Saving Rain: The First Novel in The Rain Trilogy (24 page)

“I’ve heard whispers about how lucrative your business has become,” Kas begins the charade, stroking Victor’s pride, “tripling in size in under a year’s time. With my assistance and contacts, you can double that in a few months.”

Victor leans back against the booth and smiles, his face a blank slate, not giving away any information. He studies Kas for a moment as Raina glances at the bodyguards near the door. She’s further impressed by how Kas stays so cool and unfazed under the pressure.

“I see you’ve been doing your homework as well,” Victor’s voice is hard as he continues to scrutinize Kas a few seconds longer before breaking out into a hearty laughter, relaxing again.

The waiter brings the men their drinks, mojitos with a thin, curled slice of orange inside, and water for her. Victor holds up his drink, “To new business arrangements,
Noroc
!”

Kas clinks his glass to Victor’s and takes a slow sip. The waiter returns, taking their dinner order. Kas orders for Raina, never looking her way to inquire to see if she’s satisfied with his choice for her. She forces herself to remain neutral, never showing any kind of expression as they discuss business and breach the subject of the class of girls being held for the bid coming up soon. Victor doesn’t give away many details, which was expected. The only piece of information Victor is willing to share is his bragging about how the upcoming event will prove to be very lucrative.

The dinner arrives, and Raina does her best to quietly and demurely eat the salad in front of her as she struggles to refrain from climbing across the table and choking the life out of Victor as he continues to describe the girls as if they are nothing more than merchandise to be bought and sold. She remembers the importance of her behavior, and she remains the perfectly invisible submissive play-doll, not speaking unless requested to do so.

The preliminary chitchat has steadily progressed as Kas continues to do and say the right things to slowly gain Victor’s trust. Victor chews his last bite of rare steak and dabs the corners of his mouth with the expensive linen napkin before leaning back against the booth and studying Kas again. He picks up his mojito, twirling the glass around in his hand as if he’s contemplating his next actions carefully. He finally puts the glass back down and addresses Raina directly for the first time all evening. “Sugar, why don’t you go get us another round,” he demands, as he taps his glass.

Kas stands, allowing Raina to slide out of the booth. She makes sure to keep her eyes low as she passes the bodyguards on the way out of the dining room. It’s not until she is sure that she is out of their sight, and the doors to the private dining room are closed behind her, that she lets out a deep breath, steadying her rapidly fraying nerves.

She walks to the bar and asks the bartender for the drinks. While she waits, she decides that this is the best opportunity she is going to have to plant the bug on Victor. She quickly devises a plan as she makes her way back to the dining room. As she walks up to the table, she fakes twisting her heel, feasibly easy to pull off in the unbelievable height of the stilettos. She spills one of the drinks straight into Victor’s lap. Quickly, she grabs the linen napkin and begins dabbing his leg as she discreetly removes the bug from the hem of her dress, attaching it to the under-hem of his blazer while he’s distracted with what her other hand is doing.

Victor lets out what she is sure isn’t a nice word in his native language as he jumps to his feet. He raises his hand to strike her, but Kas quickly grabs his hand before he can deliver the blow, causing the bodyguards to advance towards them. Kas realizes that he better make this look convincing, or things are going to go south very quickly, due to his reaction to Victor’s imminent threat to Raina.

Realeasing Victor, Kas grabs Raina possessively, “I told you that she’s mine, no one touches her except me.” He grabs her as roughly as possible without actually hurting her as he growls dangerously, “I will deal with you later.” He spins her back around so she’s facing Victor, and he barks, “Apologize!”

Raina breathlessly whispers her apology, not having to work too hard to feign the fear evident in her eyes, her past giving her a very clear picture of what Kas’ words would mean for her if he wasn’t just playing a role. Victor eyes them suspiciously, and Kas knows that he has to sell this. “I apologize for my rashness, but I warned you about not sharing well with others. I am the only one to touch her, to discipline her.” He fights to hold in his true emotions and act like the cruel sleaze he is trying to personify. He hates himself for the next words he delivers as he grabs Raina, holding her prisoner in his grip, “The sting of my belt will teach you to be more careful in the future.”

The malice in his words has the effect needed, and she blanches, the look in her eyes dissipating any suspicions Victor may have had. Ambivalence rips through Kas. He is relieved that she is safe at the moment, knowing what kind of harm can be delivered in the private setting during the minute it would take the undercover agents from Michael’s team to reach them from the bar, but putrid self-disgust fills him from the way he had to elicit painful memories from her to sell the façade.

The need for Kas to get her out of there is overwhelming. She cringes as he grabs her again and pushes her. “Wait on me outside,” he yells as she stumbles towards the door.

