"As we've discussed, we aren't friends."
"But we are business partners. I agreed to help you and in truth, I think it's the right thing to do."
Aleksei narrowed his eyes and shifted back in my direction until he was towering over me once again. "Lies."
"Truth."
He exhaled, allowing the hot breath to slide across my face. I refused to back down. "Very well. My father came to give me a warning."
"Your father," I repeated. "Whatever he said upset you terribly."
"If you know of the Russian mafia in any regard, you realize there are factions in the old country who are far more barbaric that even my father can be."
I'd read enough over the years, so many of the Russian mafia little more than gangs arising out of violent and abhorrent prisons. "Yes. What does that have to do with you or with Peter?"
There was a flash in his eyes, a moment where I knew he'd never be able to tell me the entire truth.
"There are people living in the United States who are very loyal to certain Bratvas from the mother country," he said in an almost defeated manner.
"You're afraid they're going to take over your kingdom."
He nodded. "They have the power and the means to do so. It is my responsibility to make certain that doesn't happen."
"Because Peter is threatening your business, but there's more. Isn't there?"
"There are several concerns. Now, it's time for you to rest."
Damn it. I felt like I'd been dismissed, as if by telling me his feelings he'd broken his own code of honor. Then this. This... bullshit. Tears sprang to my eyes, a burning sensation rocketing through me. I'd been used.
Again.
I was forced to accept that. Aleksei was a damn good actor. Then why did my heart ache so badly? Why did I still believe everything he'd said, the admission of his feelings? Jesus. I had to be the dumbest girl on the planet. Everything was completely out of sorts, including my growing feelings for a man that I had no business caring about.
But the truth had been revealed.
And I adored him.
More than I dared to whisper but I did.
"I love you."
"Amazing," I whispered, sliding my hand against my neck.
How could I describe the most incredible dress I'd ever seen, let alone worn? There were no words plausible. As I stood in front of the mirror, studying my reflection, I felt more like a princess than anything else that came to mind.
Except for the concept of a movie-Pretty Woman.
The red velvet full-length piece accentuated every curve, hugging in such a casual manner that there was no doubt the dress had been made for me alone. Cinched at the waist and cascading over my hips, the long slit in the front allowed for a full viewing of one leg and the stilettos that Aleksei had chosen in accompaniment. To say I was dazzled was an understatement.
I'd swept my hair into a bun, allowing a few strands to dangle along my cheeks and for some reason, I felt like a fraud. I was no princess. There was no knight in shining armor. I was simply a girl who'd lost her way, trusting all the wrong people.
I'd spoken little to Aleksei after our discussion, retreating to the bedroom suite after only an hour. Here I was, more nervous than I could ever imagine, uncertain of why Aleksei would risk so much in an effort to poke the bear, as the expression went.
I knew he had reasons other than what he was telling me, hidden secrets that he'd refused to reveal. As if that was anything new.
I shifted right and left, admiring every attention to detail then made a series of faces at the girl staring back at me in the mirror.
I checked the clock by the bed, eyeing the huge red digital numbers. I had five minutes before we were supposed to leave. I fingered the both corners of my lips, making certain the matching crimson lipstick was still intact before shoving the tube into the small clutch. Then I walked to the window, admiring the now clear skies, the beautiful coloration as fuchsia and violet clouds overtook the dark and ominous sky.
Maybe this was a good omen.
Then again, maybe this was a premonition of the future.
I wasn't a believer in fairy tales. They never came true. There was no chance my knight, if you could call Aleksei that in any manner, would be able to stave off the uncertainty or the danger. Yet he'd taken on his oath as my protector.
Every mafia family had some level of concern about a takeover attempt at some point. That was well known but coming in from another country seemed to have a more ominous meaning. However, given Peter's dive into illegal drugs, ones coming from Russia, that meant... Aleksei must be convinced that Peter was working directly with the Bratva, not only making connections but his own deal. That would account for Peter's hatred of the Petrov family and his immediate need to have Aleksei assassinated.
The other pieces of the puzzle were still far too fuzzy to make sense of.
The minutes ticked by, matching the ragged beating of my heart. I finally noticed there was one minute left before our scheduled departure. I took a deep breath, sliding my hand down the front of my dress. The gorgeous sulking Russian had thought of everything.
I could only wonder what the rest of the night would bring.
As I walked out into the living room, searching for him, I held my breath. He appeared as if out of nowhere, standing in the shadows, only taking a few steps into the limited light. When his face lit up, if only for a few seconds, I was elated, butterflies rolling in my tummy.
Aleksei took two more strides closer, shaking his head. He looked incredible in his tuxedo, even more so than the night I'd seen him at the celebration for the mayor. He was the kind of man who could wear any clothing, stunning in every manner. There was no attire that could hide his rugged features or the way he handled himself.
In full control.