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“That’s… a damn lie!” he sputtered.
I moved around him in a full circle. “Is it now?” I wanted him good and nervous. “I can only imagine what the scandal will do to your career and even those of your children. You don’t seem to fully appreciate just how far Shane’s tentacles reach, or the damage he’s done already.”
The man didn’t deserve to know the details or the plans already in motion for Shane’s ultimate demise.
It took almost four minutes before he sagged. “What deal are you talking about?”
Alexei jerked to a standing position, more excited than I’d seen him in a long time. “It’s simple, really. The Irishmen have plans on attempting to take over the unions in their entirety. As you might imagine, that’s making several different communities very nervous. We’re in the position of making certain that doesn’t happen.”
“In exchange?” Michael sounded like a beaten man.
“In exchange,” I continued, “for you supporting our construction projects. It’s a simple as that. We’ll also make certain that you aren’t troubled any longer.”
He was actually debating his answer. I glared at Alexei, wanting nothing more than to teach the man a lesson; however, this wasn’t the time or the place.
“What about Candy? She is innocent in all of this.”
“As of right now, Candy belongs to me. Period. She isn’t a part of this equation and you will make certain your son leaves her alone.”
I glared him in the eyes, remaining unblinking.
He took his time, polishing off his drink then moving to Vladimir’s desk, slamming it down on purpose. “You have a deal, but my warning about Candy remains. She is a good girl, sweet and loving. She certainly doesn’t deserve to be turned into your whore.”
Vladimir knew the limits of what I could tolerate.
I wrapped my hand around Michael’s shirt, able to lift him off his feet by several inches. The sound of material tearing was the least of my concern. I dragged him as close as I could stand, snarling for effect. “Mr. Walsh. I pay for my whores. Candy is utter perfection. She’s my princess.”
Just saying the words drove a stake through my heart. Goddamn it, I wanted her with me. I needed to feel her body curled up against mine, to have the joy of tasting her sweet mouth every morning.
Fuck.
I loved her.
Hell, I wasn’t certain I could live without her.
He nodded, the fear of God finally driven into him. I let him go, jerking away from him and turning around. I couldn’t stand the sight of him any longer.
“If you honor the deal you made, Michael, we will have no issues in the future,” Vladimir said more in passing, but the unsaid meaning was clear.
“While I appreciate your generosity in inviting me here. I think I’ve developed a severe illness,” Michael snarled before walking out. I studied his reflection in the window, barely able to control my anger.
Alexei chuckled. “I think we have him under control.”
“For now,” I said. “But don’t be fooled by his ‘aw shucks’ attitude. He will strike again.”
“Kirill is right. Perhaps you’d enjoy spending time with your lovely princess instead of being here. Maybe on the way you could determine where our guest will be spending the rest of his evening.”
I took a gulp of my drink. “I think I’ll do that.” I wasn’t in the mood to hear what he might have to say if he learned that by this time tomorrow, Candy would be on her own.
As I headed out of the office, finally catching a glimpse of her a few seconds later, I could hear her laugh. She seemed entirely different, enjoying spending time with Tatiana. For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to wonder what it would like to consider her family.
Then I shoved it aside, remembering Alexei’s warning. He was right. Falling in love would do nothing but bring me additional pain.
I moved through the crowd, touching her on the arm. The same chemical reaction occurred, electricity bolting through both of us. Yet when she lifted her head, she’d managed to hide her emotions.
“I’m afraid we need to go.”
“No fair, Kirill. I think Candy and I can become good friends,” Tatiana whined.
