Chapter 16

Penny

Good God, the man was fine looking. So much so he'd stolen my breath and I wasn't certain he had any intention of giving it back.

He was also full of surprises, too many of them.

After reeling from what he'd told me about the torture he'd endured and the aftereffects, I'd stood in front of the mirror for a solid five minutes before realizing the shower was still on, likely out of hot water.

But it hadn't been.

I'd indulged in the various amazing scents stocked on the single shelf, unable to get him off my mind.

When I'd finished, towels firmly wrapped around my wet hair and my body, I'd found all the new things put away in the closet and drawers. There was no reason to act as if I was incensed any longer. The truth was that I was smiling because of the kind gesture, once again feeling like a princess as I'd tried to decide which dress to wear. He'd purchased so many it was crazy.

Meanwhile, Remington had been nowhere to be found while I'd dressed and applied makeup. I'd found them both outside on the terrace, the dog practically sitting in the man's lap. I'd almost snapped a picture of it with my phone, thinking better of it. I had a feeling Kraven wouldn't want to be seen as having a heart.

Even though that remained questionable.

He'd paraded me through the hotel, introducing me to a dozen other employees, enthusiastic about showing me the various clubs, which weren't open yet, and the impressive casino. Since arriving in town, I'd never gambled once. Not even to drop a dollar's worth of quarters in a slot machine.

My father had gotten trapped that way, almost losing the house because of the near addiction after the tremendous grief. Through a friend's help and counseling, he'd gotten himself clean of the need, but it had taken a toll on more than just his finances.

My mind shifted to Jake for the last time. I made that promise to myself.

However, since I'd worked at a casino, I was shocked at the difference. I'd been in a shabby place in comparison; the exquisite chandeliers and the plush carpets, the wall sconces and white lights in various living trees were breathtaking.

Most impressive were the atrium and water feature located in the middle. It reminded me of pictures I'd seen of Monte Carlo, not Las Vegas. While there were tourists in shorts and tee shirts, I'd noticed there was an explicit dress code after five.

Suits and ties, cocktail dresses for the ladies.

Now I sat in the passenger seat of a convertible Italian sports car on a hot, sunny late morning, thankful my sunglasses had been in my purse. While Kraven had been right and it was steam bath weather, between the open top and the blasting air conditioning, I was almost chilly.

I found it terribly disconcerting that I continually glanced in his direction, hoping my dark shades hid the obvious lust I continued to feel. Captor. Lover. They shouldn't be interchangeable.

With the wind, his hair was a bit unruly, which added to his sex appeal. And while he'd obviously taken a shower, his spicy aftershave something out of a fragrance commercial, he'd chosen not to shave. As with what I'd seen with all dark-haired men, his five o'clock shadow would be enough of a beard by evening that I'd want to run my fingers through it.

Too bad he was carrying a gun. Although he'd tried not to make it look obvious, I'd caught the outline when we'd walked to the car. I wasn't certain whether to be terrified or comforted by the fact he was prepared to handle whatever came our way. I also tried to ignore the ugly visions from the night before, but it was pretty much next to impossible to get the vision of a man's vacant eyes and the fact his head had been blown off out of my mind. Fuck.

On top of everything, my captor was acting as if this was a typical course of business. Maybe he was trying to get me to trust him. Why? So he could lock me down tight? I'd love to get my hands on a computer, spending more time looking the man up. As it was, the few minutes I'd had to glance at my phone had provided little more than dazzling photographs of him at various fabulous dinners and standing in front of one or other of his casinos.

I'd venture a logical guess he had a staff hiding behind paper thin walls, their only jobs to sweep the internet of bad press. That sounded like something he'd do. Either that or the fact bad boys were so hot gave him a promissory note from the local law enforcement that he could break the law whenever his little heart felt like it.

The morning sex had obviously killed several brain cells. Perfect.

At least he was damn good looking to make up for his evil behavior.

Oh, lord. I had to stop thinking this way. I hadn't fallen into a long-term fantasy, more like a forever nightmare. I leaned back, trying to control my libido.

Remington had been positioned in the backseat, my tour guide thinking of bringing toys that included a Frisbee while I'd made certain we had copious bottles of water as well as his water bowl. As I sat back against the seat, I noticed my pup seemed to be enjoying himself, alternating between sticking his entire face out one side of the car then racing to the other.

