Page 38 of Tangled Roses

As I finish my workout, the sweat still dripping from my body, Luka heads in, looking as immaculate as always.

He hands me a towel and a bottle of water and sits astride one of the benches.

I chug down the water and wrap the towel around my neck and say bluntly, “Arrange a meeting with Marsha Steele. Make it ten am in my office.”

He nods and waits for my next instruction.

“Any news on Barinov?”

“He spent yesterday visiting tourist attractions. Alone.”

I raise my eyes and he smirks.

“He spent the night with Marsha Steele.”

“And?”

“They fucked. For hours and it didn’t sound gentle.”

He smirks. “Sadistic bastard. She seemed to like it, though.”

“Spare me the details.” I roll my eyes, knowing that Luka enjoys weird shit like that just as much as Barinov.

“I wonder what his reason is for being here and don’t tell me it’s to hook up with an old flame and see the sights.”

“He made a call.”

Luka grabs my attention and his eyes gleam as he says slowly, “Roden Demain.”

I raise my eyes. “And what did they speak about?”

“They arranged a meeting at Roden’s sex club this morning.”

I’m surprised because why would a man like Nikolai associate with low life scum like Roden? A man who is at the top of the cops wish list and yet somehow always manages to come up smelling of roses.

“That will be an interesting meeting.”

Luka nods. “I have someone already working on surveillance.”

I’m impressed as always because Luka never misses a beat. Sometimes, I think he would prefer to work for my brother Mikhail. That life suits his skills because Mikhail operates the security end of our business. I take care of the money, and yet Luka appears to thrive on big business. He smooths my path and gives me ears and eyes on my adversaries and any potential targets, and I couldn’t do it without him. He is exceptionally skilled at what he does, and I am impressed.

“Keep me informed.”

He nods and I chuck my towel in the laundry chute and sigh.

“I’ll change and grab some breakfast. Meet me in one hour.”

I leave him sitting there and as I head to the shower, it is with my mind solely focused on business.

CHAPTER 23

ELLIE

Icouldn’t sleep and now I look as if I’ve been punched in both eyes.

I groan as I attempt to disguise them with the fresh box of make-up that was in the vanity drawer.

In fact, there is a fresh set of everything. Skincare, lotions, lingerie—in my size—and an outfit that makes me drool.