Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“He didn’t tell you what?”
I shake my head. “No. The man is a closed book.”
“At least the relationship between you and Atanas is going well. How are things with Devran and Ryo?”
“There hasn’t been an opportunity to talk to them. I’m thinking of organizing a get-together, but it’s difficult with us all in different countries.”
“It’s worth a try.”
My thoughts turn to the alliance and the meeting I have with them all tomorrow morning while Anastasia will be out shopping.
I have to check how I can start using the others’ services. If I’m the only one making money, it won’t strengthen the bonds that took me so fucking long to establish.
“Have you heard back from Zubkov, Yeltsin, and Popov?”
Nodding, I look at Andrei. “Killing Sokolov and marrying Anastasia has made them all fall in line.”
“Did you check with Rosie or Tim to keep tabs on them?” he asks.
“Yes. The three are going about business as usual. Nothing out of place.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah.”
Andrei parks the Rolls-Royce in the usual spot, and getting out, we walk into the bar and head straight to the back where my office is.
Getting to work, checking sites and possible business contacts, time flies by, and only when we hear the bell for the last round of drinks do I realize it’s two am.
“Blyadʹ! Anastasia is going to skin me alive,” I mutter as I shove my chair back.
Andrei grabs his coat, and shrugging it on, he says, “Sorry, I should’ve kept an eye on the time.”
Hoping she’s not waiting up like she usually does, I rush out of the office so I can get my ass home.
CHAPTER 25
Anastasia
Going out with Andrei guarding me feels a little weird, but I totally understand why.
It’s just... the man is next-level quiet and gives off one heck of an intense vibe that makes the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
He is Rodian’s best friend and the underboss. Rodian wouldn’t leave you alone with him if he didn’t trust him.
I glance up and down the street so I can cross to the other side, but Andrei takes hold of my elbow and practically grumbles, “Wait.”
Looking up at his face, I notice he’s staring at something, and following his line of sight, I see a guy on a bicycle weaving on and off the sidewalk.
I would’ve walked right into his path.
“Go.” The low rumble from Andrei has my feet moving before the command even registers in my brain.
My thumb begins to move, tapping my fingertips lightly, and I focus on taking deep breaths.
Andrei lets go of my elbow after we’ve crossed the street, and I walk faster, relieved when I finally enter the restaurant and spot Katya.
“Hi!” She waves excitedly while getting up from the table in the back corner. When I reach her, she grabs me by my upper arms and plants a kiss on my cheek. “It’s so good to see you. I’m excited. Can you tell?”
“What? Pfft,” I say teasingly. “I can’t tell at all.”
We chuckle as we sit down, then she looks at me with genuine admiration. “How much bribing will it take for you to make me such a gorgeous dress?”
“Well, let’s see.” I pretend to think about it. “A lunch or two should do the trick.”
Never in my life have I clicked so fast with another person, and it’s unbelievable how comfortable she makes me feel.
Katya nudges a menu closer to me and signals for a server. “What are you in the mood for? I’m having the warm sourdough boule with whipped salted butter, a creamy mushroom skillet, aaaaand…” Her eyes scan over all the options. “Baked Camembert with honey.”
“That all sounds delicious. What else do you recommend?”
“Cheese-stuffed flatbread and the beef tenderloin strips with creamy sauce. We can share.”
“That sounds great.”
“And to drink?” the server asks.
“A pitcher of the homemade raspberry lemonade to share, but don’t add mint.” As the server leaves, Katya scrunches her nose. “I can’t stand the taste of mint.”
“That makes two of us. It always overpowers everything, and then it feels like I’m drinking toothpaste.”
Katya stares out the window, then asks, “Ahh, I see you have the lone wolf guarding you today. What do you think of Andrei?”
I glance over my shoulder and see him standing outside, glowering at every person who passes the Bistro like they’re an enemy he wants to rip limb from limb.
“He’s intense.”
She chuckles. “That’s an understatement if ever I heard one.”
The server brings two glasses and the pitcher of lemonade, and while Katya pours for us, I mention, “You don’t have an accent like the other wives.”
“That’s because I spent half my childhood in the US and the other half on vacations with my parents. When my dad got sick, I came home, then I met Sergei.” Her smile widens. “And well, the rest is history.”