Chapter 229 Aubrey's Hotel
Dakota's P.O.V.
"You're right. I never thought of it that way. I didn't even think of them as human; all I could see were dollar signs." I glance at Ari in surprise when Nikolas puts his face in his hands and begins to cry. I wanted to get to him, but didn't expect him to break down.
"Yegor could have sold my daughter to me, and I would have never known," he says.
"So, how about you stop trafficking people? Can you imagine how they felt when they were sold to the highest bidder? Most are probably dead or dying." Nikolas looks at me and wipes his red, tear-filled eyes.
"I will stop. I can't do it anymore after what you just said. Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?" Nikolas asks. He looks shattered. I would feel bad if his actions hadn't broken so many others.
"No, actually. I asked you to meet with me because I wanted to see if you're part of this vendetta to kill me, Ari, Galdino, and our families." Nikolas looks at me in surprise.
"I have heard families are coming after all of you, but I'm not part of it. As I told you, I'm still old school. I don't believe in killing someone's entire family just because they are more powerful than I am. You have done so much for me, Dakota. Please allow me to help you with this fight." This was the outcome I was hoping for, and I got it without having to trade weapons or anything else.
"Thank you, Nikolas. Why don't you go spend some time with Rain and Luka? We can talk again later." He nods and stands, but doesn't look as self-assured as he did when he walked in.
"You are a very shrewd businesswoman who can cut out a man's heart with nothing more than a few words. I respect you, my Russian friend, and that's more than I can say for most." He holds his hand out to me, and when I take it, he kisses the back of my hand.
"Thank you, Nikolas. I think we will make great allies." He smiles and straightens up before walking out of my office.
"That was impressive and hot as hell," Ari says as he turns my chair to face him and then kisses me. He slides his hand into my shirt and fondles my breast, but I stop him.
"None of that right now. Let's go see Aubrey. I want to find out what she saw." Ari groans as he pulls me out of the chair.
"Let's make it quick. I want to spend some quality time with my beautiful fiancée." I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. He slides his hands over my bottom and holds me against him so I can feel his growing erection. As much as I want more, and I know Aubrey's not expecting us until later, I want to enjoy my time with Ari and not feel rushed.
"When we get home, I promise I'm all yours. You can do whatever you want to me." He kisses down my jaw to my neck and sucks it slightly.
"I can't wait." We leave the office, and I stop in the kitchen, where Xavier and Sarah are just finishing cleaning up.
"We're going to see Aubrey. She said she had something she needed to tell me in person. Can you two go with us?" I ask them.
"Sure," Sarah replies. We go outside and get into one of the SUVs. Xavier drives, and Sarah sits in the front passenger seat. I text Aubrey to let her know we are on our way, but she doesn't respond, so I call her. It rings and goes to voicemail.
"She's not answering." Worry creeps into my gut. "Something's not right."
"Maybe she had a change of heart and left town," Ari says, but I shake my head.
"I don't think so. She would have said something to me. I could see it in her eyes that she truly wanted to change. We have to get to her. Something's wrong." Xavier picks up speed, and when we get to the hotel, I practically jump out before the SUV comes to a full stop. The elevator seems to be moving in slow motion, making me wish I had taken the stairs.
When the elevator doors slide open, I run down the hall to her room and feel sick when I see that her door is partially open. Sarah and I pull out our knives while Xavier and Ari pull out their guns. We slowly walk into the room, and while the men check for the intruder, Sarah and I run to Aubrey. She's lying on the floor, beaten, bloody, and unconscious, but still alive. What did she see at the Tarasovich mansion that would cause someone to do this to her?