Prologue
Darkness was my friend.
Violence my obsession.
Bloodshed my reward.
A motto I’d chosen to live by.
“Time to kill the motherfuckers.”
Sergio’s voice rumbled through the group of soldiers. The deep tone was tinged with the same hatred we all felt.
No one betrayed the Dmitriyev Bratva and lived.
The Irish had been doing it for years, attempting to destroy the empire my father and uncle had created. I sneered as I moved forward into the broken-down yet operable amusement park, a relic from the early glory days of Las Vegas. Now, the once-cherished family entertainment center catered to birthday parties and school functions, barely making ends meet. Not for long. The Irish had full intention of building a glorious entertainment mecca.
The twenty-five acres of land located just outside of Vegas was prime real estate. After its destruction, a resort would be built.
But with the Dmitriyev name attached.
The true reason for the park’s continued existence was to allow the Irish scum to launder money more creatively than most. The facility was also used as a meeting zone, a safe retreat away from prying eyes and law enforcement. Families of the Irish clan enjoyed the park while the monsters running the organization discussed who they’d annihilate next.
In addition, the park was used to house millions of dollars of illegal drugs, their mainstay of financial gain. Today, they’d lose a substantive dollar amount. That thought alone kept a smile on my face and a bloodthirst in my veins.
Why?
Because I’d been the one to discover the park’s existence, a location formerly enshrouded in secrecy and security. Because of my investigative skills, I’d been promoted to an enforcer of my father’s regime. A true honor and one I carried with pride. My first test was to end the Irish patriarch’s life.
And I do so gladly, with joy in my heart.
I’d learned everything I could about the O’Shaughnessy clan, the patriarch little more than a butcher. He and his monsters had killed our people for the last time. We were eager to send them back to Los Angeles where they came from. Only I’d prefer to do so in body bags. They foolishly believed they were omnipotent, laughing at us for attempting to rule the city. Without extra security, they were sitting ducks.
At least the fuckers had made the attack easy.
Today was reckoning day.
It was time for Tristen and his entire brigade to meet their makers.
We’d cut through the iron fence at the back of the property. Twilight was just settling in, shadows forming across the empty maintenance buildings. We moved like true soldiers between them, heading for the building housing the Irishmen.
Music caught my attention, the carnival-like sounds creating an unsettling feeling.
The park should be closed, Sundays always used for ‘maintenance.’ Or in other words, to hold the secret meetings and to count their fortune.
In the lead, I threw out my hand, forcing the others to stop. I shifted against the building, allowing my eyes to adjust to the darkness.
“What’s wrong?” Sergio asked. He was my father’s lieutenant, a man who’d traveled with my father and uncle when they’d left Moscow. As the most trusted man in my father’s employ and his friend, he was the leader of every mission.
“The music.”
He laughed and clapped me on the back. “A cover, mladshiy brat. They always keep their cover intact.”
Young brother. Sergio used the phrase selectively, a nod of respect to a single recruit groomed from a group of soldiers eager to please their master. My father. With confirmation of the amusement park as a target, I’d become the chosen one, Sergio my mentor. After I passed tonight’s test, the phrase would be buried along with my initiation. Until another was chosen. The old ways, initiations and tests as required by the Pakhan. Tonight, Sergio was allowing me to take the lead, forever watchful while teaching me the ropes.
A true honor.
“We should check to ensure there are no innocents.” Innocents. In our line of work, no one was truly innocent, yet I’d voiced my refusal to kill women and children before. This could make or break my promotion, but I stood fast in my beliefs. Nervous, I sought his approval.
“You will be a great leader one day. Make it happen.”
I nodded in relief, motioning the others to continue. “Vissarian. Check the perimeter. Make certain there are no innocent bystanders.”
My cousin was my age, already an aggressive soldier deemed vor v zakone, or in English a thief in law, also an honored position. He grabbed two of his men, heading off toward the main part of the amusement park where our task was to create an explosive surprise.
We moved in accordance with our plan, placing explosives in strategic locations. As we headed for the building housing the Irish bastards, my excitement grew to a near frenzy. I was itching to pull the trigger, eager to be a part of taking a man’s life. I was more than ready to accept my leadership role.
