Beautiful Devil: A Dark Mafia Romance (Sinners and Saints Book 5), page 27
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Soldiers were on the beach, another round of gunfire. Jesus.
“We need to get out of here,” I managed, walking Emily and myself toward the back door. The fucking flash drive was the last thing on my mind.
As I heard a powerful fucking engine, I almost burst into laughter. If I had to guess, I’d say the fucker got away in one of his boats.
“You’re injured. Both of you,” Emily said. “We need to get you to a hospital.”
“That’s not going to happen. Get down the stairs,” I commanded. “We’re still in danger. Stay low.” As soon as we were on the pool deck, I glanced at the water, the sliver of moon just enough to highlight the face the speedboat was getting away.
“Fucking asshole,” Diego snarled. “That’s what he used to firebomb the estate.”
As I moved closer to the ocean, watching a line of my soldiers at the water’s edge, a laugh formed in my throat as I noticed the rocket launcher positioned exactly where I’d commanded. I walked toward it, a wry smile on my face. After firing, I took a step back.
And waited.
The moment another shade of tangerine filled the night sky, I took a deep breath, the explosion a wonderful set of fireworks.
While it was far from being over, Volkov’s death allowed breathing room.
For now.
I felt her hand on my shoulder and exhaled. “I can never allow you out of my sight again.” As I crowded her closer, she wrapped her arm around me.
“There’s more to the story of your father,” she said with no emotion.
“If he really is my father.”
“I can handle finding out for you.”
“You’d need his DNA as well as mine. I doubt that’s possible.”
She held up her hand, flicking her fingers in front of me. “My father didn’t raise a stupid girl. Remember? I have his DNA under my fingernails.”
It was impossible not to smile. “You’re far too clever for your own good.”
“Will you take the test?”
I thought about what she was suggesting. “We shall see, mi hermosa flor. There are other things to take care of first like getting you back to safety.”
“You need to find the answer, Kostya. If you don’t, it will haunt you until the end of days.”
For some reason, I had a feeling that would come sooner versus later, especially if word was on the street of my heritage. I would handle it when the time came.
Now it was time to clean up loose ends. And I’d start with the man who’d sent my mother to her death.
Demands.
I made very few in my life because it wasn’t necessary, my reputation allowing for an understanding with most people. If I had to ask twice, it was likely the outcome wouldn’t be pleasurable.
Yet I remained in the entrance foyer of Vladimir Kozlov’s estate in New York, a location I’d been to only twice before. My patience was all but shot, my continued anger difficult to control. I’d had an opportunity to look at the flash drive she’d managed to save from the fire. What I’d seen had been eye-opening. However, the well-developed, vast amount of intel hadn’t begun to tell the story around the Volkov-Kozlov connection in detail.
I’d given both Alexei and Sevastian fair warning of my visit. While Alexei had become angry, he’d suddenly softened his enraged actions a phone call later, finally accepting my demand for a meeting.
Perhaps Vladimir had admitted his role in the vicious game.
I checked my watch, eager to get the hell out of the States. I’d allowed Emily to give me the DNA test. She’d used her connections to try to get a quick result. At this point I wasn’t certain if I cared or not. However, it was obvious there was money and power on the table.
As the doors were opened to Vladimir’s study, I took a deep breath.
“Kostya.” The single word was the only thing Alexei said before beckoning me inside. Both he and Sevastian were obviously to remain in the meeting. Perhaps they were worried I’d put a bullet in their father’s head. The thought had crossed my mind. Vladimir stood with a drink in his hand, staring out the window of his office.
I said nothing.
The tension was high, the clock ticking.
Forget about patience. It was long gone.
“Kostya,” Vladimir said without turning around. “Some of what you heard from Dimitri is true, although a portion was news to you as it was to me.”
“Go on.” At least he was getting to the point.
He turned around, moving closer to his desk. “I grew up with Dimitri. When we were kids, his father, Pavel Volkov, wasn’t the powerhouse he came to be. His empire rose just as Dimitri was coming of age, a wild young man. Dimitri went off to school in France while I stayed and worked for his father. Then Dimitri came to me one day asking for my help. He’d become involved with a Colombian beauty and gotten her pregnant. He wanted me to handle the elimination of the woman as well as his illegitimate child.”
I had nothing to say at this point.
