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His frown deepens. “Do you have a car?”
“No.”
“Good. Don’t even think about driving in this condition.”
If the idea was to ruin my buzz, he’s definitely succeeding. “Why do you have a breathalyzer here?”
He nods at the driver’s section. “I do random checks, especially around the holidays. Russians make fun of drink-and-drive regulations. Ivan isn’t allowed to have any alcohol when on duty.”
Suddenly feeling mischievous, I lick my lips as seductively as I can. “You sure you want to take me home? The testing is oh-so important.”
His jaw flexes. “Fine. Let’s go to my place. I better keep an eye on you.”
Wow.
His place.
This is really happening.
I sober up some more. Suddenly feeling shy, I voice something that bothered me in the restaurant. “Do you not get along with your parents?”
He shakes his head. “When I visit them one-on-one or with Alex, we get along just fine. I just don’t like bigger gatherings because of how they treat Bella. She’s a great sister and an amazing daughter—not to mention, an MIT grad—but they don’t appreciate her.”
I frown. “Because of her sex toy company?”
“No. It started much earlier. Bella was a tomboy as a kid, which our mother hated. In general, Bella has always been a free spirit, and I guess my folks didn’t like it that she didn’t fit the mold they had in mind for her. They always think the worst of her. Like they claim she does drugs—but she doesn’t. They think she’s promiscuous—but she isn’t. It’s infuriating.”
“That sucks.” I cover his hand with mine. “I know about not meeting parents’ expectations. And the funny thing is, I think mine would love to swap me for Bella.”
His expression warms. “Well, at least mine love you.”
“Because they think I’m a prude goodie two shoes?” The question comes out more bitter than I hoped.
He leans in, the corners of his mouth tilting up. “If only they knew what you wanted to do at my place.”
Even my blush blushes. “Too bad that’s cancelled.”
He pockets the breathalyzer. “Maybe not. Depends on your liver function.”
Oh?
The car stops, and before I can respond, he opens the door for me.
His building is modern and pricey-looking. He waves at the security guy as he leads me to the elevator and presses the button for the penthouse.
Is this really happening?
I will my body to detox the alcohol as fast as it can.
The elevator opens into a large hallway.
Vlad holds the doors for me. “Welcome to my home.”
I stumble out of the elevator.
This is surreal.
I’ve willingly come to the Impaler’s lair.
