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“Ivan, I am not going to be the type of woman that goes running to her boyfriend, lover, or whatever, and tries to get him jealous because another man hits on me, or flirts. It’s sophomoric and a waste of time and will just cause a wedge in our relationship and add a feeling of distrust that has no place between us. Now I mean no disrespect when I say this, but can we please stop wasting time talking about that asshole Maloney, and perhaps you could just hold me in your arms because I missed you all evening even though you were right there.” She stated.
Dante and Roman chuckled and Ivan lifted her up onto his lap, cupped her cheek and neck and stared down into her eyes. “You need discipline.” He covered her mouth and kissed her.
It became difficult to not do further exploring, but they had an audience and as he released her lips he held her against his chest on his lap and she finally felt at peace and could exhale, putting the conversation with Ched Maloney behind them.
Chapter Twelve
“The time is drawing near. We need to do something more dramatic, more upsetting to Ivan. Marcollies is close to him, and being that he too, is one of the heads of the families, knocking him down a few notches or even taking him out, could open up other opportunities.” Ched Maloney said to Aiden
Aiden shook his head. “You take out a main man like Marcollies, then you’re as good as dead. You’re just pissed off right now and losing your focus because you want Annabella in your bed, as do half the fucking guys who lay eyes on her. Listen to Lanka’s directions and keep an open mind at his ideas.”
“Well obviously she’s fucking special. Lanka saw her, so did Myran Shaw, and they realize she could be of great value. He’s going to be at the gala, and he said he’s meeting with Ivan about the contract for deals in his territory. Lanka is up to something and Cassandra is smack in the middle of that. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was double crossing Ivan. You know she tried to put her claws in him. Wasn’t too happy about him paying attention to Annabella either.”
“Now that’s an ass I’d like to tap.” Ched chuckled.
“She is out of your league man. Only blows where money and power stands, and nothing lower.”
“Hmm, I wonder if there’s some kind of double deal happening with her and Lanka then, because I saw them together with Myran Shaw and they looked chummy.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. Lanka and Myran Shaw don’t like Ivan any more than we do. They feel like his power is too strong and he’s dominating every business avenue, with a hand in the action. Somehow though, Cassandra got a deal between Ivan and Lanka on the table and Ivan will be given control of small piece of territory. Not a big deal in the larger picture, but another opportunity to build a small army against Ivan right under his nose.”
“Well maybe you need to meet with Lanka again and get in on that action? I bet he would help with some of these operations. Maybe he’s already doing some things on the side with Myran? He knows our plans to hit the warehouse during the gala event. No one will expect anything then.” Aiden said.
“Lanka gave the okay. When he gets into a higher position in the family, he’ll bring us up, and we’ll gain more respect and more power. Eventually Ivan will be destroyed and taken out.”
“And your plans for Annabella?” Aiden asked. Ched smirked. “If all goes well, she’ll be mine soon enough.”
****
Annabella finished drying her hair and walked into the bedroom. The widows were ajar, the sun was shining through them, and there was a perfect view of the Hudson River and even the city skyline. Two new outfits sat on the King size bed that was already made an adorned with fluffy burgundy and brown pillows. The bed had been a dream to sleep in, just like the one Ivan had in the penthouse.
She looked at the workout set that coordinated together nicely. A green sports bra, matching thong green cotton panties, a green tank top that surely would show off not only her breasts, but her sides, and a pair of black spandex pants. On the floor were new, expensive sneakers, and even socks to match. She shook her head. The second outfit was a short one-piece strapless dress in red, with red-heeled sandals. Of course to coordinate with that there was a pair of sexy red panties with lace trim and a red strapless bra.
“Not dressed yet?” Ivan asked, standing in the doorway wearing a pair of black and grey sweats, a black t-shirt and running sneakers. The gun on his hip in a special holster was slightly hidden appearing to be some kind of conceal and carry shirt.
“What is this? I thought we discussed my routine and schedule and you having business this morning and this afternoon to attend to.”
He approached, cupped her cheek and stroked her jaw. “Plans have changed. You and I will go for a run together, then we hit the gym, my private one, and you will learn some self-defense moves.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Is this your way of maneuvering into my life and taking over my schedule? I do have my own gym I go to and a route running that I like.”
“I know all too well about your training and the men that train there. Not anymore. For the record I am not taking over your life or schedule, instead I want to spend time with you, getting to know you, and to go over things as they come up. For instance, your training needs improvement. We can teach you a hell of a lot more than some local dojo.”
“We?” She asked raising her eyebrows up.
“Roman, Dante, Commerce, myself and a few others. You’ll learn some of the military moves that you can’t learn elsewhere. I know that interests you.” He was right, it sure did, but she still felt like as much as he claimed to want to give her space and take things slow, he didn’t want her out of his sight.
“And the red dress?”
“A surprise.”
“Oh boy. I’m going home tonight, Ivan. I haven’t seen my friends all week, and Roman is going to go insane having to shop for me. It’s ridiculous.”
“He enjoys it, and he would be buying sexier things if you were his woman, but he knows I wouldn’t like that. Plus, I already got you some things.” He took her hand and led her to the walk in closet. She stopped short as he opened the door and there were women’s clothing in there. Everything from shoes to dresses, casual, fancy, workout clothes, undergarments, negligée.
Her jaw dropped. “Ivan.” She whispered. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her neck.
“Once I started looking and Roman explained some things I just couldn’t stop. There were even more things to choose from, that I will love seeing you in, but I know you like to buy your own things.”