I laughed as he woofed at someone when Kraven stopped for a traffic light, my pup more animated than usual.

"He's never this excited," I said as I brushed the tangled mass of hair from my face. "Then again, I haven't really had the opportunity to take him out enough. I work all the time and when I don't, I don't have any money to do anything anyway, so why bother? I have gone to a couple parks but he wasn't really interested in playing with other dogs, so we just sat on the bench, pretending we were having a good time." Why in God's name was I suddenly rambling?

Because I was more nervous now than I was before being in his presence. It wasn't just that he was powerful and unforgiving. It was more that I'd allowed my guard to fall with him, our intimacy making everything that much worse.

Wasn't having sex with someone supposed to make you feel better?

While I was busy psychoanalyzing the situation and my jitters, I had to admit that seeing the world through his eyes and all the gorgeous people had driven a stake through my otherwise tough exterior.

Plus, I'd felt even more vulnerable when it had become obvious he was staring at my cuts. Why was it that I suddenly wanted to scratch my forearms until they were bleeding?

I hadn't realized I was popping one foot onto the floor mat until he reached over, planting his massive palm on my knee.

"Relax, sunshine. I'm not taking you to an execution. We're going to lunch first. Then somewhere kind of special."

"Lunch, huh? I bet you eat caviar and lobster every day of your life."

His booming laughter took away some of the anxiety. "There's a lot you don't know about me."

"I know nothing about you other than you killed a bunch of men, were treated like a pincushion, and have excellent tastes in women's clothing."

"Well, I'll take that as a compliment."

A man like him would.

"What about Remington? We can't leave him in a hot car."

He simply squeezed my leg again and it seemed even more intimate than before. He was driving through a portion of the city I'd rarely allowed myself to, typically going from work to the apartment, or to get a few groceries. I'd forgotten just how vibrant the city truly was with the new sports stadium and speed track.

There were people everywhere, the streets teeming with activity. He kept his hand firmly planted around my knee as he maneuvered through the streets, passing one vehicle then another with ease. It was a possessive gesture, as if any time he was required to stop at a light, the tourists on the sidewalks would accept that I belonged to him.

Oddly enough, it was comfortable. Even if I continuously glanced into the rearview mirror, especially when stopping at a traffic light.

I was well aware two SUVs were following us, filled with men equipped to handle any attempt on the man's life, but their presence didn't seem to bother Kraven in the least. So I'd decided I'd do my best not to allow it to interrupt the day.

"What do you really take me for, Red Penny?" he asked.

"Do you really want that answer?"

"Actually, I wouldn't mind but only after we have a frothy cocktail in our hands."

"Drinking and driving is illegal in this state."

He laughed again. "I assure you that the food we consume will absorb it. And do not tell me you're not hungry. I can hear your stomach growling even with the howling wind."

I punched him in the gut, half choking. "You are an intolerable man. Yes, I'm hungry. Happy now?"

"Please don't tell me you only eat salads."

Now I snorted, an accidental gesture that I hated. My ex had called it reprehensible, disgusting. "No, I'll have you know I would eat big, fat, juicy burgers topped with two kinds of cheese and grilled mushrooms along with a helping of crispy French fries every day of the week if I could. Okay, maybe I'd add in a slice of pizza now and again, but I think you get the point."

He was laughing even harder, which made the heat from total embarrassment rush to my face. I wanted to slide under the seat, refusing to come out until it was the next century.

"Well, then I think you're going to like my choice of restaurants." When he pulled the car into the parking lot of Margaritaville, I squealed.

Another ridiculous trait.

"You are kidding me?"

"What?" he asked as if there was anything innocent about him.

"You do not like this place? This is so not you. Have you ever been here?"

He kept the grin on his face. "It would seem you truly have me mistaken for a Neanderthal. I'll have you know this is my private hideaway when I prefer chowing down on a burger and guzzling down a cold brew or two."

"Well, shut my mouth. But I reserve the Neanderthal topic for now."

When I issued the statement, he looked over, his thick eyebrows bunching up over the edge of his dark sunglasses.

Another wave of heat on my face. Great. I was one hot mess today. All because I'd fucked him. Or he'd fucked me. Whatever the technical term was.

"You are refreshing," he said as he whipped into a parking spot. "It's adorable when you think you have any control."

"It was something my mother used to say when my daddy did something silly. That was before she died." Why was I telling him anything personal about me?