“While I wasn’t immune to the necessity of eliminating enemies at that point, I had no desire to kill an innocent woman and her child.”
“So you allowed me to live,” I said.
He walked closer, handing me an envelope. “This is a picture of your mother taken less than two years ago. I had every intention of smuggling you both out of the country, but at the time, it was too dangerous for a woman traveling with a child. She begged me to look after you, to make certain that Dimitri could never find you. It was all that I could do at the time, taking you to an orphanage. Even that had been risky. By then I’d started a family of my own, an automatic target. At least I thought you’d have a chance at living a normal life.”
I closed the distance, staring down into his eyes. There was no emotion running through me. Nothing. It was as if I was dead inside. While Alexei bristled, he didn’t make a move in my direction. He knew better. I took the envelope seconds later and turned away, closing my eyes before opening it. The moment I saw her face, there was no doubt we were related. I had her eyes, her high cheekbones. At least she had a smile on her face, the photograph taken at a party of some kind.
“I’d planned on determining a way to adopt you, but things were getting testy in Russia, several factions already fighting in the streets. Then I was arrested, imprisoned, and in truth, I had no idea why. Now, I know. I’d thought Pavel Volkov had somehow found out and wanted to eliminate all possibilities that anyone would find out what your father had done. Finally, I was released. Then a war broke out in Moscow. I was lucky to get out of Russia alive. With my family. There was no time to come and get you, the orphanage too far away.”
I shoved the photograph into my pocket, turning to face him once again. “At least I know the truth.”
“Which you should have been told sooner.” He didn’t flinch, never blinked, his attempt at justifying what he’d done falling short.
“How did Ovachov get my birth certificate?”
“Because I made copies of your information,” he answered without hesitation.
“Fascinating.”
“There is one more piece. I became aware when you arrived in the States. It was by circumstance and I had it confirmed but I made certain you were given a scholarship.” He offered a smile. I did not. “It was the least I could do.”
“As I said. Now, I know the truth. What about this consortium? How did he find me?” He believed sending me to college would ease the years of anger and hurt? What a fool.
“I can’t be certain, Kostya. That is the truth. Yes, I mentioned the Ghost to the consortium at the time after Dimitri was thrown out. You told Alexei you believe there is a mole within the group.”
“That’s my understanding.”
“Leave it up to me to find out who that is. It’s obvious that information was fed to Dimitri from the group’s conversations. I can only surmise that Dimitri made it his business to track down the man who was being suggested for his assassination.”
It was an acceptable answer. “Why did your relationship go south again?”
He sighed. “He came to us with a crazy idea of eliminating several powerful people, including the president of the United States, the Canadian prime minister, and several influential moguls. Many more. He was truly a madman drunk on the power he’d already acquired. We couldn’t allow that to happen. Then he decided to seek revenge on the very group who’d nurtured him. We couldn’t allow him to do that, especially since his father had recently died, leaving Dimitri with unlimited power and resources.”
“In his will.” I was curious as Emily had mentioned her idea that this had to do with the fact I was the firstborn.
“Yes.” Vladimir narrowed his eyes, surprised I knew. “The man’s will held infinite power.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning if what I heard is true, Pavel Volkov left one half of the estate to Dimitri, one half to Dimitri’s firstborn and only son. You.”
I laughed. “I heard Dimitri is worth billions.”
“Not true. Dimitri is a gambler, a loser. He also owed a significant sum of money to various banks and other lenders who funded his rise to power. His worth is much less than you think. Given his son, Sergei, is underage, that left Dimitri in control of his son’s empire until he turns twenty-five. That’s eight long years.”
Sighing, I looked away. “An entire charade for money.”
“You should know by now, Kostya, that with extreme wealth comes ultimate power. That changes people. It’s something for you to think about. With his death, you now rule the Volkov Empire.”
I glanced from the man to his sons, clenching my fists. The last thing I wanted was to rule a freaking empire. However, it was time to place the final piece of the truth together. If I was Dimitri Volkov’s son, then decisions would need to be made.
I’d been a man without a country or family for my entire life. Changing it now wasn’t in my best interest.
After all, I was a killer, born and bred.
CHAPTER 18
Emily
Another beautiful day in paradise, only the gorgeous surroundings remained layered with danger. I felt it lurking behind every tree, monsters in the shadows threatening to reach out with their claws, prepared to yank me into hell.
