Page 6 of Captive

“I have all I need. Thank you.” I kept my tone polite, just longing to get the hell away from him.

His fingers dug into my hip for a few seconds longer. Then he let me go, shifting his gaze toward the professor then to one of theother guys. What the hell? The second asshole hissed under his breath, issuing a few words. I’d know the language anywhere.

Russian.

“On budet vzyat.”

“Go on. You can bring the check,” the largest dude said. There was no slur in his voice, no rowdy tone as before. There was a subtle hint of the same accent as the other man. Then he leaned over, answering the second jerk. “Pakhan reshit.”

I realized they were staring at my professor, all their demeanors changing entirely. While I knew some conversational Russian because of the professor’s class, I wasn’t certain what they were saying. However, I did know they meant Professor Lenkov harm.

Whatever was going on, I wanted no part of it.

Even if I was drawn to Professor Lenkov.

Before I walked away, the largest man also grabbed my arm, pulling me close enough I was sickened by the stench of beer and whatever cigar he’d smoked that remained on his clothing.

“You’d do best to stay away from the Russian, princess. If not, you’re going to get hurt.”

“Who the hell are you?” I dared to ask.

“You don’t want to know and it’s best if little girls don’t ask questions.”

“I’m not a little girl and take your hands off me. He’s my professor, not some criminal like the three of you obviously are.” I managed to yank my arm away, sucking in my breath and immediately taking two steps away from him. That’s whenI noticed the crude marks on his neck. My God, he was in some kind of gang.

“I suggest you heed my warning. You’re only going to get one.”

“Why?” I realized I was trembling.

“Because he’s a killer.”

* * *

There was no way I could keep my distance from my professor. I had to serve him food as well as a second beer.

“Are you all right?” he asked when I brought him his drink.

“I’m fine. They’re just assholes. I get them in here all the time.”

“Stay away from them,” he instructed, his tone gravelly.

“I don’t plan on engaging with them for any reason.”

“Good. But heed my warning.”

There was something entirely unnerving about the way he spoke, the husky tone of his voice that accelerated my pulse. His words were a warning, the realization creating a trickle of fear.

After that, he’d remained quiet, barely saying two words to me, although he left a fifty percent tip. I pocketed the cash, taking the rest to the register then turning to watch him walk out. He’d remained long after closing, constantly scanning the area just outside the windows.

A part of me remained on edge, finding it difficult to function as I normally did. The men from earlier were no doubt dangerous, but Professor Lenkov was something else entirely.

He was a true predator.

The notion was ridiculous but one I couldn’t get out of my mind.

“Why don’t you get out of here,” Becky said quietly as she nudged my arm. “All the customers are gone, the dining room cleaned up. Besides, you’ve had a tough night.”

“No tougher than any other night.” My skin was clammy, my heart racing. I wanted nothing more than to get home and hide under the covers.