Page 43 of Maxim
Money is the most likely explanation for his reticence, but something tells me there’s more going on.
“I hear you went on a date this evening,” Sasha says when I tune back in.
That fucker Artem must have said something. “And?”
Sasha laughs loudly. “I take it you didn’t get laid then if you’re this grouchy.”
“I did and she’s asleep in my bed, you prick.” Not sure why I’m being so defensive, but whatever.
“Ohh I see.” He chuckles. “Well I hope you know what you’re doing.”
My hackles rise at his insinuation I’m making a grave error in judgment. “Meaning what exactly, Aleksander?” It’s meant as a rebuke, as he knows damn well I only use his given name when he pisses me off.
There’s a long-suffering sigh. “I mean she’s a journalist investigating the mayor, who could at any moment discover your connection to that piece of shit. As you well know.”
Yes, I do know. “Why don’t you let me worry about that, eh?” I snipe.
I know he has my best interests at heart. He is my second, after all, and it’s in his job description to warn me when I’m potentially fucking up. Doesn’t stop it from pissing me off.
The sensible thing would be to say goodbye to Natalya in the morning and never contact her again. That’s what I normally do. That’s what I should do.
But I can’t do it. My mind is made up. Now that I’ve had her, I want more. Sasha can go fuck himself. I’m the pakhan, not him. Natalya has no idea who I am and that’s how it will stay until I am sure I can trust her.
Or I get bored of her.
Whichever comes first.
“I’m concerned that now she’s on the mayor’s radar, he’ll realize her connection to you.” As always, Sasha makes a good point.
“All the more reason to keep her around. If the attempt to frighten her the other night was on the mayor’s orders, she’s in more danger than she realizes.”
“Yes, which makes me wonder how much she’s dug up. We both know who the mayor is schmoozing with, and why. Uriov won’t stop at paying some street thugs to rough her up. If he thinks he’s under investigation, he’ll call in one of his guys to make sure she disappears. If you’re serious about this woman, then she needs protection.”
“What makes you think I’m serious?” I scoff.
“Because you never take women to your apartment and you sure as fuck never let them sleep in your bed three fucking times, that’s why.”
There are times when I hate Sasha. He knows me better than anyone. The fucker.
“Why don’t you concentrate on figuring out who hacked your impenetrable system while I worry about my love life, eh?” If he wasn’t like a brother to me, I’d fucking shoot him for being so disrespectful. Nobody else gets away with the shit he does.
“Sure, I’ll do that,” he snorts before hanging up.
I leave my phone in the kitchen and head back to bed where my angel is waiting for me, still fast asleep.
She stirs but doesn’t wake when I wrap my body around hers. For the first time in ages, I feel at peace with the world.
Chapter thirty-one
Nat
It takes me a moment to remember where I am when I wake. Then it all comes back to me with startling clarity. The restaurant bathroom… Max’s apartment… Oh god.
For a moment, I keep my eyes squeezed shut, in the hope that it will make all this go away. Perhaps last night was a dream. A sexy one, for sure, but just a product of my overactive, libidinous imagination.
It’s been a while, after all.
Then I move and Max grumbles in my ear. He’s wrapped around me like a blanket, emanating so much heat it’s a wonder I haven’t gone up in flames. How I managed to sleep so well is a mystery, as I usually hate being too hot in bed.