As we approached the estate, I couldn’t shove aside the feeling of being watched. My psychological training allowed me to comprehend that my nervousness was a product of what I’d been through over the last ten days, but my rational mind couldn’t compete with my instinct.
The nightmare wasn’t over.
I was as certain of it as I’d been of anything else. For all Kostya’s assurances that the security system had been beefed up, altered so that no one could ever breach it again, I believed in the phrase ‘never say never.’ My father had taught me that once an enemy was able to breach boundaries, he or she would always find another method of doing it again.
“Kiki!”
Woof!
As the dog came running, I hunkered down, eager to get a few sloppy kisses. She didn’t hesitate, clawing my shirt, her backside wiggling.
“I missed you too. What have you been doing, sweet girl?”
Kiki nuzzled my leg then immediately ran toward her master. It was good to see him break away from several of his men, bending down to engage with the furry creature. Moments like this allowed me to feel gushy over the man.
As Kostya gave orders to several of his soldiers, I remained standing in the courtyard, staring toward the ocean. Goosebumps popped up every few seconds, leaving my heart racing. I’d yet to hear an update on my mother, even though I’d asked several times. Perhaps he didn’t want to tell me the tragic news of her death, waiting until we returned to New Zealand.
As strong as I’d proven to myself I could be, I was second guessing everything at this point, terrified I’d finally break down.
I felt his presence behind me and shuddered, finally able to smile. When he rolled his fingers over my shoulders, the tender touch switched the prickles to electric jolts. I’d seen such a significant change in him over the last few days, including after learning the results of the DNA test. He was Kostya Volkov, the firstborn son.
He’d acted as if it hadn’t mattered in the least, but I knew better. He was the master of masking his feelings.
“Don’t look so forlorn,” he whispered as he nuzzled into my ear.
“I’m not.”
“You’re not a very good liar. Besides, I have a surprise for you.”
Kiki woofed again, jumping onto my leg. “She’s in on this, huh?”
“Maybe.”
He took my hand, which continued to make me quiver, but I attempted to pull it away. “I’m not in the mood.”
When he pulled me into his arms, lifting a single eyebrow, I could tell what he had on his mind. “Then I guess I’m going to need to spend some time convincing you.” With a sly look on his face, he pinched my nipple between his thumb and forefinger. My body reacted instantly, the heat between my legs building.
“You’re terrible. It’s not going to happen.”
“I think you forget that you belong to me.”
“I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
“This isn’t a democratic society,” he said gruffly, still grinning, another aspect that surprised me. If the situation with his estranged family was bothering him, he refused to allow anyone to see it, including me.
“You’re very mean.”
“Yes, I am. Now, about that surprise. Come with me.”
I gave him a hard look. “Hmmm…”
“Trust. Remember?”
The thought that I did trust him with everything I had was never far from my mind. The angry, brooding man had awakened the woman inside. Now I doubted I’d ever be the same even if he decided to let me return to my life. We’d yet to discuss the flash drive after he’d spent hours with the contents. The only thing he’d said after looking through every file was that the information was explosive, capable of shifting the power within several countries.
“I do trust you,” I said, shielding my eyes from the bright sun.
“Then walk with me.” He walked slower than normal, leading me toward one of the gardens. I had a feeling whatever he wanted to tell me was troubling him. Kiki trailed behind us, her eyes bright with happiness. “You’re very special to me, Emily. That’s difficult for me to admit. When I thought I’d lost you, I was ready to burn down half the world in order to protect you. The moment I saw a gun pointed to your head, I almost lost it. What it helped me realize is that I don’t want that life for you.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that after the remainder of Volkov’s men are hunted down and dealt with, you’re free to go back to your life. However, I will keep tabs on you, providing a bodyguard.”
“You want me to live with a bodyguard for the rest of my life?”
“Well, I hope you won’t live with him.” His attempt at making a joke made me groan.
“You know what I mean.”
“It’s for your protection.”
I nodded, hearing the difficulty in his voice. “I don’t want to live that way. That’s nothing more than being in a cage. No freedom. Besides, I’m not certain of what I want any longer.”
“You already told me, and I understand.”
