Page 36 of Lord of Vice
“Anything you select for me will be fine.”
“Doesn’t the great Kraven allow you to make choices on your own? And I see you as a robust man.” I chose a dark blend, selecting a chocolate-raspberry for me. “Cream? Sugar?”
“Just cream and you didn’t need to go to all this trouble.”
“You didn’t answer my question.” After placing a mug under the nozzle, a pod into the holder and hitting go, I searched for more mugs, finding them on my third try.
“Mr. Sokolov is very generous, some would say to a fault. He’s personable, giving, fair in his payment and benefits. I can’t complain. I’d be on the streets in Moscow if it wasn’t for him.”
I wasn’t certain if that’s what I’d expected to hear. “That’s why your accent is so pronounced.”
“Yes, ma’am.” When I gave him a look, he laughed. Even his face turned red, which was endearing. “I mean Penny.”
“I can’t be much younger than you.” I poured in some cream, sliding the mug across the counter. “How did you come to the States?”
“I was begging for money and Kraven was there. He asked me questions, finding out my two brothers had been killed in the war, our house bombed with everything in it and the next thing I knew, I was on a plane to the States. He required me to learn English, providing me with schooling and sponsorship so I can stay legally.”
“Wow. Why would he do that?” I added my pod, turning to face him. I was fascinated by seeing the man I remained completely uncertain of through another man’s eyes.
He took the mug, breathing in the aroma. “I honestly don’t know but I’m forever grateful and loyal.”
“I can imagine.”
“Would you mind if I removed my jacket? I don’t want to insult you.”
I glanced down at my shorts and tee shirt, throwing out my arms. “Do I look like a formal gal to you?”
“No, ma’am. I mean Penny. You look like someone Kraven has been waiting his entire life to find. Maybe you can soothe his heartache.” He didn’t realize what he’d said as he placed his mug back on the counter, slowly taking off his suit jacket. That’s when I noticed the shoulder holster, the snap undone. He could shoot at a moment’s notice.
Now I wasn’t just uncertain.
I was also terrified.
CHAPTER 13
Kraven
“Wow, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?” Konstantin asked as he barreled his way into my office.
“Some.” Hell, maybe I dozed off but that was about it. I’d sat in the chair, drinking cognac and watching Penny sleep. After getting over the initial desire to taste every inch of her before fucking her like a wild animal, my mind had shifted to memories, ones I shouldn’t have allowed myself to have. While Penny didn’t look anything like the only woman I’d ever cared about, she had the same spunk, the same verve for life.
And the same laugh.
Penny also refused to bow down to my antics or my supposed authority, which was exactly the way Katarina had behaved.
It was unnerving since I’d lost my sweet love years before. So much had changed since then that I could no longer remember the boy it felt like I’d been then. Jesus.
Which of course wasn’t true. Not only had I been born older but with Vissarian in my care, I hadn’t been allowed to act like the playboy of the western world.
“Well, you look like hell. Maybe we should clear your schedule.”
I glanced at my counselor, gritting my teeth. “You know I can’t. David must be found and I have a bad feeling whoever Sheldon is friends with is planning on doing everything he can to bring down my empire.” I was hopeful by now Breck had gone crying to Daddy, which could mean I’d hear from Sheldon soon. Or the powerful politician would ignore what happened, giving into his fear of the South American dude.
That troubled me almost as much as everything else.
“Why now? I don’t get it.”
“Yeah, well, real estate on the strip is quickly disappearing, the majority of old hotels torn down, replaced with magical theme park-style resorts.”