His words were cathartic. “A fascinating analogy of two species. However, you are wrong about one aspect.” I polished off the remainder of the vodka, twirling the glass in my fingers as I slowly brought it toward the table.
“How so?” He was genuinely curious.
“I have no intention of allowing any treacherous prey to survive.” When I slammed the glass onto the table, the force shattered the crystal into dozens of pieces.
And in the next few seconds, the two of us burst into laughter.
CHAPTER 6
Kirill
A wolf.
A natural born predator.
Even after days of being in New York, I continued to think about Dimitri’s comment. While I was considered a silent killer, often stalking my prey for days or even weeks at a time, right now the term vampire seemed more appropriate.
The last two nights had been all but sleepless, which was why I’d given up tonight, preferring to do some work that included checking the perimeter of the building without as much interference. The complex of buildings took up an entire block, which allowed for a brisk walk and a few interesting performances.
Pictures had been taken, a report already written and emails sent to the two formal owners, Kazimir and Dimitri. All very professional and legitimate.
But not anything with regard to why I was parked in New York instead of enjoying time in my man cave at my house in Moscow.
I’d even done some research into the oil and gas market, yet I’d gone no further than to feed my curiosity. With only a cursory glimpse in the Irish mob and with nothing standing out, I obviously wasn’t committed to the idea. Why? Because I loathed the idea of an arranged marriage. Maybe I was a new-fangled guy. At least I could laugh at myself.
As I walked into the hotel lobby bar, I yanked off my jacket, tossing it over my shoulder. No longer was I surprised at the number of people enjoying lively conversations over full bottles of wine and wide glasses of cognac. New York remained active almost all night long, bars often open until four.
This location remained open all night long, shifting to a coffee bar at four in the morning. Coffee, I didn’t need. Fake relaxation was a must. As I passed by the bar, the bartender immediately headed to where I was standing. “Mr. Aristov. What can I get you?”
True to Dimitri’s promise, I’d been allowed carte blanche on everything from use of an armored SUV and driver to a suite equipped with the finest liquors and coffees, as well as room service that would rival any five-star restaurant. In addition, with a single phone call, I’d had a designer and his staff in my room providing an entirely new wardrobe and making needed adjustments.
A man could get used to the service provided. I’d given what I’d seen in Chateau Elegance an A+, which Kazimir had been happy to hear.
He’d settled in Fiji, which was an interesting choice, but he loved warmer weather. Sasha adored the ocean. So did I, which was why when feeling the sprinkles as I’d walked the block, I’d become annoyed. A chilly rain wouldn’t be good for my dark mood.
Heading into the bar was all about people watching. With no indication that anyone was paying real attention to my arrival, and the lack of any strange people at the hotel, my radar needed honing.
“Dalmore, Mark,” I told the bartender. While most men with distinguished tastes gravitated toward Macallan, I wasn’t most men. Hell, I was true beast, a wolf. Too bad I wasn’t a shifter.
“Excellent,” the older man said. “I’ll bring it to your table.”
“Thank you,” I said, starting to turn away. “Oh, and… How about some of those beer nuts?” I grinned since the combination was ridiculous.
“Absolutely, sir.”
My laugh was easier as I moved through the light crowd, finding a table near the smoked glass window overlooking the busy street. A perfect perch to study the crazies that had kept me interested. You could definitely see it all in New York.
The few days had been less than informative, but I was still hopeful after the few calculated inquiries I’d made with several of Dimitri’s trusted informants that the Ghost would realize the hunt was on.
After tossing my jacket on the chair across the table, I rolled up my sleeves before easing into the chair, settling into the soft leather and trying to relax. That was more difficult than I’dexpected. Not only for the obvious reasons of being on the hunt, but also since my thoughts had constantly drifted away from the mission at hand.
To Vivian.
The woman had left a mark on my soul, even though there were those who could argue I didn’t have a soul.
“Here you are, Mr. Aristov. If you need anything else, let me know. Just so you are aware, there was someone asking about you earlier.”
“Someone?” I slowly lifted my gaze, studying his eyes. Whoever had approached him hadn’t raised any red flags. Plus, he had no knowledge of the Ghost. The fewer who knew the better.
