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Andrei
“I don’t understand.” Paige sits on the bed, pulling on her black leather pumps adorned with thin bows. The smooth curve of her leg tempts me to push her down on her back. I want to press my face against her plush breasts and forget what I have to deal with tonight.
I want Paige to soothe me and give me the strength to keep on going.
Later, when it’s all over, I’ll take her away from here.
“We have to make an appearance.” I walk back into the en suite, away from temptation. “Hiding in the house won’t help us get Emma back. To know what is going on, we have to be out there.”
Whoever has Emma hasn’t said anything to anybody. We pretend nothing is wrong and she’s spending time with family. It’s not unusual for a teenager to go off on her own to visit relatives. If we continue to act suspiciously, then people will know Emma is our weakness. I remind myself not to go into this situation with guns blazing.
For a good reason, I decide to return to Flour & Sauce. The popular restaurant attracts wealth, and where there is wealth, there is often trouble.
I walk back into the bedroom and slip the necklace Paige is struggling with out of her hands. The warmth of her fingers calms me. Everything about her makes me think about my life differently. But in the past, I never delved too deep into imagining other choices I could have. But there is one choice I won’t make.
Paige is carrying my child, and I won’t repeat my past.
I fasten the necklace around her neck while concealing my emotions. “Besides, shit happens when we’re at Flour & Sauce.”
Paige frowns, placing her hand on the deep sapphire pendant. “You mean shit happens to me when we’re there.”
***
Our private room looks out onto the main floor of the restaurant, and I booked one with clear glass, not tinted. Some people only go out to be on display, and tonight, I want to be seen. No sooner than we’re served, there’s a commotion at the front as someone enters, making a scene. The waitstaff scatters in all directions like someone has kicked over a beehive. I watch the podium and frown when Talia comes into view.
My men enter the room, but I wave them out. I place my hand over Paige’s. She hesitates to turn around and look at who has everyone’s attention.
“She’s here, isn’t she?” Paige asks, letting out a breath, and I nod. “Good. I want her to see how that makes me feel.”
Paige stands, leans in close, and kisses me passionately, so the whole place can see it. She’s never been this direct before, always waiting for me to make a move. She’s never been this aggressive before, and it’s a turn-on. I know I’m being used, but I don’t mind a bit. I pull her in closer, forgetting what prompted the kiss, and enjoy each slow stroke of her tongue against mine.
I pull back and glance over at our audience. Talia glares from across the restaurant before striding over to her table. Her favorite guard, Valeri Kozlov, follows her like a trained dog.
I could’ve sworn I killed him years ago.
Valeri smirks as he pulls out Talia’s chair so she can sit down like the lady she isn’t.
I anticipate that my phone will buzz in sixty seconds. It takes thirty.
“Is it her?” asks Paige.
I nod. “She wants to talk. Perhaps you should step out?”
Paige scoffs and shakes her head. “I’m not scared.”
I grip her hand across the table and smirk. “I’m protecting Talia from you. You look ready to pull her to pieces. If Talia has information, we have to hear it first.”
“I’ll just sit on my hands while you talk to her, but I’m not leaving the room.”
I motion to the guard, and Talia and her sycophant are escorted to our private room. Valeri is patted down while Talia is allowed to enter. Her dress is too tight and too short, and it barely conceals her body. To the other patrons, we look like two couples enjoying a meal together.
“I had hoped to speak to you alone.” Talia waits for my guard to help her with her chair. Yari is new and obliges. His eyes scan her body quickly, but he knows better—her type is lethal.
Valeri extends his hand before taking a seat, but I don’t shake it. He lifts it up and motions to the waiter, who hurries over. “You can serve our drinks here.” Valeri smiles, looking like a cardboard copy of me made with second-rate materials.
“I hope you’re feeling better,” Talia speaks to Paige in a high-pitched, sweet voice. “Andrei has put you through a lot.”
“My morning sickness has subsided.” Paige smiles back sweetly. “Thank you for your concern.Ourbaby is healthy, and that’s what matters.”
