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Chapter 12

Penny

He'd fucked my mouth.

And I'd enjoyed it. In fact, the taste of his cum lingered in my throat and on my lips.

Him.

King of the world.

Bad boy personified.

The bastard.

I'd been so exhausted that as the morning light drifted in through the partially open blinds, all I wanted to do was roll over, ignoring the world.

But I'd felt him in the middle of the night. I was certain he'd sat in the chair across from the bed, watching me in the darkness. Maybe I was imagining his presence, but I was also pretty certain Remington had spent time by the man's feet, abandoning his mother for the ruthless man.

But as I lifted my head, staring at the piece of overstuffed furniture, there was no sign I'd been doing anything but dreaming. As soon as I rolled over, Remington stretched out long and lean, all four paws in the air. He was still sleeping but his tail was thumping against the comforter, the boy as content as I'd seen him.

How could he not be? Now that I wasn't freaking out like a woman who'd lost her mind, I was able to bask in the beauty of my surroundings. The bedroom was as exquisite as the rest of the suite, the bed more comfortable than any I'd ever slept in. I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit giddy from my good fortune, although I needed to continue reminding myself that good luck didn't follow me. Only bad luck did.

It had been that way my entire life.

Involuntarily, I rubbed my lips, my bottom still aching from the spanking. Even the way my jaws hurt was a reminder of the man's power. But that begged the question why he wanted me in the first place. Okay, so I'd saved his life and witnessed a crime but there was much more to it than that. There was a darkness in him that needed to be satisfied.

God. I was starting to go down an ugly rabbit hole. If I wasn't careful, I'd lose myself in it completely. But the moment I closed my eyes, I started to envision the man naked. Oh, hell, no. That was more than just out of character for me.

Instead of continuing the twisted fantasy, I rubbed my fur baby's belly. I tried to pull away from the fear that had been with me since being fired from my job. It was silly, really but it was the way I felt.

When I finally glanced at the clock, I knew I had to get up. It had been entirely too long since Remington had been allowed to go potty.

"Wake up, you little scruff muffin. We need to get you outside to do your business."

He lifted his head, his eyes sleepier than normal. While his tail continued to thump, he did nothing more than stretch out again, allowing gravity to roll his body in the other direction. Laughing, I used one of his outstretched legs to turn him back over, lowering my head so I could blow on his tummy.

Huffing and puffing, this morning he didn't like our little game.

"Come on, you. Mama needs to figure out what we're going to do." The man couldn't be serious about keeping me. That was crazy.

I threw back the covers and that was all the extra incentive my boy needed, oozing off the bed like a Slinky. As I stood, I noticed there was a slight wet ring from a glass on the table next to the chair. I stared at it for a full ten seconds.

I'd been right. A cold shiver coursed down my spine. He had been watching me. Why? I was no fool. I'd heard all about the mafia owning the majority of resorts in town, the Morellis included, but I'd done what I could to keep names from my mind. It was none of my business in the first place.

But I had a feeling that danger followed the man wherever he went.

I cautiously moved toward the door, barely opening it a crack, listening for any sounds coming from the rest of the suite. Hearing nothing, I opened it wider, allowing Remington to bound out. The sun was really coming over the horizon, the colors splashing across the sky possibly indicating an approaching storm. I debated taking him to the patio and the pristine grassy area, but I knew that was more out of spite than anything else.

But why?

While Kraven had forced me to come with him, he hadn't kidnapped me. Not really. He'd encouraged me strongly, yes, telling me he wanted to protect me. From what? Boogeymen? Okay, I was pretty certain the two assholes who'd been with the assassin had seen my face, one having beady eyes as he'd stared at me. I had a feeling bad men like him remembered innocent ones like mine.

Not that I could call myself innocent any longer. Not after sucking a stranger's cock.

Remington suddenly barked and I sensed someone was at the suite entrance. The light rapping was followed by someone opening the door without waiting for an answer.

This time three bellmen rolled in different carts, the door opened by one of the soldiers I'd seen at the restaurant. He gave me a nod before indicating where the three young men could place the carts. I was shocked to see easily fifty shopping bags, some on hangers, others in colorful foil piled on the carts. I also noticed two large bags of dog food, a massive dog's bed, and other goodies in at least three bags from one of the nicest pet stores in the city.

One I couldn't afford.

"What is all this?" I asked while I kept a firm hold on Remington's collar. He was thrilled to have company, doing everything he could to wiggle from my hold.

"Some items Mr. Sokolov thought you'd need. Also, he wanted me to tell you that he already walked Remington so you could enjoy a relaxing morning."

