Page 15 of Lord of Passion

"Ricci is getting sloppy," Alexsey says as he joins us. He still has a spool of wire hanging over his shoulder. Handing it to Ivan, Roman's Second, he stretches his arms wide. "It's always a pain to wire that last one on the lower level," he says. "There's always rats. Always, the fucking rats but you really need it to make the building fold in on itself."

"It's a work of art, cousin," I slap his shoulder. "I'm impressed."

"Are you sure this is more satisfying than sleeping with Maybelle?" Roman says with a grin.

"Let's establish some boundaries between us," I say. "From now on, whenever you're thinking of offering me up for Bratva stud services, don't. Do not go there again. I am not your gigolo."

They look at each other, mildly surprised. "Are you seeing someone?" Alexsey asks.

"Impossible," Roman says confidently. "Nikandr is not capable of a long-term relationship."

I raise my brow. "I beg your pardon? You will recall the betting pool we had on you, Roman. That you'd never get married until you were sixty and your parents forced you into it?"

"Yeah, and look at me now," he says happily. "In love with all things Violet, and just surprised about it as you are."

Alexsey shrugs. "He's right, man. When you find The One… or The One is thrown into your arms or given to you as a gift-"

"Yeah, that move from Krasniqi, that was really in bad taste, poor Liria," Roman commiserated. "But when that moment comes, you will happily give up your single status."

"Since there is no woman who can tolerate you after the realization that all you'll ever offer them is a good time and a polite 'thank you,' we didn't think you were giving up on random sex with hot women." Alexsey says, shaking his head sadly, making me want to punch him in the throat.

"We did not expect that from you," Roman nods.

"Well, then I'm happy I could disappoint you," I say dryly. "In any case, I'm taking this asshole back to Gordi's."

"Wait!" Alexsey says. "Aren't you going to stay and watch us light it up?"

"You know I love watching a well-deserved target detonated back down to its component parts," I agree. "However, right now, I need information more than personal satisfaction. I'll just have to enjoy it from afar."

As it happens, there is no time to fully appreciate the art and craftsmanship that went into demolishing Ricci's building. Really, the city of New York should put us on the payroll for getting rid of unsightly structures.

We're about half a mile away and I check my watch, waiting for the timed detonation. As we turn another corner, I see her, Caroline.

She's above us, racing gracefully across the metal roof of the outdoor farmer's market that runs through most of this block. Is she running from an abduction attempt, or is someone chasing her, wanting to hurt her?

Stopping for a moment, breathing heavily, she looks behind her. She's in running shoes and workout gear. Is this woman self-destructive enough to be taking a goddamn run in the middle of the night in New York City? What the fuck? If that's the case, why is she running on the roof instead of the sidewalk? She must be in danger.

"Stop the car." I lean forward, watching her progress. She's moving fast.

"Sir?" My driver asks.

"Stay here." I'm out of the car and racing silently down the sidewalk, Caroline’s footsteps thudding over my head on themetal roof. The canvas awning bounces, sags, and she executes a roll off of it and lands lightly on her feet.

I don't want her scream to alert whoever's chasing her, so I put my hand over her mouth and haul her into the darkness of the empty market stalls. Her skin is hot from running and I can feel the pulse racing in her throat. She's tight against me, shocked only for a second before she starts thrashing and kicking. I narrowly avoid a broken nose when her head slams back.

"Mmmmmfh!"

Her teeth sink into my hand and I sigh. That bite's going to need surgical glue to pull the ragged edges back together.

Wrapping my arm tighter around her waist, I enjoy the feel of her writhing against me for a moment. Does she move like this when she's in bed?

"It's me! It's Nikandr."

She freezes stiff and I let her go. "If someone is chasing you, they're talented because I can't see or hear anyone."

Just then, at 2 am sharp, Ricci's safe house goes up in a massive ball of flame. We can see it from here, a half a mile away in perfect detail.

It's beautiful.