"Yes."
He chuckled and waved Marlene off once again, crossing his legs as his brow furrowed. The action brushed his leg against mine, the simple move far too startling. I had to get over this crush I had on him.
Liar.
I hissed under my breath, hating the thoughts racing through my mind. I wanted to care for Aleksei. I needed to care about him and my raw emotions didn't make any sense.
"I hope you can trust me, Willow. I may be the only true friend you have. Now, I am also your master."
Why did the words have such an effect on me?
"I guess we shall see," I muttered. "Unless you pull away from me again, fearful that you might actually care."
We both remained quiet, pensive in our own thoughts, even thought I was unable to stop thinking about him.
The flight took almost no time, the pilot announcing our destination of Ronald Reagan airport less than an hour later. The weather was just as formidable, although there were no sudden streaks of lightning crisscrossing the sky.
"After tonight, there will be no question and Willow, I always get what I want. I suggest you remember that as well as the fact that there are eyes and ears everywhere. No matter where we go, someone could be watching. Waiting. Hunting. You are only safe when you're with me."
Another set of chills shifted down my spine because I knew he was right. Willow
I was very rarely surprised by anything, especially by people, but Aleksei shocked the hell out of me. The chauffeured car pulled in front of the Watergate Hotel, perhaps the finest and most expensive hotel in the heart of DC. Every employee recognized him immediately, allowing him to avoid the bother of being checked in.
As the bellman opened up the door, I caught a glimpse of the panoramic views of the Potomac. The presidential suite. I was floored, completely uncertain why he was doing the full court press.
"Will there be anything else, sir?" the young man asked after placing our luggage. "The bar is fully stocked as you requested, the champagne chilled, and the fresh fruit and cheese platter should be to your liking."
I gazed around the room, drinking in the opalescent atmosphere. From everywhere I could see stunning views of the city as well as the tumultuous waters below. Windows covered the two sides, allowing in light. The kitchen had marble counters, the living room succulent leather furniture and a working fireplace. I could only imagine what the bedroom and bathrooms looked like. I actually felt nauseous, unaccustomed to the finer things in life.
"Thank you, Marco. That will be all for now." Aleksei handed him a hundred dollar bill. "Oh, and have the tickets arrived for the concert tonight?"
"No need, sir. Just give your name to the attendant. Your private balcony has been arranged." Marco nodded.
"Excellent. Thank you very much." Aleksei followed him to the corner, closing and locking the door.
I walked toward the window, unable to take my eyes off the raging river below. "A private jet. Champagne. The presidential suite. A private balcony for a concert. Why are you trying to seduce me? You've made it very clear who and what I am to you."
I could see Aleksei's reflection in the window as he moved from room to room. He was making certain that we were alone. I realized that he was actually nervous given the situation, concerned that my brother would attempt to finish the assassination I hadn't been able to handle. Something didn't fit. My brother didn't have the kind of manpower.
Or did he?
"Is this room unacceptable? There are others," he said with such a genuine tone.
I couldn't help but laugh. "This is exquisite, more beautiful than any hotel suite I've ever seen, but the question is why?" I turned around to face him, sitting carefully on the edge of the windowsill.
He moved with purpose toward the coffee table, lifting the bottle of champagne out of the chiller. As I might have expected, he was an expert at opening, not wasting a drop. Every action was casual as he brought the glasses closer until he stood over me, taking several deep breaths. "I have many sides, Willow. My mother and father made certain I was well educated, experiencing some of the finest things this country has to offer. While I enjoy luxurious, beautiful items, I try not to take them for granted."
"This is what you've always known, a life that very few are allowed to taste."
"That's where you're wrong. I grew up in a three-room flat in an aging building just outside of Moscow. Often the electricity would go out, leaving us without heat for days. My father worked two jobs, including being a soldier for the Bratva just in order to be able to afford food, but still, there were times we went without. Coming to America did change things almost immediately, but the wealth my father amassed took time, years of hard work. I learned the importance of a work ethic from him. I know you find that difficult to believe, but I am proud of what my family has been able to accomplish."
I hid behind the glass, thinking about his words. "That isn't hard to believe at all and you should be proud."
His eyes opened wide, so surprised. So unused to the kindness of another human. "I appreciate you saying that. I have been here to meetings on several occasions but only stayed here once and I assure you, not in this suite."
"Then why? Please tell me."
Sighing, he palmed the glass, scanning the horizon. "You remind me of a time when I truly was happy. I guess I'm being selfish in wanting to feel that way again. I realize how foolish that sounds."
"That sounds beautiful but also sad. You could have any special lady you wanted."
He smiled politely. "That wouldn't be fair to anyone."
"And me?"
"At least you understand the danger."
Did I really? Could I possibly gather what could happen if this turned south? I wasn't so certain. "Has there ever been anyone special?" His face clouded as soon as I asked the question.
"A long time ago." He consumed half the glass and for the first time I noticed that his hand was shaking.
Whoever she'd been had ripped his heart apart. "When I returned from college, I started going out to clubs with friends. I met a man I almost instantly adored. The man showered me with gifts, flowers. He took me to expensive dinners. Since I'd been away at either boarding school or college, my experience was limited. I studied, even refusing to go to parties or out with my friends. Maintaining an A average was required of me." I hadn't told anyone about the man I'd dated since the horrible experience. Why I was sharing any aspect of the story was beyond me.
I could feel his eyes watching me.
"Peter did not approve," he stated.