Victor calmly watches her leave, the blatant disrespect and cruelty bestowed on a lady doesn’t faze him in the least. Kas would like nothing better at the moment than to rip Victor apart at his aloofness of his treatment of Raina. He knows it’s a part of Victor’s normal routine to hurt those weaker than himself.

Reining in his temper, he smiles at Victor, pulling out a wad of hundred dollar bills, “Allow me to take care of your suit.”

Victor laughs, waving the money away, “It is only a spilled drink, after all.”

“One that I hope didn’t put a damper on a lucrative business deal for the both of us. I assure you, I will handle her.”

Victor nods towards the door, “Aren’t you worried that she will try to run away?”

Kas bites the inside of his cheek, furthering his self-hatred as he gives the sickening lie, “I found her half-starved, eating from a dumpster when she was fourteen. I’ve invested a lot of time in training her. She has only tried to run once, I made sure that night that she will never try to run again.”

Raina quickly walks outside and leans her trembling body against the wall. She knows Kas would never hurt her, he’s just playing a part, but hearing the threatening words coming out of his mouth still sends tremors through her heart and body. She doesn’t have to wait long before they come out, their earlier repertoire back to the easy, friendly chitchat as Victor gives them the news they’ve hoped for, and informs Kas that he will be in contact with him very soon.

Raina remains perfectly still, not sure of what to do without Kas’ lead. Grabbing her upper arm, he leads her to the car the valet parks in front of them. He shoves her inside before slamming her door and slipping into the driver’s side. She lets out her breath as he pulls away, not leaving nearly fast enough for her liking.

Kas checks his rear view mirror. Once he’s satisfied they aren’t being followed, he glances worriedly at Raina and grabs her hand, stroking her knuckles tenderly with his thumb, “I am so sorry, Raina, are you okay?”

She hears the poignant concern in his voice. “I’m fine, you didn’t hurt me,” she assures him truthfully, trying to put him at ease. “He gave me the perfect opportunity to plant the bug, and I couldn’t pass that up. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, darlin’, that was quick thinking. You were great tonight, I’m very proud of you. I’m just so sorry that I had to act that way,” he states with regret heavily lacing his words.

She places her hand on his cheek, “I’m alright, I promise.”

The tension starts to ease from him at her assurances. “So, how long will I need to wear protective gear over my prized assets?” he teases her, trying to lighten the mood and elicit a smile.

“As tempting as it is to deliver them a solid kick, a kick to the masculine race in general right now, I understand that you did what you had to do,” Raina slaps his arm, “but if ever talk to me that way again, you won’t be able to walk for a week.”

Kas laughs, glad that her fiestiness has returned, “Fair enough.” He gives her hand another reassuring squeeze before he calls Derrick, “Did you guys get all of that back there?”

“Every word.”

“Is Erik able to pick up anything from the bug yet?”

“Raina didn’t do half bad for a newbie, it’s working like a charm, and he’s already called to confirm that you’re legit. He didn’t mention any names on the phone, but he did tell whoever was on the other end that he will be contacting you tomorrow.”

“Good. I want ears on him at all times.”

“We’ve already got the shifts covered here. Go enjoy that five star penthouse, and try not to worry about us peons in roachville,” Derrick playfully jabs.

“Won’t spare a second thought,” he jokes back before hanging up.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Raina sheds the contraption loosely described as a dress as soon as they are checked into the hotel and are in their room. Letting it fall to the bathroom floor, she kicks it aside. She’s exhausted, the intensity of the evening has left her feeling emotionally and physically drained. She sits on the edge of the huge tub and notices the elegance of the room for the first time. The bathroom is nearly as large as Kas’ living room, and the jets on the Jacuzzi tub beckon her. Turning the faucet to as hot as she can stand, she grabs a ponytail holder from her bag next to the sink. She twists her hair up into a loose bun and cracks the door as she yells to Kas, “I’m going to take a bath.”

“Alright, are you hungry?” Kas gives his southern region an exasperated glance at its awakened state as he imagines her naked body slipping into the tub when he hears the sound of the soft splash.

“Starving.”

He hears her calling back over the noise of the jets coming to life. He wants to drop the menu and strip free of his clothing, joining her in the tub. He smacks himself on the head with the menu instead, trying to force the torturous images of her wet, naked body out of his mind. He practically growls from sexual frustration, “What do you want?”

“Anything with protein.”

Kas laughs, knowing she’s making a jab at the plain salad he had ordered her earlier that she barely touched. He would buy her everything on the menu if she wanted it, hating having to act the way he did with her at the meet. Settling on the prime rib and roasted potatoes, Kas orders a chocolate mousse as well, his guilt easing a bit knowing she will be well fed after her bath.

