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“I’m not trying to do either. It’s your decision, Cindy. I’m just saying if that’s all that is stopping you, then it’s easy to protect yourself.”
“Would you do it if you were me?” I ask her.
“I wouldn’t do it. Not a chance in hell,” Star cries passionately. “But I was never really a risk taker. I leave things like that to you and.” She eyes Rosa. “And Braveheart here.”
“What about you?” I ask Rosa.
“I’d do it in a heartbeat.” She laughs. “A free holiday, half a casino, and a week spent with a guy you’re clearly lusting after.” She pauses. “But little Cindy, what aren’t you telling us?”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“There’s something you’re holding back. I know you said you’re worried you’ll fall for this guy, but there’s more to it, isn’t there?”
I sigh. I should have known they’d see right through me. They’re my best friends and we’ve known each other since school. If anyone can tell when I’m holding something back from them it’s these guys.
“I think he might be a part of the Russian Bratva, or something,” I say.
“What makes you say that?”
“He kind of looks it. Besides, who do you know that has the money to walk into a casino and buy it on a whim unless their money is dirty?”
“What’s the guy’s name? I’ll find out if he’s legit.”
I think about it for a second. Star’s husband is well connected in the business world and if Alex is legitimate, his people will be able to trace him easily enough.
“Alexander Obolensky,” I say.
Star takes her phone out and sends a quick message to her husband. “I’ve texted Nikolai the name. Let’s just wait and see what he comes back with,” Star says.
“Thanks,” I say.
Our food arrives and I realize just how hungry I am. I tuck in immediately, enjoying the waffles with strawberries and chocolate sauce. I wonder if they have waffles in Russia.
We’re about halfway through the meal when her phone pings. She picks it up and looks at the screen.
“It’s Nikolai,” she says. “Let’s see what he has to say.”
I can feel my heart racing as I wonder what Nikolai will say. I can barely taste my pancakes now, that’s how nervous I suddenly am.
“Hey baby,” she coos into the phone. He says something which makes her giggle, then she catches the expression on my face and quickly says. “So do you know that man?”
“You do? Great. What’s he like? Can he be trusted?”
He must have asked why she wanted to know, because she mouths to me. “Can I tell him why you want to know?”
I shrug, then nod.
“Well,” she tells her husband, “he bought The Macau, you know, where Cindy works and he’s offered her half of the casino in exchange for her pretending to be his fiancée.”
Both Rosa and I can hear the low whistle that comes out of the telephone speaker. For a while he talks and Star listens, then she coos her goodbyes, peppers them with coy kisses, and reluctantly ends the call.
“Well?” Rosa demands impatiently.
“Looks like he is okay,” she says. “Nikolai knows him. Not personally, but he knows of him. He’s from a fabulously wealthy old family, but for some years he did the rebellious thing and became the second man to a famous Russian crime boss, but he’s gone straight since then and become a legit businessman. Nikolai says his word is good. If he says he’s going to give half a casino then he’s going to give it to you.”
I feel a rush of relief wash over me, but Alex still seems like someone who’s dangerous, and he must still have connections with dangerous people, but it’s not like we’re going to be smuggling drugs or something. Suddenly, my waffles taste pretty sweet again.
“Now that we’ve established he’s legit, are you going to do him … I mean, it?” Rosa presses me with a cheeky grin.
“I’m going to do it,” I say with a grin.
“Good choice. Life is for living and taking risks. That’s where all the fun lies,” Rosa says.
Star stays quiet and I know she doesn’t really approve of my choice, but like she said, she’s not a risk taker. I am. Half of The Macau is just too good to turn down. Besides, I’ve never been to Russia. It might be interesting to see the sights.
But mostly, it’s Alex who’s made the final decision for me.
Those damned eyes. I’m too intrigued by him to say no. I think I like Rosa’s take on things. Life is about experiences. Going out to Russia with a gorgeous billionaire must count as a great one. Also I’d like to get to know more about Alex. To be perfectly honest, I want to get to know everything about him.
“Oh my God, Cindy. You really are smitten with this guy, aren’t you?” Star laughs.