What I realized was that the single thing I needed I doubted I would ever have. His love. It would forever perplex me, possibly becoming a thesis paper on psychopaths seducing their prey. But it was the truth. I loved him. Even with all the evils, the dangers surrounding him and his forever roguish behavior, he meant the world to me. “I don’t think you do at all.”
He chuckled as we walked. “You’re one tenacious lady.”
“And you’re a pain in the ass.”
His look was priceless. No one had ever talked back to him before. “Careful, beautiful lady.”
“What are you going to do about the inheritance?”
I shouldn’t have been surprised that Diego had been able to confirm what had been suggested to Kostya. With Dimitri killed in the boat, the entire seven-hundred-billion-dollar estate would eventually be awarded to Kostya alone.
“Honestly? I’m going to give fifty percent to my half-brother.”
“That’s generous of you since you’ve never met him.”
“He didn’t get a choice in the family he was born into any more than I did.”
I squeezed his arm, proud of him, but I dare not say it. “And the other half?”
“I’m going to make certain the animals in the sanctuary have a better home, even if that means giving them to more qualified people. The rest I’ll give to charity.”
I stopped where I was, turning to face him. “Mr. Volkov. I think my goodness is rubbing off on you.”
He yanked me off my feet, turning me around in a full circle. “Don’t you ever call me that again and you need to remember at all times I’m a very bad man. I will prove that to you later.”
The man made me swoon. As he eased me down, I pressed my hand against his chest. “You really are a very good man. However, I won’t share your secret with anyone.”
His laugh almost brought tears to my eyes for no other reason than he’d allowed me to see a part of him no one else would ever be allowed to. That was a gift that would remain with me forever.
“You know what will happen if you do.” He rubbed his thumb across my chin then pulled his hand away. “There’s one more thing. It’s your choice entirely what you do with the flash drive. I have no right to demand anything of you.”
“As you pointed out, your name and limited information is on the drive. That could lead members of law enforcement in your direction.”
“I can handle the heat.”
I took a deep breath, glancing toward the garden. “It’s beautiful here. A girl could call this her home.”
“I’ve never thought of this as a home, but you’re right.”
The quiet moment between us was more awkward than usual.
Kiki barked, suddenly racing toward the other side of the garden. When I noticed a twinkle in his eyes, I frowned. “What did you do? Don’t tell me you bought me my own horse.”
Soldiers were on the beach, another round of gunfire. Jesus.
“We need to get out of here,” I managed, walking Emily and myself toward the back door. The fucking flash drive was the last thing on my mind.
As I heard a powerful fucking engine, I almost burst into laughter. If I had to guess, I’d say the fucker got away in one of his boats.
“You’re injured. Both of you,” Emily said. “We need to get you to a hospital.”
“That’s not going to happen. Get down the stairs,” I commanded. “We’re still in danger. Stay low.” As soon as we were on the pool deck, I glanced at the water, the sliver of moon just enough to highlight the face the speedboat was getting away.
“Fucking asshole,” Diego snarled. “That’s what he used to firebomb the estate.”
As I moved closer to the ocean, watching a line of my soldiers at the water’s edge, a laugh formed in my throat as I noticed the rocket launcher positioned exactly where I’d commanded. I walked toward it, a wry smile on my face. After firing, I took a step back.
And waited.
The moment another shade of tangerine filled the night sky, I took a deep breath, the explosion a wonderful set of fireworks.
While it was far from being over, Volkov’s death allowed breathing room.
For now.
I felt her hand on my shoulder and exhaled. “I can never allow you out of my sight again.” As I crowded her closer, she wrapped her arm around me.
“There’s more to the story of your father,” she said with no emotion.
“If he really is my father.”
“I can handle finding out for you.”
“You’d need his DNA as well as mine. I doubt that’s possible.”
She held up her hand, flicking her fingers in front of me. “My father didn’t raise a stupid girl. Remember? I have his DNA under my fingernails.”
It was impossible not to smile. “You’re far too clever for your own good.”
“Will you take the test?”
I thought about what she was suggesting. “We shall see, mi hermosa flor. There are other things to take care of first like getting you back to safety.”
“You need to find the answer, Kostya. If you don’t, it will haunt you until the end of days.”
For some reason, I had a feeling that would come sooner versus later, especially if word was on the street of my heritage. I would handle it when the time came.
Now it was time to clean up loose ends. And I’d start with the man who’d sent my mother to her death.
Demands.
