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I am used to wealth, but nothing like the one Mikhail enjoys. He thinks nothing of it apparently, and I wonder if he has any thought of all about money and the struggle many go through in their pursuit of it. He scared me but fascinated me and I wonder about his life, about all their lives, because I never knew people like this really existed.
I add essential oils to the running water and relish the steam heating my weary flesh and as soon as the tub is filled to the brim, I lower myself into the calming water and wallow in luxury until my eyes begin to close, the relaxing aroma of the bath soothing away my fears.
I am safe now, at least I think I am, and the next person through that door will be the man who makes my heart skip a beat and my soul burn.
CHAPTER 61
ADONIS
This is the last place I want to be right now, but we must conclude our business with Mikhail and the Romanos. I already know Apollo is anxious to get to Phoebe, as they have a lot to catch up on.
Lucian pours us all a shot of whiskey and we sit in leather chairs in a den big enough to house a football team. He turns to Mikhail first and raises his glass.
“Did you get what you wanted?”
It surprises me as Mikhail nods, a dark gleam in his eye. “Yes. The information was most interesting.”
Lucian and his brothers exchange a look, and I wonder what they know that I don’t. There is an underlying tension in the room between the four of them and Apollo catches my eye, telling me he feels it too.
Mikhail sets his glass down and says gruffly, “I am in your debt, and you know where I am if I can return the favor.” He turns to Apollo and me. “You have a satisfying outcome to your problem. I wish you well and if I can assist you in any way, you know where I am.”
We stand to shake his hand and it’s like wielding an iron bar. The barest smile touches his lips as he says in his gruff voice, “Melissa is a fine woman. A brave one that you will need to keep in check.”
I nod, knowing full well what he means. I had the same idea myself because Melissa jumped straight into the fire without knowing the consequences and it will be up to me to educate her in the ways of our world.
“Thank you for your assistance. I will return the items of clothing and jewelry.”
He nods and flicks his head toward Lucian. “Lucian will arrange its return. I am sorry to leave, but my jet is waiting.”
He shakes Apollo’s hand, and my brother gives his own thanks and I know words will never be enough for the enigmatic Russian. Our debt to him will be repaid many times over. I already understand that. It’s how it works in our world and as killers for hire, we are always guaranteed work and the next favor will be one he demands.
I watch as he says his goodbyes and leaves without a backward glance, his work here done as he moves onto his next victim, and as the door closes, Lucian laughs softly.
“I will never understand how that man’s mind works and we are good friends.”
Dante grins. “Some say the same about you, Lucian.”
He shrugs and refills our glasses. “Marcos Madeira has already sent his thanks.”
I lean forward as he grins widely. “His brother’s body will be picked up in the morning light and explained as a freak accident. The party will go on as usual and the guests will leave none the wiser. His guards were briefed and made aware that if there is any word to the contrary, their loved ones will suffer the consequences.”
He sighs. “It’s a brutal world we live in, but a rewarding one in many ways.”
Romeo interrupts, “Well, if that’s everything, I want to spend some time with my wife and I’m almost positive Adonis and Apollo have their own interests to pursue.”
A wicked gleam lights Lucian’s eyes and I wonder where his deviant mind is right now and he chuckles softly and whispers in his husky voice, “I couldn’t agree more, brother. I have a sudden urge to do some decorating.”
He stands and the rest of us follow him and as we head up the stairs, my heart pounds faster.
The mere thought of Melissa in the room is causing something strange in my heart, almost as if cracks are appearing and allowing emotion to bleed out. I have always been damaged, but this is something else. It’s a situation I’ve never been in before. Almost nerves and for a man who lives as I do, nerves don’t feature much in it.
Lucian stops by the first room and says to Apollo, “I believe you and Phoebe have this room. You may want to check they put the right woman in the right room, though.” His eyes flash with a dark wickedness and Apollo grins. “Thanks for the tip, along with everything else.”
Apollo turns to me and I’m shocked when he hugs me hard and whispers huskily, “This means everything bro. Thanks for letting me finish what you started.”
“It was your revenge, Apollo, mine didn’t even come close.”
He nods and wastes no time in heading into the room, and Lucian shakes his head. “I would move heaven and hell for Riley. God help the poor fucker who tries to take her from me.”