Hold on. What? A man who wore ten-thousand-dollar suits and likely ate caviar for breakfast had walked my baby?

The soldier seemed as confused as to the niceties as I was, his body language stiff. I didn't know what to say to him, especially about the fact my baby had been walked. What was Kraven trying to prove to me? That I was wrong about him? That I would be okay with submitting to him?

"Um, where is… Mr. Sokolov?" All I could think about was he was a brutal Russian.

"He has some business to take care of. Do you need anything?"

"I don't think so. What's your name?"

As the bellman walked out, I noticed he didn't bother giving them a tip. Of course. Neither the man who owned the place nor his soldiers were required to do anything that mundane. "Misha."

"Thank you, Misha. I don't know what I'm doing here."

He straightened to his full height and I couldn't help but wonder if every Russian was tall, rough and tumble. "Very few people would have done what you did, Ms. Valentine. It's rare when Mr. Sokolov is allowed to express his gratitude about anything."

"You mean when he chooses to?"

I could tell by the way he kept his eyes open that he had no intention of answering my question.

"How sad." And it was. "And please call me Penny."

While he nodded, I doubted he was going to accept my request. "The boss demands respect."

"And I'm not your boss."

"No, but you are someone of utmost importance to him."

His statement intrigued me and it was heartfelt. The man looked as tired as I felt, which was why I shocked myself by being hospitable. "I was going to have a cup of coffee. Would you like one?"

He glanced toward the door, scrunching his brow. "Not allowed."

Not allowed. What a cruel taskmaster Kraven was. "You can still protect me or keep me from running to the hills if that's what you're doing. I think you've been there all night. Haven't you?"

"I'm used to long hours."

"It's just coffee. I won't spike it. Honest." I held up my fingers in a silly Girl Scout salute, which allowed his expression to soften.

"I will admit, coffee sounds wonderful."

"And don't worry. I won't tell your boss."

When he laughed, I was able to take a deep breath. The number of packages still floored me, enough so I hated the butterflies of excitement having their way with my stomach. I hadn't suddenly been crowned princess for a week or month. I'd need to come down to reality sooner versus later. And when I hit rock bottom, it was going to be tough. Maybe for now, I could try to enjoy the unexpected hospitality.

I headed for the kitchen, opening three drawers until I found an array of Keurig-style coffee pods, uncertain what to select. I'd been forced to have rotgut coffee for so long, being able to choose between flavors and brands was a little like being given carte blanche inside a Starbucks. Boy, wasn't I deprived?

"What flavor would you like? I think there are fifty." I laughed and it felt good to be able to do so.

"Anything you select for me will be fine."

"Doesn't the great Kraven allow you to make choices on your own? And I see you as a robust man." I chose a dark blend, selecting a chocolate-raspberry for me. "Cream? Sugar?"

"Just cream and you didn't need to go to all this trouble."

"You didn't answer my question." After placing a mug under the nozzle, a pod into the holder and hitting go, I searched for more mugs, finding them on my third try.

"Mr. Sokolov is very generous, some would say to a fault. He's personable, giving, fair in his payment and benefits. I can't complain. I'd be on the streets in Moscow if it wasn't for him."

I wasn't certain if that's what I'd expected to hear. "That's why your accent is so pronounced."

"Yes, ma'am." When I gave him a look, he laughed. Even his face turned red, which was endearing. "I mean Penny."

"I can't be much younger than you." I poured in some cream, sliding the mug across the counter. "How did you come to the States?"

"I was begging for money and Kraven was there. He asked me questions, finding out my two brothers had been killed in the war, our house bombed with everything in it and the next thing I knew, I was on a plane to the States. He required me to learn English, providing me with schooling and sponsorship so I can stay legally."

"Wow. Why would he do that?" I added my pod, turning to face him. I was fascinated by seeing the man I remained completely uncertain of through another man's eyes.

He took the mug, breathing in the aroma. "I honestly don't know but I'm forever grateful and loyal."

"I can imagine."

"Would you mind if I removed my jacket? I don't want to insult you."

I glanced down at my shorts and tee shirt, throwing out my arms. "Do I look like a formal gal to you?"

"No, ma'am. I mean Penny. You look like someone Kraven has been waiting his entire life to find. Maybe you can soothe his heartache." He didn't realize what he'd said as he placed his mug back on the counter, slowly taking off his suit jacket. That's when I noticed the shoulder holster, the snap undone. He could shoot at a moment's notice.

Now I wasn't just uncertain.

I was also terrified.

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