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“You and I need to get something straight, Rian. While I appreciate the fact you gave me an instant job and watch out over me, I think it’s time I did things on my own.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“That means as of tonight, I’m giving you my two weeks’ notice.” I made certain my statement was solid as a rock.
Just like Kirill’s body.
Jesus. Everything seemed to revolve around the mysterious Russian.
“You… You…” he sputtered, which was a rarity. “You can’t do that. I won’t let you do that.”
“So what? You’re going to chain me up in a backroom, maybe making the storeroom my new apartment. Is that what you really mean?” I stood as tall as possible, although he had several inches on me.
His glare was as harsh as some I’d seen from Kirill. He said nothing for a few seconds then jerked back by two feet. “I don’t want to see you get hurt. That’s all. I do care about you.”
While he’d softened his tone, his expression was still harsh and unrelenting. “Thank you, Rian, but that’s not necessary. I have a plan and I’m sticking to it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I don’t want to be late for my shift. My boss can be a real jerk.” I shoved past him, cringing from using such hateful words.
“You need to rethink this.”
My anger was about to get out of control. “What is this really about, Rian? You know I’m not stupid with regard to your family.”
“It’s your family too.”
I almost laughed. I’d always heard blood was thicker than water but at this point, I wasn’t so certain. “Yes, you’re right. However, your warning smells of something else. Why can’t you tell me?”
The expression on his face gave me far too much information. His visit wasn’t just about warning me with regard to Kirill. The family was involved in some shady operation. I’d bet on it. The thought sickened me.
“Stay out of family business. You aren’t involved. Just heed my warning.”
My natural defiance remained in place. “As I said to you before. Stay out of my life. I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions.”
There was a wave of tension that seemed an impenetrable wall. When he shifted from one foot to the other, his reddened face an indication of his anger, I turned away disgusted.
“Kirill Sabatin takes what he wants. He wants you. He’s marked you. And he’s going to kill you when he’s finished with you, Candy. That’s what he’s done to every woman he’s ever been with. Just ask Finnegan. He’ll tell you the gory details, although I don’t think you want to hear them.”
My throat immediately closed, my heart skipping several beats. Could that really be true? I fisted my hands, making certain they weren’t visible to him. I just couldn’t believe it. “Warning duly noted.”
As I walked into the bar, I scanned the small crowd, trying to keep the slice of fear in check.
What if it was true?
* * *
My good luck. The night was nothing special. No rowdy crowds. No assholes like the night before. I was surprised no one groped me, which was a nice change. However, I still couldn’t wait to get home and lock the doors.
I wasn’t certain what I was more afraid of at this point, being tormented by my extended family who’d I’d never been close to in the first place or the evil man living over my head. I needed time to think.
And to plan.
I was the last waitress, only the assistant manager and the night’s bartender remaining. I didn’t say a word as I grabbed my things, using the back door to escape the environment. I was still knotted inside, the anger mixing with terrible anxiety. I couldn’t shake the anger or the shadows that had crowded around my vision, dragging me into a dense fog.
As I hurried toward my car, the light breeze tingling the naked skin of my arms, several gripping sensations rushed through me.
Someone was watching.
Lurking.
Stalking me.