And one day I would rule as Pakhan.
When the devices were in position, we moved stealthily through the buildings toward the meeting facility. The goal was simple. Full annihilation of everyone inside. We refused to allow any chance for escape.
Sergio remained right behind me, his grin almost fatherly.
“Are you ready?” he asked from beside me.
“Let the fuckers burn.”
I didn’t hesitate, kicking open the door and rushing inside.
The Irishmen had zero chance to react before we opened fire. I stood in the center, allowing the AK-15 to do all the work. I’d envisioned taking my time, torturing every single asshole inside as they’d done to my Russian brothers, but my loyalty had prevented me from making the suggestion.
As the bodies dropped one after the other, I took a deep breath, admiring the work we’d accomplished. Strings of blood and gore covered the walls and floor, the massacre satisfying the sadist deep within.
A single moan drew my attention, one of the fuckers left alive. With a smile on my face, I stepped over the broken bodies, finding the asshole crawling toward the exit. As if he would make it out alive. I fisted his hair, twisting his body awkwardly while jerking out my knife.
His eyes opened wide, the terror in them delightful.
I recognized the fuck immediately as Tristen’s brother. Ryan was second in command. Equally as dangerous.
“Please. I have a family,” he whimpered.
I’ll be damned. Even the powerful crumbled in the end.
“Naslazhdaytes’ vremenem v adu,” I hissed seconds before driving the blade into his chest.
Enjoy time in hell.
As I twisted the knife, jerking it upward, blood spewed from his mouth, his screams dying almost immediately. Within seconds, the look of horror in his eyes faded, the vacant stare now in its place.
I caught Sergio’s eye.
He issued a single nod of respect.
I’d passed the test.
As I took several deep breaths, I did another sweep of the compound. “Where the fuck is Tristen?”
The fucker had either gotten wind of the attack or had simply sent his brother to do the dirty work. Ryan handled disposal of weak links. My mind was pulled toward the thought of the music I’d heard earlier. Had the fucker lured enemies here to their deaths?
“This will be enough,” Sergio stated, although I heard the same edge to his voice I had in mine.
Fuck. Goddamn it. I couldn’t allow my anger to corrode what we’d come to accomplish. I’d hunt Tristen O’Shaughnessy another day.
“Podzhech’ vzryvchatku,” I commanded as I turned in a full circle, ensuring our work inside had been completed.
Ignite the explosives.
After tossing the muscle to the floor, I wiped his blood on my pants, returning my knife to the sheath. I trailed behind as the other soldiers left. As quiet enveloped the building, I walked into the center of the carnage, glaring down at their lifeless bodies. Laughing, I walked out, listening to the rustle of the soft breeze and the tinkling of music in the background.
And a bad feeling swept through me.
As I moved away from the building, two sounds captured my attention.
Heavy footsteps racing toward me and something else.
A child’s laughter.
What the fuck?
Vissarian lunged from the darkness.
“What the fuck is going on? There wasn’t supposed to be anyone here,” I snarled.
“A birthday party up front.” My cousin was out of breath.
I listened for the laughter again, my nerves on edge. Fuck me. “Get them out of here.” The explosives were concentrated on the buildings at the back of the property, but we’d used enough firepower to create fireworks seen from the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, the decision meant to send a clear warning.
As Vissarian gathered a few additional soldiers, I heard the laughter again.
“Wait. Something is wrong.” I turned in a full circle.
“Whoa. Whoa!” one of our men called. “The place is wired.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Sergio bellowed.
“Not our explosives. All the people up front are in the target zone.” The soldier was out of breath.
Other screams penetrated the night as popping sounds began to occur. What the fuck?
“Those people were brought here to die,” I growled. “Get them out of here. Get them out of here!”
Soldiers ran in every direction.
“We need to get out of here,” Sergio snarled.
Laughter. No, a giggle. From a fucking child.
“Thirty seconds!” one of our soldiers called.
Fuck.
A flash grabbed my attention, a woman screaming and flailing as Vissarian caught her around the waist.
“Mommy!” A strangled sob came from behind me, the voice so tiny I almost didn’t hear her in the commotion.
I spun in a circle, straining to see what the woman was squawking about.
