Russian Roulette (Russkaya Mafiya) (54 page)

“Turn the device off, Anna, and put it away. You look inquisitive, not stupid.”

She nods her head; eyes large again and shoves the device into her purse after turning it off.

“Did you hear those men in the garage speak of anything?”

“No, they just said to check on their Boss to another guy who left the garage before you showed up. Once I heard the shot, I dropped and was too scared to stand back up. I wanted to get the story, but I have a feeling those aren’t the type of men I want to see me. There was actually a big group of guys in the garage a little while before I heard the shot—when I first parked.”

I bet the guys were Kolya, Kristof, and the other Italian guards or drivers all waiting around. I should have known they wouldn’t show up for lunch without a small army on standby.

“You have good instinct. You forget my face and vehicle; I will drop you a block away so you can wait for the police and be safe. There is one thing I want from you, however.”

“Umm, okay, I can see what I can do within reason.”

“Your story, it must be titled ‘Vengeance is served with Vodka.’”

“I’m not sure I can get that approved. You’re telling me, that this is a Russian job?”

“I didn’t say that, I said use it as a title. I need to get a message to someone. They will know what it means. Surely you can’t think I am stupid to believe you have no power to choose the title. Be smart right now.”

“Fine, but can you at least give me the name of who was shot?”

“No, but I can tell you he was an old Italian Mobster.”

“Holy shit…The Russians
and
the Italians?”

“This is your stop, Anna.” I pull the truck to a stop and click a photo of her with my phone. “Don’t make me regret this.” I wave it in front of her.

“You’ve helped me more than you realize. No worries on my part.” She sends me a shaky smile and hurries out of the truck.
I sure hope not; I’d hate to have to kill someone with such a pretty face.

I pull away quickly so she can’t get a good picture if she decides to suddenly be brave. That should work nicely to get our threat out. They need to stop fucking with the Mafiya, because we always clean up our messes.

My phone chirps with a text from my good friend Avery.

Avery:
Taco Tuesday big guy, wish you were here!

Me:
Tell biker bitch he sucks and I wish you were here too Bean

Avery:
Come visit, Texas misses you also.

Her text sends a small pang to my chest. I worry about her sometimes now that she’s moved to Texas to be with her motorcycle club boyfriend. I know he can protect her, but Avery and I had gotten very close before she up and moved sixteen hours away.

Shaking it off, I toss my phone into the center console. Texting and driving don’t mix, especially since these Americans drive on the opposite sides of the roads as we do in Russia. Total mindfuck the first time I tried driving here.

During the few hours it takes to drive back to the cabin, I’m engrossed in my thoughts about what to do about moving, Tate, and the damn Italians. I made a quick stop at the tattoo parlor I frequent—another kill means another mark for me to wear.

Twenty-six drops of blood tattooed across my abdomen make me look as if my stomach is torn open and weeping tears of blood. Those tears of blood to me are for my mother; one day I’ll find who tore my family apart.

Sabrina

Elaina hangs up the phone with a goofy smile on her face. “That was Emily. She tried to get you out of the house, but according to Tate, Niko wasn’t having it, so she and Tate are coming here. I tried to get her to bring my baby niece but she said another time. Tonight the angel is going to visit her grandma and papa.”

“Awww, I’ll miss the little one, but I’m glad they are coming to visit. I had a lot of fun with them.”

“She is entertaining, huh? Tate has her spoiled rotten; but she’s had a rough life, losing the people she was close to. She was with her own brand of psycho for a while, so I’m thrilled for her.”

“The two of you together are crazy. You look the same, but you’re pretty much opposites. It’s like I get the best of both worlds with you guys.”

“Yeah, but I’m the better half.” She answers with a grin and I roll my eyes.

All day they had gone back and forth over who was older, prettier, funnier, etc. It’s hilarious since they’re twins and look almost the same. If you didn’t know them personally, you’d never be able to tell them apart.

I feel so fortunate to not only have made one new friend by coming here, but many. I count Viktor, Alexei and Tate also. Alexei is a little grumpy, but he’s thoughtful. Tate is cocky, but his love for his family shines through. Viktor is domineering, but he also takes care of everyone, probably because he’s the oldest.

