Page 53 of Crimson Love

Thank goodness he just shakes his head before moving back to the conversation at hand. “We’ll get to that later. Back to Petrov. He’s being investigated by the CIA, the FBI, the DEA, and a private group I’m not at liberty to tell you about. Let’s just say he’s diverse in his illegal activities. The big three are sharing information, which doesn’t always happen. My contact at the CIA shared what information they have on Petrov. What they do not have is an eyewitness like yourself. How much are you willing to cooperate?”

My palm starts to sweat in Jett’s hand. “How would I need to cooperate?”

Devon leans forward and settles his gaze on me. “I don’t blame you for being nervous. I’d never put you in a situation that would put you at risk in any way. Not only because you’re one of my best employees, but because you’ve been through enough rubbish to last a lifetime. My goal, and I can tell it might be his too,” Devon lifts his chin to motion to Jett, “is to keep you in Winslet where you can live safely and freely for as long as you want to. Some of the people I want to put you in touch with are my family. When my sister hears what you’ve been through, I wouldn’t put it past Bella to fly over here and take Petrov out herself. Don’t even get me started on my brother-in-law. He’ll go ape shit—in a good way for you, of course.”

I cringe at the thought of anyone going ape shit. “I don’t want anyone going through anything for me.”

Jett’s thumb swipes back and forth across my hand as he tries to calm me. “It’s too late. Where’s your cell?”

I dig through my purse and pull it out. I haven’t turned it on since I received the text message that made me throw up instantly. “It’s still off.”

Jett powers it on. “If he hasn’t contacted you, we’re going to invite him to dinner. I’ll be right there with you.”

Devon opens his laptop and starts tapping away. “And I won’t be far. This guy has a new kidney and needs backup no matter what he says.”

“I’ll manage,” Jett mutters.

I ignore them both. “I don’t like this. But I am curious to see if he’s contacted me again.”

After a few moments, I log in. Messages file in one after the other.

Felicity asking about dinner tomorrow night.

Blake demanding to know when I hooked up with Jett.

Someone from housekeeping called in sick, someone from laundry wants to move their days off, and the front desk clerk was trying to get hold of me since my uncle is here for a surprise visit.

And then there’s Andrei. There’s no text this time, just a voicemail.

I don’t bother listening to it, but I do skim the transcript until I can’t take it anymore. It doesn’t matter that I haven’t eaten today. My stomach churns.

“Oh, he reached out,” I mutter.

Jett grabs the cell from me and presses play.

Andrei is Russian and well-educated. His perfect English is laced through his deep accent.

“You little bitch. I treated you with respect all these years when I could’ve whored you out for top dollar. I kept my word, and you turned on me. You killed Vlad. You ran away. I might’ve let you go if that’s all you did. But you broke into my safe and stole from me. I will never stop hunting you. I’ll find you if it’s the last thing I do. Let me say that again, so it’s engrained in your soul. It doesn’t matter where you go, I’ll be right on your fine, fine ass. You know I have the means to do so. Run to the edge of the world for all I care. You’ll never live a peaceful life. I’ll catch up eventually, and when I get my fortunes back, you will pay. What I threatened you with all those years ago is nothing compared to what you’ll endure for stealing from me. That’s what you can look forward to, Lennon. And I’ll make sure you stay alive for years. You won’t even get a fucking drop of drugs to mask the pain I’ve got in store for you. Call me—”

I dropped my head into my hands before the message cut him off. It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been away. The sound of him losing control is familiar. I’ve seen him torture and kill people during the years of hell on that boat.

His threats are not empty.

Jett tosses the cell to the desk and wraps his arms around me. “Baby, that’s never going to happen. I won’t allow it.”

“We won’t allow it,” Devon echoes.

Jett pries my hands from my face and pulls me onto his lap, holding me tightly to his chest. I didn’t realize I was trembling until his solid body wraps me up.

He whispers into the hair at the side of my head. “I’m sorry.”

Devon clears his throat, but I only hear him since my face is tucked tight against Jett’s neck. “I’m going to step out and call Harlow. I’ll give you two a few minutes.”

The heavy door clicks shut, and I’m left in silence with the man who’s becoming less and less of a stranger by the moment.

Jett presses his lips to the side of my head and speaks low. “Ignore what Petrov said. None of that will happen. I’ll make sure of it.”

Tears leak from my eyes. “He’s desperate. I’m afraid of what he’ll do when he’s like that. He’s ruthless, Jett.”