“No. No!” she cried, struggling to get away.
“You need to leave. Now,” I barked.
“No. My baby girl. My baby girl!”
“Get her out of here,” I yelled, immediately rushing toward where she was pointing. I’d done some horrible things, but killing either a woman or child would never happen. Not as long as I was alive.
“It’s going to blow,” Sergio yelled, trying to stop me. “We can’t stop this.”
An unknown man appeared out of nowhere, his expression one of horror. He wasn’t an enemy soldier, but one of the guests. “No, this can’t happen.”
“Whoever the fuck you are, get the hell back,” I instructed, leveling the gun in his direction. “Take him.”
“You don’t understand. That’s my daughter!” he yelled, struggling even though there wasn’t a chance in hell he’d get free. Something didn’t feel right about this.
Two soldiers grabbed his arms, pulling him backward. There was a chance he was nothing but a ploy, a counterattack in the works.
I took a deep breath, calculating the time I had left as I scanned the entire area.
“Listen to me, Mikhail. We need to get the fuck out of here,” Sergio told me. “We can’t save them all.”
Pop! Pop!
Boom!
“Not if there’s a child. I won’t be a baby killer. Not today. Not any day.”
The crackle of explosives popped from all directions.
Another sound. The man was still yelling. “Shut him up!” I took a few steps toward the building housing the bodies, another flash catching my attention. There she was. Fuck. The child giggled as she ran, her long hair floating behind her in a long, dark trail.
There was no time left, the imaginary ticking of the bombs echoing in my mind. She turned and stopped, her face registering horror that some big, bad wolf was hunting her in the darkness. Her little mouth twisted as she yelled for her mommy. I could see the tears glistening on her cheeks as I advanced.
“Mommy!”
With only one arm, I scooped her up, racing away from the buildings.
And with every step, I counted down the remaining seconds.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
One.
Boom!
The force pitched us forward by several feet, slamming us into the ground. Anguish tore through me like white-hot lightning, the horrible echo of the blast ringing in my ears. Yet I could hear her crying, her little body molded so tightly against mine.
All time seemed to stop, the air around me sucked into a vacuum. Suddenly, the pain vanished and I was cold. So cold.
Muffled voices called from behind, footsteps vibrating the earth.
Her crying continued.
She was alive. Thank God, the little girl was alive.
I rolled over, protecting every inch of the girl as the blast tossed scraps of building material and metal against my back. I refused to move, holding the little girl while she wailed and squirmed.
At least she was alive.
As the roar died down, soldiers rushed closer and I could hear the mother’s sharp cry of thank you.
“You saved her. You saved my little baby.”
Just before I blacked out, I lifted my head, unable to focus.
I rolled over, staring up at the night sky as the little girl was whisked from underneath, the man holding her crouching down. “Thank you, son. Thank you for saving our daughter’s life. If there is anything I can ever do for you, please let me know. I’m indebted. I owe you her life.”
While his face was fuzzy, I memorized his features. After tonight, I would forever be known a monster, yet I hadn’t turned into a child killer. For that, I was grateful.
Just like the man peering down at me, his eyes something I’d never forget.
His identity was unknown, his face unrecognized, but I’d hold the man to his promise. As my father had told me, no good deed ever went unpunished.
[divider]Chapter One
Twenty-two years later…
Mikhail
“That should be you, son. This should be your wedding day.” My father’s booming voice held an air of chastisement.
“That would take me finding a bride,” I answered, attempting to hide my disdain.
“You’re not getting any younger and you need to consider your future, not only as Pakhan, but also the importance of producing an heir.”
My father meant to the great Dmitriyev throne. While I was illustrious leader of the Bratva after having brought the family into a new century, he was stuck in the old ways as taught to him by his father and grandfather. Archaic institutions I wanted no part of.
“Go enjoy your daughter’s wedding, Pops.”
“Very well, son, but at some point, you’ll need to heed my words. The Bratva needs your leadership.”
As if by not marrying I was somehow a lesser man. I watched him walk away, noticing my brother was sauntering closer, his grin indicating that he knew exactly what our father had been discussing. When he slid beside me, we both kept our attention drawn to the dance floor where our baby sister was enjoying her moment in the limelight.
