AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Putting my foot down might be another. Point is, I don’t like being told to be a good girl and stay, or, in this case, get my shop on.
I’ve shot people, killed. I’ve been kidnapped, hurt, touched by vile men. I’ve been used as a pawn, and Nikolai is far from innocent there. The only difference is that Nikolai was never the worst monster in the room, and he atoned. Nikolai Wilder style, but atonement all the same.
Some might not agree, but that’s their business. My life is my own, and I fought for this man. I allow it all for him, but I won’t be shut out.
I’ve seen those simpering mafia princesses when we’ve been out, when I’ve been his weapon of choice at gatherings. He’s helping me be his partner in all ways, and that includes business.
Fine, I’m not expecting to be at the top of the table or calling him out in front of others; there are protocols, and this is his world. Here, he’s the king, but I’m not a princess. I’m a fucking queen.
His queen.
And a queen has power.
I’m happy to run little things on the side on my father’s properties. I’ll look after the women he hurt and abused and used. I’ll give them jobs. I’ll bring in an income and do what I want with it. I’ll set up my legitimate places as havens for Niko.
We can work together, be something so formidable that nothing can stop or touch us—
I stop.
I’m getting ahead of myself, but I know I want to be on that equal footing. He’ll lose himself if I’m not there to tether him, and I’ll do the same if he doesn’t feed the dark in me. We need each other.
Fuck yin and yang, we’re something new.
But if he shuts me out…
I won’t have it.
That hardcore Nikolai look when he left told me how much he needs me. The man’s the most formidable thing I’ve ever met, but he needs me.
I almost laugh, because he’d tell me I’m being naïve. While I might be, I know it’s also true.
The hotel approaches, and I’m out the door before Garcia can open it.
“Ms. Germaine.” The slight warning is about as much emotion as I get from him.
“Mr. Garcia.”
His mouth doesn’t twitch. “A word of warning. Mr. Wilder just wants you safe.”
“Mr. Wilder can bite my ass.” To my surprise, he lets me go.
I grab the shopping bag and we head inside. Nikolai had things to do, so I intend to be ready and waiting for his return. Maybe, if he’s lucky, in the flannel.
* * *
I’m not alone.
That much is evident as I step into the suite, and my stomach plummets. Across the room, a woman with long, dark brown hair in a smooth, low ponytail turns to face me.
My heart lurches. She’s utterly elegant, beautiful, a world away from what I am. She’s older, dressed in real business clothes, a silk blue shirt with a discreet button undone above her impressive rack, a black skirt, and sexy heels. Her jacket sits neatly folded on the sofa.
I don’t see Nikolai, and my hackles rise. I drop the bag and stalk up to her. Rafe is outside because this suite’s meant to be state-of-the-art safe, but she’s here, looking at home.
“Who are you?” I demand.
“Oh,” she says with a small smile, “no need to guess who you are.”
“I asked a question.” I close in and meet her eye. “I expect an answer.”
