was probably really good, but it largely tasted like sawdust. Her nerves were on edge as she scanned the room. So far, no Alexi. Nikko didn't seem all that worried. Everything about him appeared relaxed, but she knew he hadn't missed a thing. She could feel the barely contained energy coming off of him in waves. The tension in his body was telegraphed under her fingertips as she touched him and gave him vacuous smiles, working hard to play dumb and adoring.

Stephanie draped herself on Nikko as they moved to stand at the bar. He looked loose limbed and relaxed, but his body felt like a tightly coiled spring as she pressed against him. Nikko kept her next to him, his hand on her constantly, but his touch was impersonal, never straying into any danger zone. Her respect for him notched up just a little. He could have used the wine tasting as an excuse, told her they had to look authentic. Instead, he'd taken care not to touch her in a way that made her uncomfortable. His hands were on her arms, back, even her neck. He'd remained professional while keeping up the illusion that they were together. He was a good actor; she'd give him that. He seemed every bit the callous, playboy arms dealer. Nikko hadn't been lying when he said he could be anything she wanted him to be.

Stephanie almost choked on her wine when Nikko's partner strolled in. It was the same woman she had seen in Colombia; except this time, she wasn't wearing cargo pants and a tank top. She was wearing the tiniest dress Stephanie had probably ever seen, and doing it with ease. No tugging or fidgeting for her. She walked in like she owned the place.

Stephanie's dress was modest by comparison. Nikko's partner was wearing a silky halter dress that draped in front almost to her navel. The rich purple of the dress contrasted with the bare expanse of her creamy skin, and showcased her very pert breasts. The dress was short, and the slit went all the way to her hip bone, revealing her toned legs, and the fact she was definitely not wearing any underwear. She was stunning, and every man in the room had his eyes riveted to her. Her long dark hair cascaded down her bare back like a shiny waterfall.

Stephanie was instantly transported back to being an awkward teenage girl again. She felt invisible when the woman turned to Nikko and gave him a sly smile and an excellent eye fucking before turning her attention to the bartender. Stephanie was pretty sure she was blushing just from watching.

Nikko leaned down close to the shell of her ear. "I know it is a little over the top, but it had to be believable. How else could I be lured away from someone as beautiful as you. Smile, here comes Alexi."

"Nikolai" Alexi boomed and shook hands with Nikko. "Good to see you brother, I'm so glad you could come. We have much to talk about."

"Later." Nikko replied in a bored tone.

"Of course, where are my manners." Alexi responded, doing his best to hide the fact he was embarrassed and pissed by the dismissal. "What do we have here."

Alexi's eyes drifted down to Stephanie and he actually licked his lips. Stephanie squelched a grimace, and she felt Nikko give her a subtle warning. Fortunately for Stephanie, Alexi's interest was further south and didn't extend to her face. Alexi's leering gaze landed on her breasts and it took all of Stephanie's considerable willpower not to cross her arms. Instead, she pushed her chest out and giggled, mentally rolling her eyes.

So, Alexi knew Nikko as Nikolai. That was an interesting tidbit Stephanie filed away. It certainly seemed like they knew each other well. For about the thousandth time, Stephanie wondered just what she'd gotten herself into by agreeing to work with Nikko.

Alexi was in his early forties, with ruddy skin that telegraphed his penchant for alcohol. He had mousy brown hair that was thinning at the crown. No one would ever mistake Alexi for a good-looking man. His nose was bulbous and he had thin, flat lips. His eyes reminded her of a rat, dark, beady, and hard. Alexi had clearly been living the good life, and had gone a little soft. The beginning of a slight paunch strained the buttons on his suit jacket. Everything about him was vile and off-putting. Stephanie wanted to take a shower from just being this close to him. When he leaned in, it was all she could do not to gag. He was bathed in cloying cologne that failed to hide his bad breath. He smelled like cloves, cigars, and sweat.

"This is.." A beat went by. "Candy." Nikko said, conveying the fact he didn't actually know her name and she was just around for one thing.

"Ah, I can see the name fits her. Such a sweet treat." Alexi's eyes were shining, and Stephanie's stomach roiled when he took her hand and brought it to his mouth. His lips against the back of her hand felt like a cold fish.

Nikko was ignoring them. His eyes locked on his partner's across the room.

Alexi followed his gaze and smiled. "Ah, she is nice, yes?"

"She is." Nikko replied. "Who is she?"

"Her name is Samara. Romanian, I think." Alexi shrugged.

"Is she?" Nikko's voice trailed off as his gaze remained riveted.

"Available? Yes, I believe she is." Alexi answered his unspoken question.

Nikko was disentangling from Stephanie and she was clinging to him, putting on a little act for Alexi. Nikko was telegraphing his desire to ditch Stephanie for the other woman.

"I'd be more than happy to keep Candy company, if you want to introduce yourself." Alexi offered. His eagerness conveyed in his voice.

Nikko turned to Stephanie and gave her an indulgent smile. "Be a good girl, and keep Alexi entertained for me."