“You know how to throw a great wedding reception, brother,” he finally said, as if the subject was any better than the insistence I marry.
I casually glanced at Kazimir, chuckling under my breath. I was standing on the outskirts of the huge ballroom, watching the festivities unfold. There were far too many sparkly things and balloons for my taste. “That’s easy when you have an entire resort at your disposal.”
“Yes, the renowned Ecstasy Resort and Casino, recently given a five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide. Quite the accomplishment.” My younger brother had been swilling bourbon since arriving at the venue. Not that I blamed him. The circus of a wedding had been difficult to swallow.
Maybe I was the only one who understood the alliance between my sister and an Italian prince was an abomination, but I had good reason to feel that way. It wasn’t every day that two enemies were merged, or I should say forced to coexist peacefully because of a love story.
The fact my little sister had fallen in love with a gruff, overbearing son of a bitch from the Costa Cosa Nostra would be considered a farce, a nightmare had it not come true. While I adored Lilia, her treachery burned deep within my soul.
I remained on guard, always on edge. Always the enforcer of the family even though we’d moved on from using violence on a daily basis. Our father, Boris Dmitriyev, had commanded every family member to be in attendance. That included my uncle Ivan and my cousins, all of whom were enjoying themselves thoroughly.
They were on one side of the ballroom, the Costa family on the other. Bad blood remained between the families from the days when the Bratva had arrived. The glory days, as my father consistently reminded his children. The days when drugs had flowed freely without fear of police interference. When entertainment wasn’t whitewashed with political stances and controlled by huge corporations.
And the days when killing in the streets had been a daily activity.
That was then. This was now.
The new world of the Dmitriyev Empire had evolved into a highly successful billion-dollar corporation. So had the Costa family, although they’d retreated to Reno, leaving Las Vegas to the Russians. We’d defeated them and the Irish, which was another reason I didn’t like to share in our prosperity. However, we relied on tight contracts as prepared by our attorneys, not by use of force.
Except on rare occasions.
Right now, I felt like using it, forced to remind myself the bad blood was now tempered, even more so by the nuptials.
“You seem jealous,” I threw out. “Perhaps you should spend more time marketing Genesis than sucking down booze.” My brother managed a sister resort only a few miles away from Ecstasy. Both held prime real estate and excellent reputations.
I intended on keeping it that way.
“Oh, come on. This is a celebration.” Kazimir shook his head. “Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find a wife. At least that will get our father off your back.” His laugh annoyed the hell out of me.
Given I was the firstborn, my brother wasn’t subject to the staunch requirements that had followed the family from Moscow. I should be married with four kids by now. I might be Pakhan, but the old ways should be dead and buried. “Not a chance, brother. I’m not husband material. Dad can push all he wants, but anyone daring to agree to marriage would soon learn I’m a sadistic fuck.”
“You could marry in name only. That way you’d still manage to enjoy your playboy lifestyle.”
“I think you have me confused with the rest of our family.” Kazimir would never settle down, but he was under no duress to do so. There wasn’t a month that went by when our father hadn’t reminded me of my testament to the old ways.
“At least you don’t have blood on your clothes. I can’t believe you handled an issue right before the wedding. You were even late getting to the goddamn church.”
“I also wasn’t a member of the wedding party so what does it matter? Plus, I always keep an extra change of clothes in the car. You know that.” Laughing, I tossed a look in his direction. The issue had been an employee who’d been stealing from us for months. It had taken careful surveillance to determine the culprit. While I might not be the man I’d once been, tempering my anger and my reactions when possible, anyone caught betraying us was dealt with harshly and swiftly.
He’d learned a valuable lesson. While he’d no longer be able to work as a blackjack dealer given his amputee status, he was alive. I’d spared him the ultimate sacrifice.
“You barely managed to stop by the rehearsal dinner.”
“Someone needs to run the empire.” What he hadn’t realized was that I’d only made a brief appearance at Lilia’s request. She’d been concerned I would start a fight. She’d been right.
“Our beloved Pakhan.”
My reputation within the masses of Las Vegas was one of ruthlessness and perfected business acumen, my wealth providing employment to thousands while also aiding charities. However, those who knew me best as well as my rivals understood I had a cold, black heart and was capable of extreme violence and bloodshed without a scrap of remorse.
