CHAPTER TWO

I'm just racking the balls when I get an unexpected visitor. He obviously had me followed because there is no way in hell he could possibly know I'd be here. I haven't been in Jake's for months. I stand upright slowly and flash him a polite smile although I'm a little nervous.

"Mr. Karpov."

He smiles back with a slight leer. "Andrei, please."

"Andrei." I concede. "What brings you to a place like this?"

He moves closer to me. "I had business in the area when it was my extreme pleasure to see you entering this…establishment."

"Came in just to see me?" I smile flirtatiously. "I'm flattered."

He touches my arm lightly and I try not to cringe. "Our previous attempt to be…social…was interrupted by the very untimely arrival of Mr. Morgan. I've often wondered what could have been had he not intruded. I'm not a man who deals in what if's Mrs. Jacks. I would like to spend time with you. I find you quite intriguing."

"I'm sure and for the record my name is Spencer. Ms Spencer." I step away slightly with a mild glare.

His smile grows in size. "Ah so you and Mr. Jacks were unable to come to a reconciliation. I hope I was not the cause…"

I can't help it. I start to laugh and Carlybabes pops out full force. "Oh honey you are so far from the reason you ain't even a blip on the radar."

He frowns and his eyes darken. "I'm not a man to be mocked Ms. Spencer."

"I'm sorry. That was not my intention." I backpedal slightly. "But I must say as sincere as your request sounded I'm afraid I have to decline. You strike me as the type of man who likes to break his toys when he's done playing with them and I have no desire to be broken."

He reaches out to tuck my hair behind my ear and I stiffen. He lets his hand drop slowly. "I assure you my intentions are purely honorable. You have nothing to fear from me."

"I told you once before Carly is off limits." Jason's cold voice penetrates the air.

I catch Coleman's eye and realize he must have called in the cavalry. I don't know why that pisses me off but it does. I can handle this guy just fine. Hell I've handled mobbed up men most of my adult life. Jason, Sonny and Lorenzo are just the tip of the iceberg.

I'm about to say just that when I notice Jason's eyes. He has the death glare. I know that glare. It's the "someone is going to die before the night is over" glare. That's my Jason. My protector. I move away from Karpov and stand alongside Jason. That one simple act makes my choice crystal clear. Not that it was any real choice to be made. Jason doesn't blink because he knows it too. Come hell or high water, blond or brunette; it is me and Jason against the world.

Karpov looks between us and after a small smile and slight nod towards me he exits. I walk away from Jason and pick up my pool cue.

"You didn't have to interfere you know." I shoot at him as I line up for the break. "I was handling him fine on my own."

His hand on the ball prevents my break. I look up and blink. The death glare is still there. He can't really be mad at me, can he? I didn't even do anything this time damn it.

"Upstairs now!" He orders through clenched teeth. His jaw muscle is jumping and I can see its taking all his restraint not to start yelling at me right there.

I lay the cue on the table, look him up and down and walk out the door.