"But baby." Stephanie protested in a breathy voice that would make a porn star proud. Stephanie put her lip out in a little pout. Nikko ran his thumb over her bottom lip.

Stephanie looked up at Nikko through the dark fringe of her fake eyelashes, giving him her best doe-eyed look, as her tongue snaked out and licked the pad of his thumb before she sucked it in her mouth.

She saw surprise flash across his face and his eyes darkened. Nikko's Adam's apple bobbed when he swallowed with an audible click that sounded suspiciously like a gulp. Stephanie continued to work his thumb with her tongue, grazing her teeth over it, putting on a little show for Alexi. Nikko's eyes were transfixed on her mouth. He seemed to be holding his breath. Apparently, Nikko had forgotten two could play the game.

Alexi moved in behind her, his meaty hand ran down her bare back. She felt his hands on her ass rubbing and then snaking lower. Nikko seemed paralyzed and oblivious to Alexi's wandering hands. Stephanie bit down on Nikko's thumb, hard, and he gave a tiny start snapping out of his fascination with her mouth.

A smile ghosted across his lips as Nikko pulled her flush up against him and out of Alexi's reach. "Be a good girl tonight." He winked at her and moved her to his side. "Alexi is a good friend. Show him your many charms."

"OK, baby. If that's what you want." Stephanie whined, pretending she was not happy, but clearly obedient.

Alexi was waiting like an eager puppy, practically vibrating with excitement.

"I would be very appreciative if you took care of Candy for me." Nikko told Alexi.

A look of understanding passed between them, and even though Stephanie knew it was all just theater, she couldn't help the shiver that worked its way through her. With barely a glance, Nikko had consigned her to be used any way Alexi wanted, and seemed completely fine with the fact he had probably condemned her to a life working in Alexi's brothel. Alexi's business pursuits would have been well established between the two.

She felt Nikko give her a reassuring squeeze, and she reminded herself he was playing a part, just like her.

"Maybe a glass of your best wine for her?" Nikko said pointedly.

"Of course." Alexi shuffled off to the bar to give them a moment alone.

Nikko leaned down and nuzzled just below her ear. Don't worry, I've got you." He gave her another gentle squeeze. "Even if you are an wicked woman." He teased.

Stephanie wrapped her arms around Nikko and she tucked her head in the crook of his neck. "You wanted me to get his attention." She said sweetly.

She felt Nikko's low laugh rumble through his chest. "That you did, love. That you did. But I didn't ask you to give me a damn heart attack in the process."

"Sorry." Stephanie whispered. It was clear from her tone; she was not even remotely sorry.

"You're evil. I like that in a woman." Nikko gave her a wink.

Nikko released her. Alexi was back, eyes bright and sweat shining on his scalp. Stephanie suppressed the urge to sigh as Nikko left her with Alexi. She knew it was all an act, but she couldn't help feeling abandoned. Alexi handed her the wine and she pretended to take a drink. Stephanie wasn't about to consume anything that man gave her.

She watched as Nikko approached his partner. They chatted for a minute and she gave him a smile that screamed seduction. Nikko leaned down and kissed her. It was either an Oscar worthy performance or it was real. Stephanie felt scorched from just watching them. Nikko's hand went down the woman's back and cupped her ass, the heat between them was palpable and shimmered all around them. Their bodies were completely entangled and when Nikko pulled back, the flush on the woman's skin, suggested Nikko's hands had been exactly where Stephanie thought they were. That had been no act.

Wasn't that interesting. The prince of darkness was clearly smitten with the little underworld fairy.

"Perhaps you should join me this evening." Alexi's voice pulled her attention away from Nikko. His eyes were glittering with anticipation.

Stephanie pretended to smile, but didn't bother to answer. She knew it wasn't really an invitation.

"I'm having a party." Alexi elaborated. "At my home." He emphasized, like Stephanie hadn't quite figured out that part of the equation.

Stephanie giggled and batted her lashes a little. "OK." She was pretty sure she was losing brain cells by just pretending to be that stupid.

Alexi smiled and took her wine and sat it on the bar. "Let's go. He had her by her upper arm. His grip was almost painful as his fingers dug into the flesh. He pulled her towards the exit.

Stephanie gave one last look in Nikko's direction as Alexi pulled her out into the night. She saw his gaze flicker over her and then turn back to his partner.

The ride to Alexi's compound was blessedly short, but spent trying to keep his hand out of Stephanie's crotch. He'd pulled her into his lap and been well on his way to the promise land, when she had spied the champagne and scrambled across the limo to pour them both a glass. He'd made a couple more attempts, and Stephanie finally just let her knees fall open ever so slightly. He spent the remainder of the ride trying to angle his head so he could look up her dress. Every time he moved, she shifted. That dance continued for the rest of the drive. Nikko was definitely going to owe her for this.

They pulled through the gates of Alexi's compound a few minutes later. The estate was surrounded by high stone walls and dwarfed by a large stone mansion with a slightly gothic flare. The house was brightly lit, and Stephanie could see a number of guards patrolling the grounds.

A little flutter of fear snaked through her. Getting out, wasn't going to be easy.