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“I heard from Viktor. I thought you’d want to know,” Sevastian said quietly.
“And?” I wasn’t surprised my brother had contacted Sevastian instead given our last conversation had been terse.
“Volkov has retreated. There are no longer any reports of his whereabouts.”
“How would Viktor know?”
“He returned to Russia with his men. They’ve scoured the city, capturing almost three dozen of Volkov’s men.”
I took a sip of my drink, still unable to take my eyes off the stunning beauty. She’d arrived with Candy and Sevastian’s wife, Giada. All one big happy family. It was too bad my father and mother had chosen to remain inside their estate. I knew at least my mother was grieving for a second time at the loss of her child.
Although through her tears, she’d told me that Misha had always been violent, even as a child. They’d turned their backs on him when he’d been imprisoned in Turkey for a series of crimes, later reported as being killed. It was Volkov who’d rescued him. He never forgave them. I’d heard that being incarcerated in the brutal prisons in Turkey was worse than in Russia. I could only imagine what long term incarceration could do to a man.
“He’ll surface again. Rats always do,” I mused.
“Kostya will keep a lookout for him,” Kirill stated. I’d required Kirill’s team to secure the hotel for the weekend, ensuring there wouldn’t be any additional trouble.
“For a price. Now, if you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, this is a day of celebration.” I polished off my drink before thudding the glass down on the tray of a passing waiter.
Before I walked away, Sevastian grabbed my arm.
“Love looks good on you, brother,” he said in his unusual teasing voice.
All I could do was smile, perhaps more genuinely than I had in my entire life. Nothing had prepared me for the intensity of my feelings, or the continuing hunger that became overwhelming several times a day. She’d opened my eyes to an entirely different world.
And I intended on making good on the very claim I’d made the first night I met her.
She was mine.
Now and forever.
* * *
Stephanie
Did anyone ever really believe in the possibility of love at first sight? I’d laughed at the concept more than a few times. I’d challenged more than a couple of my friends on their proclamations, teasing them later when Mr. Prince Charming had turned into an ugly toad.
But after walking into the glorious casino in the most beautiful dress I’d ever owned, my senses had immediately been prickled.
Then I’d looked across the room and a single sight of Alexei Kozlov had forced me to realize how wrong I’d been. The man simply took my breath away.
As he started to walk toward me, I took several deep breaths, my nipples already tingling at the sight of him.
“Mmm… I think you might have a date,” Candy whispered in my ear as she pushed me forward.
I took my time inching closer, enjoying the sight of him almost as much as the thought of the incredible night ahead of us.
While the last few days had been difficult, I was determined to let go of the past. I’d grieved all over again for the loss of my family, uncertain I could fully embrace the reason for why Sergei or Misha or whoever he was had slaughtered them. But nothing would bring them back. At least I knew the truth. Perhaps my parents and sister could finally have some peace.
Whether or not I returned to practicing law was up in the air. Perhaps the bad taste left in my mouth from what I’d found on the drives, as well as the subsequent arrests, had tarnished my belief in the justice system. Besides, I had a feeling I’d be spending a significant amount of time with my own Prince Charming.
Was I worried he could turn out just like his psychotic brother? In truth, not in the least. He was capable of love, something Misha hadn’t been able to find in his life.
I knew I’d always be criticized for my choice in men, but as the dark-haired man with the brooding eyes and the gorgeous physique closed the distance, I realized I couldn’t give a shit about what other people thought. I fingered the locket around my neck and knew my sister was smiling down from heaven.
Alexei stood a few inches away, his nostrils flaring as he took several deep breaths. “My beautiful lioness.”
“My handsome gangster.”