He didn't address what I'd said, merely continuing to chuckle when he eased the gear into park, cutting the engine almost immediately.

As with pretty much every restaurant on the glitzy section of Las Vegas, the outside of the restaurant appeared as if they could be a high dollar steak location, other than the parrot nestled beside the massive three-dimensional name.

I'd been to the one in Key West once, falling in love with it as so many thousands of other people. But I'd never walked into this one. It would bring back too many memories that shouldn't surface.

"Come on, big pup. We're in for the start of our adventure." He was the one to grab Remington's leash, helping my puppy from the backseat.

I didn't remember the restaurant locations allowing pets, but somehow, I had a feeling a man like Kraven went by his own set of rules and nobody fucked with him.

As soon as we walked inside, it was exactly the same as the moment we'd walked into his hotel. The two stunning stick figures who stood behind the hostess desk had an expression that I wasn't quite certain how to categorize. But given they were so freaking gorgeous and perfect, I felt less than adequate, even though the price tag had still been on the dress.

Four hundred seventy-two dollars for little more than a floral print on steroids? That was more than I made in, oh, I don't know. A week anyway.

I pulled off my sunglasses just as he was doing, trying my best to act like I belonged here.

And with him.

The instantaneous feeling that if duels were allowed, I'd be forced into one hit me hard. It was silly, really, but after the day plus I'd had, nothing seemed weird to me any longer.

My core was throbbing and as they continued leering at him, I felt an intense roar of jealousy. Where in God's name had that come from? Suddenly, the butterflies in my stomach were replaced with an entire hive of bumblebees. Next, I'd have a big band playing in my stomach.

"Mr. Sokolov. Would you like your usual table?"

"Mr. Sokolov. Can I bring you your first drink personally?"

Mr. Sokolov. Can I have your firstborn?

Okay, the last question was only in my mind, but I could tell that's what one or both of them was thinking. I'd known bad boys were fashionable, but it would seem criminals were all the rage.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Or so the saying went.

"The usual table is fine," he answered rather curtly. "And please make certain my furry friend is brought fresh spring water in a bowl immediately."

"Yes, sir." One of the girls looked at me as if choking wasn't good enough. Neither was ripping out my eyeballs. She turned on her heel, her high heels clipping on the floor as she walked away.

That left the other drooling woman to guide us to our table. I had to admit the location was without a doubt the best in the joint. It was situated on one of six distinct private balconies, with a window allowing the guest to view the impressive-looking outdoor bar and grill complete with a swimming pool.

When she placed a menu down in front of me, she glared curtly, but of course he didn't see it.

"I almost vomited a little in my mouth," I said in a dark voice after she'd trotted away.

He was even more amused, his entire face lighting up. The fact he was wearing a stunning shade of violet short-sleeve shirt matched with a pair of linen pants far too white to be adventuring with a pup was a powerful draw.

I could tell he was entirely comfortable in his skin, not caring about what anyone said about him. Which I also found extremely attractive. Maybe too much so.

"You are a very funny girl. Why would you say something like that?"

"Why?" I asked and before I could continue, a very handsome waiter arrived with a towel over his arm, a steel bowl in one hand and a tall bottle of spring water in the other.

"Good afternoon, sir."

When he didn't address me, I was certain my Russian lover or captor was going to jump out of his seat, pummeling the man's face into pulp. Thank God the dude quickly realized his faux pas, smiling at me as if I was queen bee.

"What do we owe the pleasure of having such special guests with us today?"

"Just lunch, Aaron. Nothing more," Kraven answered for me. "Make certain the pup has a perfect hamburger and afterwards, he'll need some plain vanilla ice cream. We'll order in a little while but we'd both like to start with a top shelf margarita with salt, ice only. You know the kind of tequila I prefer."

"Yes, sir." The waiter cracked the bottle, acting as if it was a fine bottle of wine. I said nothing as he poured half the contents into the bowl, gently placing the remainder on our table.

I glared at Kraven after the waiter walked away. "You do realize ordering for a lady is Neanderthal behavior. Right?" My pup happily lapped at the fresh water, making a mess on the floor. Ah, what a shame. Wasn't I being a brat today?

"You know, I've been compared to many atrocities in my life but never a caveman."

"See what you're missing?"

He grinned and sat back, studying me intently. "The vomit comment?"

"Oh, come on. You cannot tell me that you didn't realize those two women were ready to have your babies."