I made very few in my life because it wasn’t necessary, my reputation allowing for an understanding with most people. If I had to ask twice, it was likely the outcome wouldn’t be pleasurable.
Yet I remained in the entrance foyer of Vladimir Kozlov’s estate in New York, a location I’d been to only twice before. My patience was all but shot, my continued anger difficult to control. I’d had an opportunity to look at the flash drive she’d managed to save from the fire. What I’d seen had been eye-opening. However, the well-developed, vast amount of intel hadn’t begun to tell the story around the Volkov-Kozlov connection in detail.
I’d given both Alexei and Sevastian fair warning of my visit. While Alexei had become angry, he’d suddenly softened his enraged actions a phone call later, finally accepting my demand for a meeting.
Perhaps Vladimir had admitted his role in the vicious game.
I checked my watch, eager to get the hell out of the States. I’d allowed Emily to give me the DNA test. She’d used her connections to try to get a quick result. At this point I wasn’t certain if I cared or not. However, it was obvious there was money and power on the table.
As the doors were opened to Vladimir’s study, I took a deep breath.
“Kostya.” The single word was the only thing Alexei said before beckoning me inside. Both he and Sevastian were obviously to remain in the meeting. Perhaps they were worried I’d put a bullet in their father’s head. The thought had crossed my mind. Vladimir stood with a drink in his hand, staring out the window of his office.
I said nothing.
The tension was high, the clock ticking.
Forget about patience. It was long gone.
“Kostya,” Vladimir said without turning around. “Some of what you heard from Dimitri is true, although a portion was news to you as it was to me.”
“Go on.” At least he was getting to the point.
He turned around, moving closer to his desk. “I grew up with Dimitri. When we were kids, his father, Pavel Volkov, wasn’t the powerhouse he came to be. His empire rose just as Dimitri was coming of age, a wild young man. Dimitri went off to school in France while I stayed and worked for his father. Then Dimitri came to me one day asking for my help. He’d become involved with a Colombian beauty and gotten her pregnant. He wanted me to handle the elimination of the woman as well as his illegitimate child.”
I had nothing to say at this point.
“While I wasn’t immune to the necessity of eliminating enemies at that point, I had no desire to kill an innocent woman and her child.”
“So you allowed me to live,” I said.
He walked closer, handing me an envelope. “This is a picture of your mother taken less than two years ago. I had every intention of smuggling you both out of the country, but at the time, it was too dangerous for a woman traveling with a child. She begged me to look after you, to make certain that Dimitri could never find you. It was all that I could do at the time, taking you to an orphanage. Even that had been risky. By then I’d started a family of my own, an automatic target. At least I thought you’d have a chance at living a normal life.”
I closed the distance, staring down into his eyes. There was no emotion running through me. Nothing. It was as if I was dead inside. While Alexei bristled, he didn’t make a move in my direction. He knew better. I took the envelope seconds later and turned away, closing my eyes before opening it. The moment I saw her face, there was no doubt we were related. I had her eyes, her high cheekbones. At least she had a smile on her face, the photograph taken at a party of some kind.
“I’d planned on determining a way to adopt you, but things were getting testy in Russia, several factions already fighting in the streets. Then I was arrested, imprisoned, and in truth, I had no idea why. Now, I know. I’d thought Pavel Volkov had somehow found out and wanted to eliminate all possibilities that anyone would find out what your father had done. Finally, I was released. Then a war broke out in Moscow. I was lucky to get out of Russia alive. With my family. There was no time to come and get you, the orphanage too far away.”
I shoved the photograph into my pocket, turning to face him once again. “At least I know the truth.”
“Which you should have been told sooner.” He didn’t flinch, never blinked, his attempt at justifying what he’d done falling short.
“How did Ovachov get my birth certificate?”
“Because I made copies of your information,” he answered without hesitation.
“Fascinating.”
“There is one more piece. I became aware when you arrived in the States. It was by circumstance and I had it confirmed but I made certain you were given a scholarship.” He offered a smile. I did not. “It was the least I could do.”
“As I said. Now, I know the truth. What about this consortium? How did he find me?” He believed sending me to college would ease the years of anger and hurt? What a fool.
“I can’t be certain, Kostya. That is the truth. Yes, I mentioned the Ghost to the consortium at the time after Dimitri was thrown out. You told Alexei you believe there is a mole within the group.”
