Page 62 of Beguiled

“I am many things, Stash, but not a liar. Not with you breaking the kid’s neck for me.” His interruption pissed me off.

“Then we will leave it that you had no idea there was a planned attack,” I gritted out, ensuring he knew I was angry. “The woman from last night.”

“Ah, yes. I heard she witnessed the entire attack.”

“You heard correctly.”

“And I assume you’re dealing with her.”

Dealing with. It was his way of suggesting I eliminate the witness. “I’m handling her. Do not lay a finger on her.”

“Fascinating, my friend. Finally, something cracking your thick armor.”

“You and I both know she was doing someone a favor. She’s not part of this life that we so enjoy living.”

“You mean thriving in.” When I didn’t honor his comment with one of my own, he chuckled again. “You know this girl?”

“I know of her. She is not to be touched. Do you understand me? I’m not budging on this.”

While keeping an eye on the Irish had been a decent excuse, I was growing sour on wasting my time dealing with their antics. However, a close watch would need to be kept on both them and the Armenians.

“Fine, Russian. She will be left safe. I assume she knows when to keep her mouth shut.”

“Of course, but what could she say? She had a hand in saving your life so you should be eternally grateful.”

“Well, then,” he mused. “That’s good to know. You have my word.”

“Let’s hope so, Sean. Don’t cross me on this. If you do, I’ll be on the opposite end of how your life is handled.”

I didn’t wait for his reply. While he’d been in New York his entire life and had a huge network of friends in the upper echelons, he knew what the Bratva was capable of, including destroying his kingdom.

One brick at a time.

Her presence was stronger than before, not only because of what we’d shared but also the scent of our sex painting her skin. I turned to face her, studying her pensive face. “How much did you overhear?”

“Enough to know you bargained for my life.” Saige stood at the end of the hallway as if fearful to come any closer. She had the same robe on as the night before, her long hair framing her face. It was very early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon and in the limited light, her beauty was even more ethereal.

“Would you prefer I toss you to the lions?”

“You know, I can take care of myself.”

The woman was extremely intelligent, enough to know what men like Sean and his men were capable of. Perhaps the shock of the night before had been waylaid based on our carnal activity. I shoved my phone into my trousers and grabbed the jacket from where I’d tossed it last night.

She had her arms folded, the defense mechanism from the night before almost in place. “Who was that?”

“The owner of the club you were at.”

“I assume he’s not just a club owner.”

After yanking on the jacket, I moved closer. At least she didn’t take a step away. “You would assume correctly. He’s a man of power, Saige. That’s all you need to know.”

“Not Bratva.”

While she’d been sleeping, I’d laid awake studying her in her slumber. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d spent the night with a woman. Long enough I’d forgotten how comforting being near a warm body could be.

I’d also realized that in my lust-filled haze, I’d done her a disservice of telling her more about me than she should have learned. No matter what she might be thinking, and I remained uncertain of what that was, she wasn’t cut out to be a part of the Bratva in any capacity.

Cutting ties completely was in our best interest, but I also couldn’t afford to have her slip completely from my fingers. That meant keeping her close enough to maintain an eye on her safety and her behavior.