That had kept crime in our resorts and casinos to a minimum and our enemies at bay.
For now.
As I scanned the room noticing at least two dozen guests who I considered on my shit list for one reason or another, celebrating was the last thing on my mind. I was watching carefully, concerned there’d be a disturbance that would destroy my sister’s tentative hold on happiness.
“Try and enjoy the night, Mikhail. We have full control of the alliance.”
“This is just the beginning of a long and arduous ordeal, brother,” I told him. While Giovanni Costa genuinely seemed to care for my sister Lilia, his brothers wore the same expression as I did.
Distrust.
“No, this is the beginning of a profitable alliance. That is if you’d keep your dick in your pants.”
That was my brother’s way of telling me my constant pushback had created strife between the two families. Their union hadn’t been the product of an arranged marriage, a barbaric yet powerful method of bringing peace between two warring families. Lilia and Giovanni had secretly been involved for two years. How the fuck hadn’t I known?
Because she’d been allowed to attend law school thousands of miles away, forging a life of her own.
Something else that burned deep within. Perhaps I was more like my father than I cared to admit.
“I’ll try and keep that in mind,” I told him.
“You should since we have a meeting next week. The outcome will set the tone for the entire relationship.”
“How could I forget?” I lifted the glass to my lips, using the opportunity to allow my gaze to drift from one table to another. At least the fucking party was coming to an end. Dozens of guests had already left, others too drunk to remember which partner they’d arrived with.
Thankfully, most were staying in the hotel, although the thought was met with chagrin on my part.
“Mmm… There’s our sweet mother telling the band what to play. She’s fearless.” Kazimir chuckled. “Maybe I need another drink.”
“Perhaps you should sleep off what you’ve already had.”
“You’re no fun any longer, Mikhail. Since you took over the corporation from our dear father, you’ve become a bore.”
Yes, I’d been promoted to CEO. Kazimir was one of two vice presidents, our cousin Vissarian the second, my other brother Alexsey was COO, and so on and so forth. Yet our father remained on the board of directors. Still actively involved. Still controlling even though often done from his outside throne at his sprawling estate. But the person who’d truly run our empire was our mother.
To the rest of the world, she was a queen, beautiful and confident, kind and generous. But we knew the real woman behind the mask.
Tatiana Dmitriyev was a stern dictator with a love of control. Today’s festivities had been no exception. Everything had been required to be perfect. The cake. The fucking fifty thousand dollars’ worth of flowers. My sister’s dress flown in on a redeye from Italy.
The dollars she’d spent on food and beverages could feed the entire population of Las Vegas for a week. Nothing was too good for her baby girl.
“Have a drink. Go mingle. Find a woman to fuck, Mikhail. You haven’t gotten laid in a decade.”
“Unlike you who’s enjoyed a different girl every night. Which one is your choice for the night?”
He offered a dour look. “I haven’t decided yet. What I’m trying to tell you,” he chortled as he clapped me on the back, “is to lighten the fuck up. Don’t ruin this for Lilia. She deserves to be happy.”
I threw him a look and shook my head. He was right as usual, yet I remained worried the union would produce more than Russian-Italian heirs.
Even the structured alliance couldn’t keep us completely protected from the seedy underbelly of the territory. There were always those intent on violently attempting to claim what rightfully belonged to us.
Including the Irish fucks refusing to stay in their lane. Or in their city. I’d gotten wind a few Irish were in town. While they’d yet to cause trouble, I would keep an eye on their activities.
As I headed to the bar, I thought about what was being brought to the table by the Costa family. They ruled Reno like we did Las Vegas. On paper, our alliance would create an unstoppable empire. We had control of everything from several billion-dollar resorts, Michelin Star restaurants, and casinos to a hold on the entertainment and sports industries. Our combined effort would make us some of the richest people in the world.
Our fortunes and our connections also kept targets on our backs, which no one seemed to worry about.
“Here you are, Mr. Dmitriyev,” the bartender said as he pushed another Macallan in my direction. Contrary to popular belief, I couldn’t stand vodka.
