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“I majored in business and marketing, minored in advertising, and have my MBA.”
She took a sip from her wine glass and Yolkov nodded his head. “Very impressive. Why work as a manager at a club like this?”
“I worked similar jobs through college and after. I learned to do every aspect of the business and hope to one day have my own place.”
Ivan found the information interesting.
“So why not work a better job and then get the money to make it happen faster?”
“I still have a lot to learn. To be honest I haven’t decided where I want to open a place, or what type of place exactly. What better way to learn all the aspects and figure out my ultimate plan then by actually doing the work required to open up my own place one day. This is great experience and it isn’t like I’m going to meet someone who is going to hand one over to me. If it’s meant to be then it will happen.” She said and took another sip of wine and then turned to look toward the bar and the front entryway. “Excuse me gentlemen, but I’m needed elsewhere. I appreciate the glass of wine and the little break. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” She said and stood up.
“You as well.” Yolkov said.
Ivan watched her walk away and then saw Lucca meet her, wrap his arm around her waist and escort her toward the hallway. Dante cleared his throat then nodded toward the right and Ivan saw Ched Maloney and Aiden.
“Sweet. Is Griska making a move on her, or has Lucca beat him to her?” Yolkov asked then took another sip of wine.
Ivan looked at Yolkov. “She’s off limits. Leave it at that.” Ivan said and then nodded toward Dante to go follow her and Lucca as Ched Maloney and Aiden approached instead of going to his table that Mel was escorting them to. He bowed as he stood next to them.
“Rustin, Ivan, so nice to see you here.”
Yolkov nodded in greeting and Ivan stared at him. “What brings you here tonight? Business or pleasure?” Yolkov asked when Ivan didn’t say a word. He had the urge to take the man by his throat and warn him to stay clear of Annabella and also to quit trying to fuck around behind the family’s back or there would be hell to pay. He had to keep his cool and he was good at that, until he thought about Annabella’s bruised wrist.
“A little of both. Looking for Annabella. She’s quite special.” Ched told Yolkov.
“Indeed she is, and she’s around here somewhere I think. You hoping to get her to serve you this evening?” Yolkov asked, emphasizing the words “serve you”.
Maloney chuckled. “She needs looking after.”
“Well that job may be taken all ready. Hear she’s involved with someone.” Yolkov said and Ivan stood up.
“If you’ll excuse me Yolkov, I have something to attend to. I’ll be back.”
“Involved with who?” Ivan heard Maloney ask.
“Not sure, but stay clear of her.” Yolkov warned and Maloney walked away.
Ivan locked gazes with Dante.
“Upstairs.” Dante whispered and Ivan headed toward the elevator.
****
“Lucca, I’ll handle it. What could he possibly try to do here?”
“You don’t know him or what he’s capable of. Look at your wrist?” She rubbed it and remembered Ivan caressing it. She couldn’t even look at him. For the oddest reason she felt guilty or like he would be so angry and she didn’t want a scene. She just wanted to do her job.
“I have a job to do.”
“Just stay up here for a little while and then keep behind the bar.”
“Great, Dmitri will love that.”
“He’ll get over it. Stay here for a little while at least. Let Maloney settle in. I’ll send over some women to keep his attention off of looking for you.” She shook her head and huffed a sigh. “It will be fine.” She said.
He growled low as if frustrated with her response, and then turned around and left the room. She heard the office door close and she released and uneasy breath. She thought about Vincent’s offer of a job at his club. Maybe she should consider it and break up the time spent here at Gables. She would be so busy working, that she would remain on guard at all times.
Annabella walked over towards the window and looked out at the city street below. From here she could see the line outside of the club, people getting dropped off, and others crossing the street to another bar, less upscale but crowded. She looked at her wrist and thought about the other night. Would Ched actually try to force her to be with him? Men didn’t do that, did they? Well she wasn’t going to allow that or accept it. She heard the door open and then close. Lucca was so sweet and truly concerned for her. He was keeping an eye out for her. She turned toward the doorway and there stood Ivan Sokolov. She gasped.
