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“You sent me out of the country to gather information for you, and I’m not stupid enough to not understand you’re trying to get rid of Alexei Popov. After finding out a few things, I have to tell you, that might be the right decision, but why do you want that? Gino made a pact of honor. Why are you trying to go against that? It’s not very Nucci, Nucci.”
“I have a fucking reason, Cristiano. He has something I want.” That was all he needed to know. “What did you find?”
“That mother fucker is holding back on us. Big time.”
I was not surprised Popov was hiding something, but I was interested to find out exactly what.
“Tell me.”
“He told Gino he’s breaking his back to make this deal possible and bring the Russians to the table because they didn’t know if our family was trustworthy when in reality, they were pushing a meeting with us for weeks. I got to a guy who’s second in command to Rmazov Babarin, the Bratva boss who has the cargo we’re chasing, and he was more than grateful you sent a contact over there. Looks like Popov has been actively blocking our communication to ensure he gets a part of the deal and enjoys the perks of being in Gino’s good graces for as long as possible.”
Mother. Fucker. He was trying to play us. He was so desperate to be in on the spotlight and feel like he had big balls, he was risking pissing my father off and getting a bullet in the back of his head.
This was it – this was my answer. Popov’s biggest weakness was his ego and his hunger for power. That was exactly what would help me get Ludmila for myself. If he wanted to be the star, I could allow it.
But he had to give something too – my woman.
Chapter 20
I was back at The Mask. This time it wasn’t a private party, it was just a regular clubbing night, but our guests from Boston came into town with a taste for a good party, so Roman suggested closing the upper level. The night turned out great, friendships were forged, and a lot of fucking booze was gulped down.
At four in the morning the party was still going strong, but I was just watching from the shadows. I mixed a few shots with some prime weed from Vincenzo and like it always happened, that got me into a bit of a situation – my dick was hard. All I could think about was that moment when I saw Ludmila at the bar downstairs for the first time, with her golden dress and incredible body. I was desperate to have her, love her, fuck her, and my frustration was growing by the minute. She was a car ride away, but it was impossible for me to get to her. Not for long, I told myself.
No, not for long. I had a meeting with Popov in three days, and one way or another, Ludmila would sleep in my bed after that. Forever. Seventy-two hours seemed like it would last an eternity. I hated to wait, but waiting was all I’d done ever since I’d met Ludmila. I had to wait to find out who she was, wait to have her again, wait on her fucking husband to stop being a problem. I was done waiting. I had to at least hear her voice tonight or else I might lose my shit and do something stupid.
I was on my way to the exit, gawking at her name on my phone screen, ready to dial as soon as I got to a place where I could hear her, but then a miracle happened. I thought it was one of two options: either I wished for her so hard, Ludmila had no chance but to materialize in front of me, or I was too fucking drunk, and I was imagining she was standing at the club. She was dressed all in black, with Louboutin high heels and a turtleneck dress, and she was looking around for someone around.
I stepped closer and grabbed her elbow.
“Ludmila.”
“Ah, you’re here. They said you’d be here.”
“Who said?”
“I’ve been by your house, and I asked the guys who work security there. I had some time, and I wanted to see you, but I could leave if you want me too.”
“Yes. I mean no. Sorry, my head is a little groggy. Let’s go somewhere quieter.”
I couldn’t miss the playful expression on her face.
“Like the wardrobe.” Damn, I would have loved to have her in that room again.
“I was thinking one of the offices upstairs, but you decide.”
“Your idea sounds better. Lead the way.”
There were four private rooms upstairs, one was a changing room for dancers, one was for the other staff, and two of them were offices, but only one was fully furnished. I found Giovanni and his wife Luna, our managers, looking over some papers when we walked in.
“Enzo, hello.” Luna greeted me with a smile on her face. They were a solid couple and trustworthy, but I would be lying if I said I’d never gotten some signals from her. “Oh, you have company. Can I help you with anything? Is everything ok with your guests?”
“Everything is fine, Luna. Why don’t you two take a break. Go downstairs and grab a drink.” It was anything but a suggestion.
Giovanni got up and nodded.
“Of course, Enzo. Luna, let’s go.”
And they were out before I knew it, leaving me with Ludmila.
