Page 31 of Niko's Printsessa

Art snorts, “Your latest targets.”

I prop my leg on the chair and smirk. If Niko walked in right now I would be in so much trouble. I’m wearing another pairof cotton shorts and a cropped camisole. Not because I want to entice anyone but because it’s comfortable. Besides, when Niko tells me not to do something, I’m literally going to do it. I'm not the kind of girl who has drawers of pjs and nighties. I like my shorts and tank tops, and I don't see what the problem is.

I have nothing to worry about. These men are more like my uncles. Some, like Max, worked for Boris, but after Andrei killed his father, many, including Max, Art and Rurik, happily fell in line to serve Andrei.

I grin at my pile of money. This isn’t the first time I’ve played poker with them and I’ve long figured out their tells. Rurik’s cheek ticks when he’s bluffing, and he wipes his left palm on his jeans when he has a hot hand. Artie sniffs when he’s bluffing, and when he’s holding a winning hand he furrows his eyebrows, wanting his opponents to think the opposite.

Thankfully, Uncle Max is a worthy opponent, otherwise I’d be bored out of my mind. Rich but bored.

Max bets and Rurik calls. My hand is shit so I immediately fold and sip my vodka as Max takes Rurik’s money. They talk smack to each other in Russian and I laugh, but my mind is elsewhere.

Niko.

The dirty words he said to me have been on repeat in my head non-stop, and each time I think about it I grow wetter.

When I joked that he was suddenly interested in me, he looked at me like I had two heads. I’m usually good at reading people and up until today, Niko hasn’t shown any sign of interest. He’s an overprotective brut who thinks I’m a dimwit with no passions other than shopping, drinking and dancing. He always looks at mewith indignation.

I still hope he’s safe tonight. They all think they’re bulletproof, but anything can happen. Even an idiot with a shit shot can hit a target once.

I managed to ignore him after our incident, and I lost myself in my painting. Deep down I’m touched he had Tali bring my art supplies, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to thank him.

After Max and friends showed up, he left, satisfied that I wouldn’t escape tonight. I showered and ate, and then I wandered around the house until I found the basement. There’s a theatre room, and a bar with a pool table, but the poker table is what caught my attention.

My phone buzzes with a text from Kira. It’s a picture of her and Trish with two random guys, and they’re taking shots while strobe lights flash behind them.

Her text sayslook what you’re missing. Where are you?

I had family obligations.

Dinner should be over by now.

I didn’t go.

Where are you?

Not with you.

Funny. Come out!

Next time.

You owe me bottle service for ditching us!

Done.

Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow. At R.L. We can sit on the patio and let all the peons see our beautiful faces. I’ll pick you up.

Can’t. The new tasting room is priority.

Fuck priorities!

LOL

Seriously, where are you? Got a hot date?

You know I don’t.

Trisha just said you have a date with a vibrator.