“Thank you, Scott.” I walked away realizing my brother was correct. I was bored. People were annoying, especially high rollers whose egos constantly needed to be stroked. While I was good at what I did, that didn’t mean dealing with them didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth.
I moved through the lingering crowd toward a group of unoccupied tables when I noticed a woman sitting by herself. I’d seen her before, the bridesmaid’s dress catching my eye when she’d walked down the aisle before Lilia’s grand entrance. While I had no idea who she was, she was obviously close with my sister.
While I’d remained at the rehearsal dinner for fifteen minutes, the woman’s stunning beauty had grabbed almost all of my attention. She’d darted looks in my direction, deep in thought as she’d dragged just the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. I’d watched her as she’d sipped her wine, doing her best to fade into the group. But nothing about her could hide in the shadows. She was a precious gem, a beautiful flower waiting to be opened.
My cock ached from the longing to brush my fingers across her smooth skin. I fisted my hand, enjoying the feeling of desire for the first time in months.
She was sitting all alone while the other bridesmaids were actively partying together. A few seconds later, one of the male guests I didn’t know stumbled toward her, immediately placing his hand on her shoulder.
Something stirred inside of me that I wasn’t expecting. I didn’t know this woman, yet I felt somewhat possessive. Now I was curious as to what she’d do.
The look she threw him could drill him to the center of the earth. She plucked his hand off, issuing a statement I wasn’t close enough to hear, but her facial expression reminded me of a venomous snake. I applauded the way she handled the unwanted situation. There was no scene, no name calling or tossing her glass of champagne into the man’s face. Just strong words thrusting him aside like a rodent.
My cock twitched in appreciation and my curiosity was piqued. How long had it been since that had happened?
Yet the fucker refused to comply. He moved into her face, grabbing and wrenching her arm.
The perfect angel didn’t have time to react. I took three long strides, snapping my hand around the back of his neck and jerking him away.
His look of surprise quickly turned into one of horror as recognition flashed across his miserable face. I recognized him as Sergio’s latest prize possession, an up-and-coming soldier, yet right now, I was ready to reduce him to ash.
“Ty znayesh’, kto ya.” I kept my voice low and inaudible to anyone else.
You know who I am.
“Da, Pakhan.”
Yes, Pakhan.
“Togda ty znayesh’, na chto ya sposoben.”
Then you know what I’m capable of.
He nodded vehemently, his eyes remaining open wide. He suddenly clutched my shirt, twisting the material as if begging me to allow him to live.
No one would die tonight. Unless the fucker touched the woman, my woman again.
“Idi domoy. Seychas zhe. Ona prinadlezhit mne.”
Go home now. She belongs to me.
When I dropped him, he teetered forward, turning toward the stunning woman and whispering words of apology.
As he stumbled toward the exit, she followed him with her eyes. Her mouth was twisted in amusement. Once he was gone, she slowly shifted her heated gaze in my direction.
“I was doing just fine,” she insisted.
“Yes, you were, but men like that usually don’t take no for an answer.”
“Ah, so you were standing by so you could be my hero.”
I chuckled softly. “I assure you that no one would ever consider me a hero.”
No, some would consider me the kind of man nightmares were made of.
She yawned as if the entire situation bored her to death.
I desired to unravel the woman, breaking all her defenses. My cock twitched in full appreciation of the sadistic hunger festering inside.
After waiting for a full minute, I moved a few seats away from where she’d taken up residence, the vantage point allowing me to see both doors leading into the ballroom and the bulk of the guests.
The unknown beauty didn’t bother looking in my direction, her feigned boredom continuing. But I could sense her interest.
And I could smell her desire.
Even given the late hour, she didn’t appear intoxicated. In truth, she appeared as bored as I’d become. The only way she allowed me to know she sensed my presence was by shifting forward in her seat.
With her long, dark hair spiraling in curls to her waist and the makeup that perfectly matched her violet velvet dress, she was a woman of true beauty. And I’d yet to see her eyes. I sat back in my seat, enjoying the view.
She finally took a deep breath, casually glancing over her shoulder.
Seeing her eyes in the light not only drew my complete attention, but that of my cock. They were the color of her dress and the way her long black eyelashes skimmed across the shimmer of her cheeks was breathtaking. She wrinkled her nose as if disliking what she saw.
