Page 6 of Dangerous Game


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3

VIKTOR

Tessa.

There’s an intimacy in just thinking her name…

As I move through the empty halls, I keep an out for the princess. Outside of her sneaking food to Morana the other night, I’ve caught her strolling the grounds cautiously, taking her time.Just a curious little thing…

This morning I had to step out for a meeting with Samuel, our newest accountant to take over the southern district of the city. Way back when, it was Cillian. But he’s been retired now for years.

Trying to shake the numbers out of my head, I walk into my bedroom and begin to peel off the tie that’s suffocating me. It’s all about appearances these days, but without all this shit, I know I would still be respected. Kristina knew what she was doing before she stepped down, as she spent time setting me up and offering the support I needed in the end.

The transition of power went smoothly—as expected, I must say. With the Gusev’s now off our back, it’s just another damn thing I owe to Kristina.

Looking out the wide, bulletproof windows, I view the back acreage of the property. To the left of the grounds is the pool, large and in-ground, with black and silver tile covering the bottom.

A flash catches my eye. I pause, realizing just who’s out there.

Tessa is walking the edge of the pool carefully, barefoot on the pavement. It’s a hot day, and she’s in a pair of canvas shorts with a little white tank top on.Mmm, what a delight.

I run my eyes down her body, taking advantage of the hidden view. But I quickly realize the girl is bound to burn out there with that porcelain skin. So smooth and fair, shining in the sun. I’d love a chance to run my tongue all over it...

I shake my head and walk to the door, pressing the small button next to the knob.

“Lara, can you please come here?” I grumble into the intercom.

No answer, but within a couple of minutes she appears in my doorway, just as predicted.

Lara’s a short, older woman with close-cropped hair and a stern face. She’s observant, and given the fact her eyes are taking me in now; my half undone tie, my rolled-up sleeves; there’s a chance she knows something is up, which is why I’ve called her in.

“The girl,” I start off, swaying my head towards the window. Lara’s eyes follow the motion and we both watch as Tessa sits down on the edge of a lounge chair, staring out across the greenery ahead of her. “I don’t believe she came with much. Can you make a run downtown and grab her a few items? Looks like she might need it.”

Lara hums in consent, silent as a spy as I rattle off what I have in mind. The woman’s eyes scan Tessa over, sizing her up most likely since I’ve added a swimsuit to the short list.

“She’s gotten herself into trouble,” Lara comments, sounding sure of herself.

I grunt, not looking to discuss the princess. I’m well aware of why she’s here. “She will be staying with us until further notice. In the meantime, let’s make her comfortable, shall we?”

She meets my eyes knowingly, a simple smile on her face. “She’s Irina’s child, isn’t she?”

Lara came with us all those years ago. She’s been a loyal worker and friend, and even knows me most days better than I know my damn self.

I give her a look and she shakes her head, silently leaving the room.

But my attention turns right back out the window, watching Tessa now playing on the grass with Morana, ruffling the old pup’s ears.

“Useless guard,” I scoff, but the grin on my face comes out as I can’t say I’m not pleased to find Tessa enjoying herself.

Hopefully, Lara won’t be long, as the day is still young and the temperature is only set to rise. Maybe an evening swim might just be what’s needed to clear my damn head.

4

TESSA

I head inside, needing a break from the sun for a minute or two. The heat in September around here is no joke.

As soon as I step through the back door, I jump, startled to find Viktor standing a few feet back.Why does he keep on scaring me?

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