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“Are you okay? You didn’t even hear me.”
“Oh, yes, fine. I’m sorry, I’m a bit tired.”
“You were doing a lot of running around.”
“It made the night go so quickly. Now a few days off.”
“I thought you were working here full time.”
She rolled her eyes and sighed. “That is Mr. Sokolov’s idea, but I have other responsibilities and commitments.”
He nodded but she got the feeling he thought she was crazy, or perhaps under some misconception that she had control over her life and that just because Ivan Sokolov wants her here full time doesn’t mean she has to do that.
“Annabella, we’ll be set to go in ten minutes.” Denver told her. She nodded.
“Have a good night Dmitri.”
“You too.” He said and then she headed out from behind the bar, over towards the hallway and to the elevators to go upstairs. When she got out on the floor to the office she spotted Quarters standing by an open doorway appearing like he was listening in. She could hear male voices and even Ivan’s. He looked her over.
“Everything okay?” he asked, and she was shocked at the fact he even spoke that many words to her.
“Yes, just grabbing my things.” He nodded and she unlocked the door to the office and headed inside. She grabbed her things, including the small bag she had from the other night that she left here.
****
“What did he say to her?” Ivan asked Lucca and Roman.
“She told us he said nothing.”
He nodded his head and looked at Dante.
“It could be simply that she’s used to handling things herself, and definitely isn’t the type of woman to cause a scene on purpose or to cause friction. She knows you don’t like Maloney and she obviously knows that Maloney doesn’t like you.” Dante said.
“That independence needs to change.” He said very firmly.
“You do realize that Maloney could be doing this on purpose to see your reaction and hers? If what we are gathering is true, and he’s working with Myran Shaw then he could be looking for information. Trying to keep her close and pretend friendship.” Dante added.
“He still wants her in his bed. Even Lucca can vouch for the way the man stares at her body.” Roman said and Ivan narrowed his eyes at him but Roman looked angry even saying that.
“You need to set some rules. She doesn’t know what to do. What is right, who may or may not be trying to trick her or pull something on you. She isn’t used to this world and the only way for her to get used to it is to start setting those rules in motion. It’s either that or you don’t believe this relationship will continue and you are willing to take your time to let things happen. That you aren’t ready to train her to understand, and only you know the answer to that.”
“It’s new Dante. You all know that I have not ever dated anyone.” Ivan said.
“So you’re willing to risk her safety, or at minimum the respect she deserves as a good woman?” Dante added.
“No. Of course not. She is sweet, unknowing to our world. I’ll handle it.” Ivan said.
“In regards to Myran, should the men continue to follow him?”
“Yes, and do an inventory check on that warehouse. I want to know if there are other shipments going through our territory and if so where they are headed and who authorized them.” Ivan told Roman.
“Got it.”
“Mirnon has the SUV ready.” Dante told him. “Let’s get Annabella and go. It’s a bit of a ride back to Rockland.”
As they headed downstairs, Annabella was sitting by the bar with Dmitri and one of the bouncers, Murphy. The moment he got closer she looked up at him and stood from the stool. He didn’t even look at the other men who immediately stepped away. He pressed closer, placed his hand on her hip and she kept her arms at her sides. She stared up at him. He towered over her even in the sexy high heels she wore this evening. She looked and smelled incredible.
“Mr. Sokolov.” She said to him, following his rule about calling him that around other people.