“So what are we doing for dinner then? Or are they coming over to play cards and drink?”

We’ve had a few dinners so far along with a couple of vodka nights that always end with lots of giggles from us and at least one person puking or getting carried off to bed.

“I thought we’d make a roast? The one Viktor’s gram taught me to make is my favorite.”

“Oh, I love that dish! Are we making the Topt for dessert also?”

“Don’t get all crazy now; Emily can bring the dessert.”

Laughing, I nod and pull the loaf of French bread out of the pantry so we can pair it for dinner.

“You know what? I think I’m going to go change into a cute dress for dinner. It’s been a while since I wore something nice. The roast has to cook for a few hours; what do you think?”

“That sounds like a great idea! I’ll text Em and let her know…All three of us can dress up.”

“Okay, I’ll be back then, unless you need my help some more?”

“Nope not right now, I’m going to throw this baby into the oven then get dressed myself. I have an adorable new silver colored dress that I’ve wanted to wear for Vik.”

“Oh, I bet that’s pretty! I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay cool, bye.” Elaina smiles as I close the back door, hurrying to my and Nikoli’s place.

Spartak, Elaina’s private guard is out back, always on duty.

“Hello Spartak.” I greet as I pass him. He shoots me a small smile and nods.

He’s always so quiet unless Elaina’s around. I asked her about it and she said that they became close when my sister was terrorizing her and Viktor. It’s been months since I first got here, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop feeling guilty since it was my own sister causing their lives to be so stressful.

Once I make it up the stairs to the loft bedroom, I peel off my jeans and long sleeve t-shirt. I have just the dress in mind. It’s a mint green color, baby-doll style dress that comes a few inches above my knees. I may dress plain now and live in flip-flops a lot, but I still have a stash of dresses that I actually like. With no more forced obsessions with my looks from my mother, it has opened my eyes to what styles I like.

Tapping on the alarm clock, ‘Blurred Lines’ by Robin Thicke starts playing. Naturally I start wiggling my butt as I dig through the closet Nikoli built for me once we got settled. He’s been so sweet and helpful, always rushing to do whatever he can to make sure I’m comfortable.

I happily sing along; it’s ‘Blurred Lines’—you can’t not sing and dance to this song. I probably look like a giant fool parading around in my plain bra and panty set, but who cares? It’s fun.

The song ends and Salt ‘N’ Pepa’s “Whatta Man” comes on next. I love this song; it reminds me of being a kid at private school. My girlfriends would play it over and over; we were
so sure
we knew what it was actually about. Our parents would have thrown a fit if they knew what all we were listening to back then.

I try to shake my booty along, singing loudly. I could never do this at my mother’s house.

Spinning around and getting into the song, I let out a loud shriek. Nikoli stands at the top of the stairs, gazing into the bedroom with wide eyes and a smirk. He looks thoroughly pleased he’s caught me like this.

“Umm…Hi?” Nibbling on my lip, I’m struck still by his heated gaze.

“Sorry to interrupt. I called for you but you didn’t answer me, so I came looking for you.”

“Oh it was probably the radio. I didn’t even hear the door close downstairs or anything.” I’m not embarrassed he caught me singing. When he would take me to hang out, I would constantly turn up his radio and sing loudly; he loved it and would always tell me to do it more.

“You were singing pretty loudly, and I did not mind the free dance show.” He chuckles and I smile. Then I glance down, realizing I’m in my bra and panties.

I bring the dress up in front of me as a shield. “Shit, I-I was getting dressed.”

He’s seen me in my bathing suit before but I don’t want to make him feel awkward by me being in my underwear since we’re just friends. He’s too important to me; I don’t want him thinking I’m trying to come onto him when that’s not what he wants.

“I see that.” He starts to prowl towards me, making the room feel remarkably less significant with his huge size. “Let me help.” His cheeks tint slightly as he gets closer.

I don’t know if he’s embarrassed or turned on. No, he can’t be hot and bothered for me; he thinks of me as a friend only.
So much for wishful thinking.

