Page 42 of Beguiled

She was more nervous than before, her fingers white knuckled while holding the strap on her purse. Yet she’d returned. Without me chasing her.

Not only was that a pleasant surprise, but it told me both about her resolve and the very strange connection we shared. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why, but now that I knew the card girl was Saige, the thought of all those men pawing her angered me. They’d put their dirty hands on her, shoving her garters full of money.

I could break their fingers for even thinking about touching her.

As far as the other bastards who’d dared lay a finger on her whether on purpose or otherwise.Oni zaplatyat tsenu, prichitayushchuyusya Volku.

They’d pay the price owed to the wolf.

How fascinating that she’d used the term along with predator. After coming into my own as an Enforcer, I’d heard that said about my personality more than once. I actually liked thesentiment. I certainly had more of a killer nature than anyone had originally believed.

The Chertov bloodline.Thanks a lot, Pops.

Even now, as she sat down, I was still embroiled in visions of tearing the men apart limb from limb.

Saige reached for her wine, now staring me in the eyes.

“You returned,” I told her.

“Did you have any doubt?”

“Yes, I did. As a matter of fact, you passed a test.” I swirled the liquid in my glass, curious as to her response.

Her laugh almost had a bitter sound to it. “You’re always testing me. While it’s obvious you don’t know New York very well, I have a feeling you’re the kind of man who’d use any method available to hunt me down.”

“Like a wolf.”

That bought me a smile. “Very much like a wolf.”

“You’d be right. Is there another reason you didn’t run?”

“If you’re thinking I’m afraid of your punishment, that’s not it. Unless the discipline you have in mind includes firing me. I need my job. And I assure you that it has nothing to do with how much I enjoy working with you.”

An admittance she didn’t like making. Most women in this situation, and a good number of men I knew, would have done everything to leave. Some would have gone to the police while others went into hiding. But not this girl. With her spunk continuing, I could tell she would be just fine.

She was insanely beautiful, although I hated the makeup hiding her subtle features. My coat, which looked damn good on her, was still tightly wrapped around her body, but I’d seen enough that I didn’t want a single other man looking at her.

Wanting her.

I forced myself to look away for fear of saying something I’d regret at this point.

“Your job is safe, Saige. Although the rule is that you will not return to the club and we won’t talk about this again.”

“And no police?” After asking the question, her eyes opened wide expecting anger.

“And no police.”

“Okay. You’re going to trust me enough to keep your secret?”

“What secret is that? I assure you that as of right now, there is no evidence to indicate anything happened at that club but a typical MMA fight. As far as the man who attacked you, whoever he’s working for considers him and his buddies expendable.”

“That’s the way of your business and theirs.”

I lifted my glass in appreciation. “Exactly. There’s nothing for you to tell anyone about. Unless you want your friends to learn about what you witnessed tonight.”

He had my loyalty on a silver platter. “You know I don’t.”

“Good. There’s one last thing. You are not to tell your friend who usually works at the club what happened as well. Can you keep that from her?” I could tell she wasn’t certain that was possible.