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“But I am unable to give the project my full attention.”
“I knew this would happen the second we were told Maxim was dead,” Dmitry spits.
“Maybe his doubts in you were correct,” another mutters, and I turn my full attention to him. He shrinks slightly in his chair, and the others glance at one another nervously.
“Maxim’s doubts were unfounded. If any of you are unhappy with how I run things, please feel free to speak now.” I stare at each and every one of them. “Maxim went behind my back and he paid the price. I will not tolerate men I cannot trust. Don’t give me a reason to doubt any of you.”
“So, what exactly are you proposing?” asks Vadim.
“Like I said, everything stays the same. The only difference is, instead of me running the project, Andrei will be taking over.”
“Just like that?” he asks.
I nod. “I’ll spend my time on the other projects.” Shipping weapons and drugs to their countries brings me enough income to continue to live my comfortable lifestyle. I’ve never really needed the trafficking side of things.
“If the decision is made, then no more discussion is needed,” Vadim says, standing. “The bar is calling.”
Alek hands me a drink the second I enter the bar. “Everything good?” he asks in a low voice.
I nod. “Grace?” I’d asked him to watch her room in case she decided to go anywhere.
“She’s not left the building.”
“Good. Let me know if anything changes,” I say before turning my attention to the men.
Alek reappears an hour later. “Boss, she’s left her room,” he whispers.
I hate the thought of her being out alone in a place she doesn’t know, so I immediately stand. “Gentlemen, I have to excuse myself. Could you . . .” My words trail off when Grace enters the bar.
Seeing her properly for the first time in weeks stuns me, and I stare at her with my mouth half open. Alek nudges me, bringing me back to the situation. “Actually, forget it. Anyone need a top-up?”
Grace wanders to the bar, and I slide into the booth so I’m less visible. She’s too far away for me to hear her voice, but the bartender smiles and sets about pouring her an orange juice. I smile to myself—she’s taking care of my child.
More people begin to fill the bar, making it less likely she will spot me, and I begin to relax, enjoying that I’m able to watch her undetected.
GRACE
I booked a table for eight o’clock, so I check my watch. I needed to get out of that room, and I didn’t want to risk another balcony dinner with Ivan.
A man brushes his arm against my own, and when I look up, he smiles. He’s good-looking, and I automatically smile back. “You’re here alone?” he asks. I choose not to reply, not wanting to put myself in danger by admitting I’m alone.
“I’m about to have dinner,” I tell him.
“The food here is spectacular,” he continues. “Timothy, by the way,” he adds, holding out his hand.
I shake it. “Grace.”
“Lovely to meet you, Grace. I’m here on business for a few nights. You?”
“Same,” I mutter, taking a sip of my orange juice. “What do you do?”
“I work in finance.”
My bag begins to vibrate, and I inwardly curse. I’m not sure why I brought the mobile phone Ivan gave me. Maybe it was because I wanted to gloat that I wasn’t in the hotel room waiting for him to feed me. “Sorry,” I apologise, cancelling the call. “Finance, sounds important?”
He grins. “It’s boring, really. What do you do?”
The phone rings again. “I’m really sorry,” I repeat, “I should take this.” I turn my back slightly as I press it to my ear. “I’m busy,” I hiss.