That amused me more than anything. I was used to snapping my fingers and getting a woman for the night. Not that I’d had either the inclination or the time during the last few months, but the understanding I could have any woman I wanted remained in the back of my mind.
However, lately the girls I’d taken to my bed had also bored me. They were all the same, greedy for power and wealth.
She shifted so her head was turned further away, finally bringing the glass of champagne to her lips. They were voluptuous and my mind shifted to the filthy beast I had inside of me. All men did, but mine was primal in nature. I imagined her succulent lips wrapped around my cockhead with her stunning eyes peering up at me.
I toyed with my drink, running the tip of my finger around the rim creating a humming noise. For some reason, that caught her attention and she allowed me the joy of seeing her entire face. She was the most gorgeous woman I’d laid eyes on in a very long time. If not ever.
“Do you mind not doing that?” she asked. Her tone was haughty, full of annoyance, and the fire in her eyes was a challenge.
I did so love a good challenge.
“Doing what?” I continued the action, eager to see how she’d react. The hum was low, certainly not loud enough for anyone else to hear.
“That.” She pointed toward the glass. I expected to see perfectly manicured nails like every woman in the room had. Hers were short, one nail broken off. When I allowed my gaze to fall to her long fingers, she folded them into a fist.
“This?” I asked as I repeated the action for a few additional seconds.
“Men always need to be top dog. Don’t they?”
“Is that what I’m doing?” I crossed my legs, swirling the glass as my lips upturned in a smile. This was the best entertainment I’d had all night.
“Come now. I’ve been around the block a time or two. You find a woman sitting by herself at a sappy wedding and you figure she’s easy pickings.”
“From what I can tell, nothing with you is easy. A man will need to enrapture the very darkness within your soul.” I found it interesting she hadn’t asked for my name. Maybe she already knew it.
“How profound. I’m curious what you use as pickup lines.”
I was more than intrigued. I was fascinated. She obviously couldn’t care less who I was. That made her even more interesting. “Please, keep going. You must have a magic eight ball. How do you know for certain I’m after more than just a pleasant conversation with a beautiful lady?”
She threw me another much longer look, allowing her heated gaze to fall very slowly to my Italian loafers. When she finally allowed her eyes to settle on mine, there was a moment shared, one that I had no words to describe. More than just a blast of chemistry or kismet. Something entirely carnal.
“You have that useless, bored billionaire appeal that you believe most women find attractive. Expensive suit likely handmade for you by some fabulous old white guy your entire family has used for years. Shoes that likely cost more than rent for my apartment for six months, and if I had to guess, I’d say you have a Maserati waiting for you in the hotel parking lot. Your idea of a date is simply a conquest, a notch on your belt, then you move on, never to see the woman again. How am I doing?”
The mysterious beauty had leaned forward while cutting me down to size. I did the same thing, my reach enough so that we were only inches apart. Heat continued to build between us, creating a fascinating vacuum.
Suddenly, there was no one else in the room.
“Yes, my suit was tailored specifically for me, but I assure you that Margot would prefer not being called an old white guy. My father once told me shoes made the man, much like for a woman. I indulge in the finest leather whenever possible, although there is nothing quite like the feel of a pair of Nikes. And no, it’s not a Maserati, but a Lamborghini. But I will admit I also own a Ferrari as well. All in all, nicely done.”
“If you’re trying to impress me, it’s not working.”
“Ouch,” I said with a smile on my face. Few women were comfortable enough to challenge me. I found it irresistible. “Then I guess I’ll need to try harder.”
“Please don’t. That will bore me to death.”
“Alright. Now, since we have all the pleasantries out of the way, would you consider having a drink with me? Certainly, that’s noncommittal. You might even find it enjoyable.”
“Isn’t that what we’re doing?” After offering a pointed look that could easily set a man on fire, she lifted her glass, taking her time to enjoy a sip of bubbly. I watched her intently as she licked a bead of champagne from the edge of the glass. She was toying with me on purpose.
“This,” I said, waving my hand and meaning the reception, “is not my style.”
“What is your style?”
I leaned even closer, offering a smile as well as providing a sinful opportunity. “May I suggest you take a chance and find out.”
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