Page 11 of The Brigadier
“Yes, I have.”
The awkward moment that settled in was fueled with high energy, electricity that could light up the city, and hunger.
It was a highly dangerous combination.
Fortunately, and I couldn’t believe I was thinking something so sinful, my mother popped out. “There you are. Nikolay. I didn’t see you come in.” She raced to him, throwing her arms around his neck. “You are a sight for sore eyes. Did you say hello to your brother?”
He chuckled. “The man was embroiled in a conversation. I know how important this trip is.”
“Yes, well, he’s a bit strung out. Anyway, you’re seated across from him and right next to Chantel for dinner. We can reacquaint ourselves after far too much time. I need to convince you to come see us in Beverly Hills. Come on. You know Vissarian doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
She trotted off and both Uncle Nikolay and I looked at each other.
In my mind, far too longingly. Although I could just be a young and very inexperienced girl doing wishful thinking.
But hey, a girl could fantasize. Right? Taboo or not.
I’d just fucked the one man I could never have.
CHAPTER 5
Nikolay
What the fuck?
Among the score of mistresses and eye candy at the party, I’d managed to fuck Vissarian’s daughter. No, she wasn’t blood. I had to keep reminding myself of that. However, the forbidden aspect had lurked in the background of my mind for fucking hours. I’d never done anything so impetuous in my life.
I scrubbed my jaw and remained tense.
Reminding myself she was a beautiful adult and nothing else had been a mantra of sorts but it hadn’t soothed the beast inside.
The single taste hadn’t been enough.
What did that make me?
Oh, yes. A beast.
“It’s just a rumor at this point but to hear from two sources that someone significant is attempting to weasel their way into ourbusinesses using underhanded methods pisses me off.” Vadim was hot under the collar.
I was yanked out of my private horror show.
“Yeah, and those sources are credible too. I’ve double checked with our accountant, our bankers, and all the heads of the various departments. Nothing is askew yet,” Aleksander Semenov stated. He was the Councilor, the regime attorney, and also held half interest in the most well-respected and sought after law firm in all of New York.
Another moment of awkward silence. Just like the one I’d had with Chantel.
“Earth to Nik. Are you with us?” Vadim’s voice finally pounded in my brain.
“Yeah. With you. Someone weaseling into our businesses.” Christ. I had to concentrate.
Vadim chuckled. “Correct.”
“Wow. He is out of it,” Aleksander said.
He’d taken a leave of absence to concentrate on Bratva business and I was daydreaming.
Concentrate.
I managed to shove her out of my mind, putting all my thoughts into the conversation. I admired Aleks as much as I did Vadim, the Pakhan easy to respect.