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True to her word, she returns holding a knee-length black skirt, a fitted cream blouse, a tailored wool pea coat, cream pumps, and a cream with black accents shoulder bag. I see a small gift bag and realize the outfit comes complete with bra and panties.
We all stand there, staring at each other for several minutes. When it’s painfully awkward, Deborah clears her throat. “The dressing room is back this way.” In a daze, I follow her.
I change into the new clothes, dump my phone, keys, and wallet into the new purse, and pack my old clothes into a bag Deborah provided. She takes the bag from me and informs me that she will have it delivered with the rest of the clothes once the tailoring is done.
In the main room, I find Dimitri speaking to Ivan in Russian. Upon seeing me, he turns. “You look lovely. Let us go.”
I’m herded to a big black SUV. Ivan opens the door for Dimitri, who waves him off. Dimitri holds out a hand to help me into the back seat. Ivan heads up to the front; apparently he’s driving. I step into the car and reach for the seatbelt buckle, only to find Dimitri already starting to tuck it around me, his hand brushing against my hip while he clicks the buckle into place.
This man is unnerving; this beautiful lie he’s portraying is disturbing in a deep, visceral way. I’m well aware of his violent nature and his veiled threats. The gentlemanly display is just that, a display. A mock-up. An act, geared to lull you into a sense of security, right up until he puts a bullet in your head. He shows the world a polished, attractive exterior, which serves to hide the poisoned evil just below the surface. I remember Pierre’s words. Sociopath. Sadist.
My heart pounds against my ribs.What the hell have I done?I battle to keep my exterior tranquil. I fold my hands in my lap and focus on them.Breathe in. Breathe out. Remember why you’re here.Nicole’s face flashes in my mind. Nicole riding with me. Nicole in her knee boots mucking stalls out with me, laughing so hard we couldn’t breathe. Nicole in the hospital exam room. Nicole when the nurse handed her the antibiotics and emergency contraceptive. The life left her eyes long before I found her body.
I watch Dimitri walk around the SUV and get in the other side. He created twenty-two Nicoles. At least. That’s why I’m here.
I decide it’s time to get involved.
“So, where are we going?” I look at Dimitri.
His Russian accent comes out like a purr. “To dinner, and before you ask, to discuss the details of your new position.”
“What happened to my predecessor?”
A brief smirk flashes across his face. “You ask the most interesting questions.”
“You dodge the most interesting questions,” I counter.
He stares out the window. “You do not have a predecessor. I have only recently decided I need an assistant.”
“Why now?”
His gaze slides to me. “Because of you.”
I suddenly feel like a small animal about to be eaten.This is bad.
“Oh?” I aim for a casual tone. I’m not entirely sure I hit the mark.
“You’re afraid of me.” He smiles. He clearly enjoys that. “But you came to meet me anyway.”
“Did I really have a choice?” I’m feeling reckless.
He laughs, low and evil. “No. If you didn’t show up, Ivan would have gone to your apartment and brought you to me.”
“Why?”
“Because few people will challenge me. I find that fascinating. And I think you will be a very valuable contribution to my affairs.”
Interesting.Ok, Rocky, control the interview. Steer the conversation.
We pull up to a posh Manhattan steakhouse. Ivan opens my door. Between the two massive Russians I’m escorted to a private dining room. The meals are already served. Ivan pulls my chair out, I sit, and he disappears.
Taking a sip of the rich red wine, far better than anything I’ve ever bought, I gesture toward Dimitri. “Ok, explain.”
“I own more than a nightclub and a spa, Rebecca. I am involved in many businesses. Showmanship is part of negotiations, and negotiations are business. You will take notes for me, schedule appointments, make reservations, and handle some of the day-to-day issues that may arise.” He pauses to sip his own wine. “While I’m certain I’ll find your assistance very useful, on some occasions you’ll be a prop, for lack of a more flattering term.”
“Hence the wardrobe.” It’s absurd to hear him discuss his business like he lives in a boardroom or day trades stocks. He’s an organized crime boss, a killer, and likely a sociopath.
He gives me another predatory grin. “Already so observant.”
