"I threatened him, or I should say his empire," I said absently.
Aleksei took a deep breath, moving toward the table and leaving his glass. "How? More important, why?"
"I just reminded him that I was quite capable of running his corporation. The why is simply because he was being an ass. However, I can't believe he'd stoop so low. Hell, I don't know him any longer." I felt sick, so cold inside. Who the hell was I supposed to believe?
"You'd be surprised by the true nature of people. While blood is thicker than water, often there is no real loyalty. Something for you to keep in mind."
Every step he made toward me was forceful, easing far too close for comfort. Even more of the tattoo was showing, so damn provocative, drawing my attention away and I desperately needed to think clearly.
I thought about Aleksei's words and although biting, they were accurate. "Fine. I will do what you need to bring Peter to a meeting." I shot him a cold look. "However, make no mistake. My brother and I don't see eye to eye on most things. I am not a part of his business, nor would he ever allow me to be. It was just a pipe dream that I could ever gain access to. Maybe he's taken on the Bratva concept. Women aren't allowed. But you will not kill him. Understood?"
Aleksei allowed his gaze to fall to my bare feet and I suddenly felt more naked than ever before. "Agreed, unless he refuses to accept the terms of my deal. Then I will have no choice. I can't allow him to continue invading our turf."
"And exactly what are those terms?" I crowded his space, realizing just how large the man truly was. He had to be close to six and a half feet tall, every muscle hard as a rock.
"He will allow the Petrov organization to have a major part of his operation. He will continue to run the corporation itself, but he will no longer be going after other territories. In addition, he will be paying certain tariffs for being allowed to use our ports. It's that simple and I believe very fair considering the circumstances."
I was shocked he'd actually allowed me to hear the terms, even though I was inclined to laugh. "There is no way he'll accept them. He is far too power hungry to kowtow to anyone, especially the Russian mafia. He believes himself bigger and better."
"Then he will die. There is no other choice."
"And what about me? Will you put a bullet in my head as well?"
His hesitation was different than before, certainly not as calculated but just as cold. "We shall see."
I had no idea why I thought he might be softening his attitude, allowing me to see the real man inside. Maybe this was it. The true monster I'd suspected. "Go ahead, Aleksei, or I guess I should call you sir? Why don't you do it now? Less of a mess for later. Or why don't we call my brother, we'll set up the meeting, then you can shoot me? Relieve yourself of the burden you've placed squarely on your shoulders."
"Be careful, little girl. There are several things I could do to hurt you."
I managed the hard slap across his face, the force stinging my hand, and was prepared to give him another. "You bastard."
The snap around my wrist was lightning fast, his other hand doing the same to mine. I was shoved against the French doors, his chest crushing against me. His anger was just as evident as every time before, but I could also read his thoughts.
His desires.
His needs.
He wanted nothing more than to devour me.
"Let go of me," I spit out, struggling to get out of his hold.
"The answer is no."
"I don't understand you, Aleksei. You spout anger and hatred, but I can tell you have another side." I fought hard, almost managing to free one of my arms.
Aleksei laughed, his eyes wild with intensity. "You don't know me at all, cherie."
I maneuvered my leg, able to knee him on the side of his groin. His hand slipped just enough I jerked mine away, almost managing to scratch my nails down the side of his face. He pinned his body against mine, pressing his throbbing cock into my tummy. I was shocked how aroused I'd become, my pulse racing.
Growling, he grasped both my wrists in one hand, shaking his head as he glared down at me.
"I hate you," I spit out.
"I don't think so." He crushed his mouth over mine, immediately thrusting his tongue inside. The heat of the moment, the way his lips felt against mine was jarring.
The kiss became a powerful roar of wanton desire, sinful and unbridled. Shame washed over me, burning like a raging fire, yet was washed away by the tidal wave of longing. Within seconds, I was no longer struggling, my back arching involuntarily.
I was still in disbelief as he brushed the tips of his fingers down my back. The electricity soared, shutting down any concept of focusing. My legs quivered, the wetness between them soaking my already damp panties. He was like a powerful magnet, drawing me into an unbreakable connection.
He finally let go of my arms, using his hand to fist my long strands as he sucked on my tongue.
Unable to resist, I intertwined my fingers in his hair, shuddering as my nipples began to ache, straining against the thin material of my dress.
He reared back, issuing several words in Russian as he cupped both sides of my face. I'd never had a man look at me so intently, ravishing me with his eyes. "You are mine."
The words were simple, three little syllables that spoke volumes. I was reduced to nothing more than a wanton hussy, tearing at his shirt until the buttons popped completely off.
He merely laughed, every action more enticing than the one before.
I shifted my hands against his chest, crawling my fingers up from his chiseled abs to the edge of the glorious tattoo. He was hard-bodied, all muscle, the kind of man fantasies were made of.
Aleksei took a single step backward, tugging off his shirt and tossing it to the floor. When I placed my palms against his chest, he issued another husky growl, the tone sliding into every pore in my body. He allowed me to trace his ink delicately with my fingers as his chest heaved.
Every detail of the tattoo was spectacular, angular lines running along his chest, sliding around to his back then creeping up in a swirl along his neck. The bold art added to his aura of danger and darkness, his need to control everything and everyone around him.
He tilted his head, watching me in fascination as I traced several lines and circles, utterly mesmerized by the simple but glorious detail.
And the time it must have taken to achieve such a look.