Raina steps out of the tub and dries herself off with the fluffiest towel she’s ever felt. A few minutes later, she walks out of the bathroom, her body wrapped in a luxurious bathrobe that was hanging on the back of the door. She pulls the ponytail holder out and lets her hair cascade down her back in auburn waves as she walks into the pampered, oversized bedroom. The smell of the food that was just delivered to their room wafts to her senses, and her stomach growls in response.

Kas groans when he sees her, all wrapped up in white, her creamy skin pink and glowing from her bath. He wants to tangle his hand in the long tresses of her hair and tear the robe off of her. He fails to suppress the groan that escapes his sex-starved body, and Raina glances at him in confusion, “You okay?”

Grabbing the belt of her robe, Kas pulls her to him, pressing his lips hotly to hers before he tears himself away, “No, you’re killing me right now, Rain.”

The confusion doesn’t leave her eyes, and he marvels at her innocence, reveling in knowing that she will be his and only his one day. “Are you trying to torture me by coming straight from a hot bath, looking all sexy with nothing but a robe on your gorgeous body?”

Mischief tingles through her as an idea wickedly pops into her head. Raising her eyebrow, Raina runs her tongue softly across her lips as she pulls back from him and very slowly unties the belt on the robe. She almost takes pity and stops when she sees the expression on Kas’ face, the searing need flaming in his eyes, but she tosses pity to the side and continues. She shimmies the top of the robe a little lower on her shoulder, exposing more creamy skin before she runs her hands down the front seductively and begins to languidly open the robe, all the while watching his eyes smoldering hotter and hotter. At the last second, she rips open her robe, showing her modest, comfy PJs underneath. She turns and runs towards the bathroom, laughing as Kas comes after her, his own wicked gleam promising retribution.

He catches her, scolding her in mock anger, “You little tease!”

Raina’s laughter continues to fill the room before she reins it in, biting her lip and pouting, “You so deserved that after tonight.”

Kas groans again, pulling her into his arms, “Yeah, I guess I did.” He kisses the top of her head. “You might have to sleep with that robe permanently attached to you tonight, or I might lose all self-control,” he half-way teases. He loves seeing the light in her eyes growing confidently brighter with every passing week. He kisses her again, this time soft and sweetly, not needing to rile up the beast thrashing in his pants again. “Come eat before the food gets cold.”

Raina climbs onto the huge pillowed bed and crosses her legs underneath her, lifting the top off of the plates, “There’s just one meal here.”

“I’m not hungry,” Kas explains, not sure when his appetite will return after his treatment of her tonight. She has so easily chalked it up to the job and forgiven him. It’s not so easy for him to forgive himself, especially when he knows she has actually experienced, far too many times, what he had threatened to do to her.

“So, you’re just going to sit there and stare at me while I eat?”

“Yep, until you eat every last bite.”

“I don’t think so,” Raina laughs and hands him a fork, grabbing the spoon for herself. “Eat,” she commands and points her spoon to the food.

“Yes, ma’am,” Kas relents and takes a bite, not tasting how delicious it truly is.

Raina is still sound asleep, snuggled up next to Kas, when the burn phone Michael had provided starts to ring. He slips his arm from underneath her head, not wanting to wake her as he grabs the phone, already knowing who’s on the other end. “Deturro,” he answers bluntly.

“My boss wants to meet you, be at the hotel in an hour.”

Relief floods through Kas as Victor hangs up. The deal is on, the sooner they can get this over with, the better. After making sure Raina is still peacefully sleeping, he grabs his regular cell and calls Pete, needing to check on the status with Chris’ father. Once he hears Pete’s voice on the other end, he asks, “Is Sutton still under the same understanding?”

“I made it clear he’s being watched. I think I made the schmuck paranoid.” Kas hears Pete laugh as he tells him, “He won’t be bothering her anytime soon.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Anytime.”

Kas glances at Raina as he closes his phone, relieved to know that Pete is staying on top of Sutton. He couldn’t handle it if anything happens to her. Calling Derrick next, he gives him the name and place of the next meet before asking for Erik to come stay with Raina. Kas gives her another look full of longing before jumping into the shower.

Raina is awake, sitting on the bed when he comes out of the bathroom. “I can be ready in fifteen minutes,” she tells him, throwing her legs over the side of the bed.

“You’re not going this time, darlin’.”

“Won’t they expect me to be there?”

Kas pulls her into his arms, “I don’t want you around them again, Raina, and after what I had threatened to do to you last night, no, they don’t expect you to be there this morning.”

“I don’t want you to go alone,” she whispers.

“This is what I do, Rain, besides I won’t be alone. I’ve already called Derrick, the team won’t be far away, and they’ll have ears on me the whole time.”