“Okay, great. I really appreciate it.” I stammer and my stomach stirs with excitement as he gets closer. My heart beats so hard, and I wonder if he can see it.

Do I put the dress on right now? He’s okay with me being in my undies in front of him? I guess there’s only one way to find out. I hope he doesn’t get the wrong impression from me, even though I would love to have that sort of attention from him. I’m not a virgin, but I’m not very experienced either.

Spinning around, I stop so my back is to him and lift the silky material over my head. It slides down over my body easily. I could have stepped into it, but I’ve always preferred putting a dress on the same way as a shirt. I’m glad he offered to help, the zipper runs all the way down to the small of my back.

“Ready?” He asks huskily, his breath feeling extremely close to my ear and neck for some reason.

I draw in a gasp as goose bumps appear all over my skin from the warm sensation. Swallowing deep I whisper, “Yes.”

“Me too,” is murmured against my ear and my hands make a tight fist, my short purple nails digging into my palms. There are so many different meanings to that and thinking about one in particular has me clenching my pussy muscles over and over. I should stop myself, but it feels too good.

His fingers flutter over my back lightly as he slowly closes the zipper. It feels more like an erotic caress than a helpful hand. Biting my bottom lip, I stop myself from moaning his name aloud.

“There Bina, all set,” he mutters and steps away.

The spell is broken as cool air hits my upper back where the material is missing. My gaze drops to the floor, hoping I can mask the heat blazing over my cheeks, from imagining him ripping the back of my dress off.

“Thank you, Blondie.”

“Of course. You look stunning as always. I’m going downstairs until you’re finished, da?”

“Da,” I mumble and turn towards the small dresser holding my makeup. I’m going to need to wear some tonight, because I know I won’t be able to get those thoughts out of my mind and I definitely won’t stop thinking about it being around Nikoli all night.

He leaves, heading back down the stairs.
God, he’s flipping gorgeous.
He used to have women basically falling at his feet when we’d hang out. If we went to the mall or movies or dinner or wherever, he’d have pretty girls flirting with him like crazy.

Hmmm, I wonder if he’s been with anyone since we’ve come here. I mean it’s been months, so surely he’s had to. It’s not fair of me to expect him to be celibate too. I don’t want to think of him being intimate with anyone else; it hurts too bad.

I fish out my shiny black flats to wear along with my dress. I’m leaving the heels since we’re dining in and I’ll take them off at the cabin anyhow. Viktor hates dirty carpet. Weird, but if we’re staying in the house for a long time we have to take our shoes off.

Since it’s getting cooler with the change of season, I grab a cardigan—just in case—and make my way downstairs. I know Nikoli would offer me his jacket if he saw me cold, but I don’t want to put him out any more so than I already do.

Nikoli grabs his own light jacket and puts it on. It hides his shoulder holster and gun. I’m surprised he’s taking it. I know he wears one on his leg under his pants. I’ve seen him unstrap it many times before he goes to shower. He must have had a busy day himself since he’s carrying multiple weapons.

Niko’s eyes light up when I reach the bottom and he takes my hand to escort me.

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.” He shrugs and smiles kindly.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, why?”

I point out his other weapon and he straightens.

“I’m protecting you. Since when do my weapons bother you?”

“You know they don’t. I’m just curious. Relax, Blondie.”

He lifts my hand to his mouth and plants a chaste kiss on it without responding, and then he leads me towards Viktor’s. Spartak’s still sitting outside in the same spot. Niko ignores him like he’s a piece of furniture but I turn back quickly and wave.

I know there’s sort of a pecking order in these organizations and Nikoli is towards the top. His tattoos clearly state he’s not to be crossed, but I still want to be friendly with everyone. My family was hateful enough when I was growing up; I don’t want to live my life that way being rude to others. I swear I hear what sounds like a growl come from Nikoli… But I know that can’t be right.

We knock and Elaina answers the door and lets us in. The cabin smells wonderful; the air is rich and heady with the spicy scents from the seasonings on the roast. It reminds me of the holidays. My mother would always have the servants make ham, topak, and different roasts at celebrations. The mansion would smell delicious and looked beautiful with all the decorations going up to be festive. Too bad it’s the only good things I remember from those times.