There was genuine surprise on his face, which now amused me. "They're hostesses."

"Yeah," I said. "But they wouldn't mind being Russian princesses, even if they had to share you with each other. Think about it, a little harem of your own."

"Well, then I guess I'll need to break it to them I'm not a Russian prince. Huh?" He leaned across the table, allowing me one giant whiff of his incredible, sultry aftershave. He was messing with every part of me, pushing the boundaries of sexuality. I wanted to ask him who'd concocted the deliciousness filled with exotic spices and citrus, some crazy kind of dark wood and a dash of pepper but I thought it inappropriate.

But I took a deep whiff anyway.

Before I could regroup, fanning my face from the excessive heat, our drinks arrived. I'd never had bartenders make a drink that fast. Not one. He was something special after all.

"I have a feeling that you're royalty whether you embrace that or not. It's like you own this town."

He kept the adorable smirk on his face, which highlighted his high cheekbones and aristocratic nose. How was it he hadn't had his nose broken? Or maybe he'd undergone the knife.

"My darling Penny. I am neither royalty nor the owner of any city. However, as you've probably determined, I am quite powerful, fearful to some."

"Some?" I almost choked after taking a sip and it wasn't just because the drink was strong. "You could tell women to drop and spread their legs and they would. And men? They cower in your presence. See what you did to Misha, who by the way is like your greatest supporter, although I'm not sure why given the way you treated him."

"As I said, obedience is a requirement."

"Including by me?"

"Including by you."

Even the way he lifted a single eyebrow was sexy. While he was being deadly serious, I found myself rolling my eyes in an exaggerated fashion. "So. You take the goons with you wherever you go?"

"Goons?"

"You know. Crockett and Tubbs wannabes over there and their two sidekicks."

His eyebrow remained lifted, his expression one of full-blown amusement. "Crockett and Tubbs?"

"I would have thought given the way you're dressed you watched Miami Vice." He said nothing and I found myself giggling around him, another oddity. "You know, the hit television show in the eighties."

"You weren't even born in the eighties."

I shrugged. "So what? I adore cop shows, especially with sexy as hell detectives that make a girl's lady parts tighten up."

His laughter was as gloriously huge as it had been before. "So you're saying I'm attractive."

"You know you are."

"I'm just a guy."

"With a constant entourage like a celebrity, a hotel that would suit any royalty, and dangerous men trying to blow your head off? No, you're not just a guy, Kraven. You're an enigma." I noticed a woman who'd arrived only minutes before studying him as if he were more than pricy wagyu beef. She was the kind of woman I would normally be jealous of, perfect in every way. Okay, I was completely jealous of the bitch. Long legs. Perfect body. Even the way she was sitting was as if she was a celebrity. I rolled my eyes and he noticed.

"What now?" he asked in his usual husky voice.

"Just another sex kitten wannabe. You have fans. They're all beautiful."

He gave me a very heated onceover. "None of them have what you have, malyshka."

"Do tell? What fabulous qualities do I have?" Maybe I was fishing for a compliment, but I'd never been called beautiful. Cute, yes, but not beautiful. When he leaned over the table, I could swear the man took my breath away. If only he didn't have such a tremendous effect on me.

"You have everything a man wants. Beauty. Personality. Spunk. Audacity. You're the kind of woman men want to tame. And own."

Why did he suddenly make sounding like his possession so hot? I leaned over until our lips were almost touching. "Bullshit. You're just plying me with compliments."

I wasn't certain if he was irritated or continuing to be amused. But his grin was infectious. "You like to speak your mind."

"As my mama told me as a little girl, my caustic mouth would help me build a career or get me into a heaping amount of trouble. Speaking of which. How dangerous is this dude who tried to kill you?"

"Perhaps more so than I believed. However, why don't we talk about more pleasant aspects of life? Yes?"

I'd noticed a quick change in his demeanor, as if he'd learned the assassin was after more than just his life.

"Fine." I ran my finger through the salt on my glass, pulling the tip to my mouth. He didn't blink the entire time, but his twinkling eyes were more pronounced than before. "Tell me. What would you like to talk about?"

Everything about the man's actions, his utter personality screamed dominance. Especially when he took a full minute before answering.

"You coming to work for me."

"And why would I do that?"

It would seem he was thinking about the answer. "Because I won't take no for an answer."