Snuggling deeper into his arms, she wishes the he didn’t have to go, wishing the reason he has to go didn’t exist. “What time will you be back?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart, but stay here and relax. Erik is on his way, so you won’t be alone. I do not want you leaving this hotel room. Order whatever you want to eat, or watch, just be sure Erik doesn’t eat us through the whole budget in one day, alright?”

Raina laughs, “I’ll do my best.”

Kas gently pushes her away from him and looks her squarely in the eyes, his gaze turning serious. “I mean it, Rain, no leaving this hotel room, or answering the door to anyone, under any circumstances, do you understand me?”

“But how am I going to let Erik in?”

“He will be here any minute. I won’t leave until he arrives. They could be watching the hotel, so follow my rules.”

“I will.”

He kisses her forehead, “Go ahead and take a shower if you want, I will let Erik in.”

Raina gives Kas another long hug, “Be careful.”

“Always, baby.”

Kas checks his watch, making sure the transmitter is securely inside. He hears the knock on the door and withdraws his Glock, holding it behind his back as he calls through the door, “Yeah?”

“It’s me,” he hears Erik’s loud whisper and chuckles as he wonders how Erik can be such a whiz with computers but clueless with ops.
At
least
he
knows
how
to
fight
and
shoot
well,
Kas muses, finding immense comfort in those facts, knowing Raina will be protected with him. Relaxing his finger on his gun, he opens the door, ushering Erik inside while briefly glancing down the hall, “Anyone see you coming up here?”

“No, I went to the fifteenth floor first liked you instructed, and then took the stairs. You could’ve at least let me get off on the nineteenth floor, so I wouldn’t have had to walk up seven flights of stairs.”

Kas laughs, “It’s good for you.”

Erik whistles as he roams around the room, “Man, Frank wasn’t kidding when he said he’s going to be the inside man next time so he can get pampered.”

Kas throws Erik the remote to the large flat screen TV, “Easy on the pay perview, or the geek sheiks department will have to answer to finance.”

“Where’s Raina?”

“She’s in the shower.” Kas opens his suitcase and takes out a backup pistol. “I’m not expecting any problems, I think they bought the cover, but you can never be too prepared. Don’t open the door for anyone, and don’t hesitate to use this,” he hands the gun to Erik, “it’s loaded, keep it within reach at all times.”

Erik takes the gun, familiarizing himself with it before putting it down next to him, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to let anything happen to her.”

Kas gives him an appreciative nod before heading out the door, telling Erik to secure the locks from the inside.

Frank takes a sip of his coffee and keeps up the idle chitchat with Austin as he nonchalantly glances at Kas when he enters the hotel across the street. “He’s on the inside,” he states calmly, taking another sip of his coffee.

Twenty minutes pass, and Frank starts to get nervous, “No sign of the target.”

“They’re playing it safe,” he hears Derrick’s voice in his ear. “Finish up, pay, and get out of there. Pay attention to the people around you, if they’re as smart as we’ve been told, I’d bet my dad’s 50 Chevy that they’ve got men scouting like we do, making sure all’s on the up and up. Go your separate ways, we don’t want to draw any attention. I’ll send Jake in a few.”

Frank laughs like he’s having a morning out with a friend. Laying his money down, he heads south while Austin waits a minute, scanning the newspaper before he pays and heads north, hailing a cab. Not two minutes later, Derrick sends Jake into the bistro next door. Derrick watches the team blend in like every normal person who is enjoying a beautiful Saturday morning and takes a sip of his own coffee from five stories up in a building on the corner.

Fifteen more minutes go by, and he starts to get nervous himself and is about to pull Kas out, when he sees Victor stepping out of a black Escalade. He watches as Victor opens the door for a well-dressed, dark-haired man in a suit that looks like it costs more than Derrick’s salary for six months.

“And who might you be?” Derrick whispers to himself as he studies the man who is obviously in charge of the four man entourage behind him. Derrick wonders if he’s the Ghost, he hopes he is, wanting desperately to put a face to the enigma and take the ruthless predator down.

Moments later, he hears Kas’ voice as he is being introduced as Tony to the mystery man Victor calls Artyom. Derrick’s pulse quickens at the mention of the Russian name, giving him hope that this very well might be the Ghost.

“I apologize for your wait, come, I want to get to know you better,” he hears the thick Russian accent of Artyom.

Kas follows Victor’s boss outside and hides his hesitation when Victor opens the door of the Escalade for him to climb inside. Smiling calmly, Kas slides in, hoping Derrick has the team ready to follow.

Derrick lets a colorful expletive fly when the door closes, and Kas is driven away. “Luis, you and Mack follow behind a short ways before turning off and letting Scotty and Russo tail them. Keep switching off and stay out of sight,” he barks, cursing the trafficker’s intelligence and careful planning.