“That’s my understanding.”
“Leave it up to me to find out who that is. It’s obvious that information was fed to Dimitri from the group’s conversations. I can only surmise that Dimitri made it his business to track down the man who was being suggested for his assassination.”
It was an acceptable answer. “Why did your relationship go south again?”
He sighed. “He came to us with a crazy idea of eliminating several powerful people, including the president of the United States, the Canadian prime minister, and several influential moguls. Many more. He was truly a madman drunk on the power he’d already acquired. We couldn’t allow that to happen. Then he decided to seek revenge on the very group who’d nurtured him. We couldn’t allow him to do that, especially since his father had recently died, leaving Dimitri with unlimited power and resources.”
“In his will.” I was curious as Emily had mentioned her idea that this had to do with the fact I was the firstborn.
“Yes.” Vladimir narrowed his eyes, surprised I knew. “The man’s will held infinite power.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning if what I heard is true, Pavel Volkov left one half of the estate to Dimitri, one half to Dimitri’s firstborn and only son. You.”
I laughed. “I heard Dimitri is worth billions.”
“Not true. Dimitri is a gambler, a loser. He also owed a significant sum of money to various banks and other lenders who funded his rise to power. His worth is much less than you think. Given his son, Sergei, is underage, that left Dimitri in control of his son’s empire until he turns twenty-five. That’s eight long years.”
Sighing, I looked away. “An entire charade for money.”
“You should know by now, Kostya, that with extreme wealth comes ultimate power. That changes people. It’s something for you to think about. With his death, you now rule the Volkov Empire.”
I glanced from the man to his sons, clenching my fists. The last thing I wanted was to rule a freaking empire. However, it was time to place the final piece of the truth together. If I was Dimitri Volkov’s son, then decisions would need to be made.
I’d been a man without a country or family for my entire life. Changing it now wasn’t in my best interest.
After all, I was a killer, born and bred.
CHAPTER 18
Emily
Another beautiful day in paradise, only the gorgeous surroundings remained layered with danger. I felt it lurking behind every tree, monsters in the shadows threatening to reach out with their claws, prepared to yank me into hell.
As we approached the estate, I couldn’t shove aside the feeling of being watched. My psychological training allowed me to comprehend that my nervousness was a product of what I’d been through over the last ten days, but my rational mind couldn’t compete with my instinct.
The nightmare wasn’t over.
I was as certain of it as I’d been of anything else. For all Kostya’s assurances that the security system had been beefed up, altered so that no one could ever breach it again, I believed in the phrase ‘never say never.’ My father had taught me that once an enemy was able to breach boundaries, he or she would always find another method of doing it again.
“Kiki!”
Woof!
As the dog came running, I hunkered down, eager to get a few sloppy kisses. She didn’t hesitate, clawing my shirt, her backside wiggling.
“I missed you too. What have you been doing, sweet girl?”
Kiki nuzzled my leg then immediately ran toward her master. It was good to see him break away from several of his men, bending down to engage with the furry creature. Moments like this allowed me to feel gushy over the man.
As Kostya gave orders to several of his soldiers, I remained standing in the courtyard, staring toward the ocean. Goosebumps popped up every few seconds, leaving my heart racing. I’d yet to hear an update on my mother, even though I’d asked several times. Perhaps he didn’t want to tell me the tragic news of her death, waiting until we returned to New Zealand.
As strong as I’d proven to myself I could be, I was second guessing everything at this point, terrified I’d finally break down.
I felt his presence behind me and shuddered, finally able to smile. When he rolled his fingers over my shoulders, the tender touch switched the prickles to electric jolts. I’d seen such a significant change in him over the last few days, including after learning the results of the DNA test. He was Kostya Volkov, the firstborn son.
He’d acted as if it hadn’t mattered in the least, but I knew better. He was the master of masking his feelings.
“Don’t look so forlorn,” he whispered as he nuzzled into my ear.
“I’m not.”
“You’re not a very good liar. Besides, I have a surprise for you.”
Kiki woofed again, jumping onto my leg. “She’s in on this, huh?”
“Maybe.”
He took my hand, which continued to make me quiver, but I attempted to pull it away. “I’m not in the mood.”
