Page 66 of Tangled Roses
“There must be something else.”
I am so frustrated because men like Barinov don’t travel to places for a sightseeing tour and I doubt it’s Marsha’s well–worn pussy that lured him here.
“There must be more to this.” I am frustrated and Luka obviously shares it because he exhales sharply. “I have eyes on Roden and Marsha, but so far there is nothing to report. I also have a woman on the plane who will monitor his flight and report anything unusual back to me.”
“A woman?” I raise my eyes and Luka grins.
“I have the power of persuasion and it wasn’t difficult to arrange a ticket for a personal friend of mine who owes me a favor. She has all the necessary visas and was up for a few days in Russia at my expense.”
“And you trust her?”
“Of course. She works for the airline and has been extremely useful to me over the years. I am assured of her loyalty because I treat her well.”
“She is in love with you.” I state the obvious judging by his smug expression and he grins, an arrogant glint in his eye.
“One of many, boss. I can’t help having a pretty face.”
He grins and I roll my eyes because Luka could charm a nun out of her panties. It’s the whole bad boy vibe he has going on and it appears that show a woman a scar and tattoos, their panties disappear as soon as they open their legs. He is the biggest whore in my business, but I can’t fault his methods because he gets shit done and I admire his skills on that.
“I’ll call my brother and he can take up the situation when Nikolai lands. Our job is to keep eyes on Marsha because I don’t fucking trust that woman.”
He nods and leaves me to call my brother and as I place the call, I wish I had something more to give him.
“Arman.”
His deep voice holds all the familiarity of home and for a second, I wish I was there. I’m weary of this shit and just want to pass it over to him and get on with what I know best. Business.
As I fill him in on what I know, he doesn’t interrupt and when I finish, he exhales sharply.
“Adele Heatherington.” He says simply, and I say nothing.
“Ana has been investigating her company, The Rose Foundation. It was set up as a charity and she stood down as CEO when she married her husband.”
I’m aware of her involvement and wait to hear if he knows anything, and he sighs.
“Ana informs me she has passed the day to day running of the organization to a man named James Warner. He operates from Los Angeles, where the company’s headquarters is.”
“Do you want me to check it out with pa’s contacts here?”
I sincerely hope not, because the last thing I need is another visit to one of their fucking parties where it appears the real business is done.
“No.” Titus replies quickly. “I don’t want to alert anyone to our interest in the company. Ana tells me a position has been advertised for an accountant. We are currently arranging her cover story.”
“You’re sending her undercover? For fuck’s sake, Titus, are you sure about this?”
Questioning my brother isn’t the best idea I’ve had, and he snaps, “Have you tried talking our sister out of something she’s got her heart set on?”
It’s a valid argument that makes me smile because Ana is the most ruthless one of all of us. I almost pity my brother in dealing with her because when she has her mind set on something, there is no changing it.
“Good point, but she could be placing herself in danger if they discover who she is.”
“It’s doubtful. We can give her a new identity and a past that stretches back to her delivery in the hospital. She will be disguised and there is no reason why anyone would doubt her identity.”
I run my fingers through my hair and sigh. “Fuck, Titus. I don’t like it.”
“And you think I do.” He growls, “She has two weeks to search, and then I’m pulling her out. Mikhail is arranging protection and a place to stay.”
I feel a little better knowing my bastard brother Mikhail is watching her because he is the best man for the job.