When he pulled me into his arms, lifting a single eyebrow, I could tell what he had on his mind. “Then I guess I’m going to need to spend some time convincing you.” With a sly look on his face, he pinched my nipple between his thumb and forefinger. My body reacted instantly, the heat between my legs building.
“You’re terrible. It’s not going to happen.”
“I think you forget that you belong to me.”
“I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
“This isn’t a democratic society,” he said gruffly, still grinning, another aspect that surprised me. If the situation with his estranged family was bothering him, he refused to allow anyone to see it, including me.
“You’re very mean.”
“Yes, I am. Now, about that surprise. Come with me.”
I gave him a hard look. “Hmmm…”
“Trust. Remember?”
The thought that I did trust him with everything I had was never far from my mind. The angry, brooding man had awakened the woman inside. Now I doubted I’d ever be the same even if he decided to let me return to my life. We’d yet to discuss the flash drive after he’d spent hours with the contents. The only thing he’d said after looking through every file was that the information was explosive, capable of shifting the power within several countries.
“I do trust you,” I said, shielding my eyes from the bright sun.
“Then walk with me.” He walked slower than normal, leading me toward one of the gardens. I had a feeling whatever he wanted to tell me was troubling him. Kiki trailed behind us, her eyes bright with happiness. “You’re very special to me, Emily. That’s difficult for me to admit. When I thought I’d lost you, I was ready to burn down half the world in order to protect you. The moment I saw a gun pointed to your head, I almost lost it. What it helped me realize is that I don’t want that life for you.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that after the remainder of Volkov’s men are hunted down and dealt with, you’re free to go back to your life. However, I will keep tabs on you, providing a bodyguard.”
“You want me to live with a bodyguard for the rest of my life?”
“Well, I hope you won’t live with him.” His attempt at making a joke made me groan.
“You know what I mean.”
“It’s for your protection.”
I nodded, hearing the difficulty in his voice. “I don’t want to live that way. That’s nothing more than being in a cage. No freedom. Besides, I’m not certain of what I want any longer.”
“You already told me, and I understand.”
What I realized was that the single thing I needed I doubted I would ever have. His love. It would forever perplex me, possibly becoming a thesis paper on psychopaths seducing their prey. But it was the truth. I loved him. Even with all the evils, the dangers surrounding him and his forever roguish behavior, he meant the world to me. “I don’t think you do at all.”
He chuckled as we walked. “You’re one tenacious lady.”
“And you’re a pain in the ass.”
His look was priceless. No one had ever talked back to him before. “Careful, beautiful lady.”
“What are you going to do about the inheritance?”
I shouldn’t have been surprised that Diego had been able to confirm what had been suggested to Kostya. With Dimitri killed in the boat, the entire seven-hundred-billion-dollar estate would eventually be awarded to Kostya alone.
“Honestly? I’m going to give fifty percent to my half-brother.”
“That’s generous of you since you’ve never met him.”
“He didn’t get a choice in the family he was born into any more than I did.”
I squeezed his arm, proud of him, but I dare not say it. “And the other half?”
“I’m going to make certain the animals in the sanctuary have a better home, even if that means giving them to more qualified people. The rest I’ll give to charity.”
I stopped where I was, turning to face him. “Mr. Volkov. I think my goodness is rubbing off on you.”
He yanked me off my feet, turning me around in a full circle. “Don’t you ever call me that again and you need to remember at all times I’m a very bad man. I will prove that to you later.”
The man made me swoon. As he eased me down, I pressed my hand against his chest. “You really are a very good man. However, I won’t share your secret with anyone.”
His laugh almost brought tears to my eyes for no other reason than he’d allowed me to see a part of him no one else would ever be allowed to. That was a gift that would remain with me forever.
“You know what will happen if you do.” He rubbed his thumb across my chin then pulled his hand away. “There’s one more thing. It’s your choice entirely what you do with the flash drive. I have no right to demand anything of you.”
“As you pointed out, your name and limited information is on the drive. That could lead members of law enforcement in your direction.”
“I can handle the heat.”
I took a deep breath, glancing toward the garden. “It’s beautiful here. A girl could call this her home.”
“I’ve never thought of this as a home, but you’re right.”
The quiet moment between us was more awkward than usual.
Kiki barked, suddenly racing toward the other side of the garden. When I noticed a twinkle in his eyes, I frowned. “What did you do? Don’t tell me you bought me my own horse.”
