Chapter 4

Penny

Electrified sensations.

The sound of gunfire.

My heart racing.

My mind spinning.

And terrible fear as I was pitched against the wall.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

The echo was horrific.

Then there was silence.

Panting, I covered my head, crouched like some stupid little baby against the wall. I'd reacted when I'd noticed the gun, realizing that the gorgeous man I'd found it difficult not to stare at had been about to be killed. Murdered in a restaurant. That only happened in the movies. I'd reacted without thinking the consequences through, including the fact I could have been killed myself. When I'd managed to drive the shooter into the wall, two gunshots going off, he'd acted as shocked as I'd been, but the rage in his eyes had taken over almost immediately.

Everything had occurred so fast that when he lunged for me, I let off a sharp scream.

That's when the whole world seemed to stop, additional shots fired. I'd dropped like a rock to the floor, struggling to breathe. What had I done? What had happened?

"Go. Go. Go!" a deep male voice screamed from behind me. "There are two more assholes out there."

"Go after them," another deep voice bellowed. Boy, the guy was angry. I was completely disoriented, uncertain which way was up or down, but I was trying to reach the door, the fresh air hitting my face.

Suddenly, I was pulled out of harm's way, sheltered from the door but not from the carnage. Two men raced out the door, the pounding set of footsteps followed by additional gunfire. My body jerked every time I heard the popping sounds. Why weren't there any screams inside the restaurant? Why weren't the two or three women crying their eyes out?

Nothing made any sense, including what I'd done.

I couldn't stop shaking as I heard voices all around, still echoing and tinny because of shots fired at close range.

"Assholes!" someone screamed.

Seconds later, I felt a presence, the electric current rolling through me spiking my blood pressure even more. When a hand was placed on my shoulder, I jerked up my head, locking eyes with the very gorgeous man that I'd saved. Oh, God. Oh, God. I blinked several times, doing my best to focus. Wow. The man was even more gorgeous up close and personal.

He offered a kind smile. "Are you alright?"

No. I wasn't fucking alright. I'd almost witnessed a murder. "I'm…" Something sticky was covering my arm and when I looked down at it, the shaking became even worse.

Blood. My arm and leg were covered in blood. I lifted my head a second time, issuing a single moan from the sight of the guy I'd shoved aside. He was slumped against the entrance wall, his brains plastered all over the surface like some macabre art.

My dark and handsome stranger gripped my chin with two fingers, forcing me to turn my head. "That's not something a beautiful woman should see. Come on. Let's get you up."

His accent was incredible, soothing yet sensual. My mind was so fried.

"No, I need to go. I…" I managed to stand, my legs shakier than they'd ever been.

"Nonsense. I want to make certain you're alright."

He was saying the words with a smile on his face, but they still held a dark and ominous tone.

"No. I can't." I managed to jerk free of his hold, almost bolting out the door. The massive man tossed me against a wall as if I was a rag doll, immediately wrapping his hand around my throat.

"I don't think you understand me," he said in a gravelly voice. "You're not going anywhere until I allow it."

"Who the fuck are you?" I spit out and was rewarded with a tight squeeze of my neck, his brutal actions putting the fear of God into me. What the hell had I managed to walk into?

"I'll be asking the questions. Do you understand?"

He wasn't taking no for an answer, wrapping one arm around my waist and guiding me deeper inside the restaurant. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the waiter who'd tried to stop me from leaving glaring at me from the kitchen door.

"What's your name?" the man holding me asked.

"Fuck you."

He simply stopped short, giving me an authoritative look.

"Um… Penny," I choked out.

Dangerous.

Merciless.

Heartless.

That's all I could think about. And murder.

"What a perfect name."

The sexy man had an accent that my muddled brain couldn't place but it added to his sensuality.

And the fact he was the most dangerous man I'd ever met. My instincts were never wrong.

"Why? Because I'm a redhead?" I managed to jerk away from him, finally able to really see the man I'd just saved from certain death. I'd seen gorgeous men in my life, maybe not so much in Southwest Virginia growing up, but in magazines and on television. But this man… Whew. I hadn't been able to really see just how insanely gorgeous he was.

Between his ice blue eyes that could cut through stone, his chiseled jaw that had been provided by the gods above, and the fact he was a solid six foot four inches with muscles that nearly burst at the seams of his way too expensive suit, I was floored. But add in the unique and intricate tats crawling up his neck, or his lush, kissable lips, and it was tough as nails to take my eyes off him.

But I managed, my thoughts drifting to Remington. I'd lost the food I'd been stupid enough to steal after stuffing my face.

I was angry and fearful, embarrassed and humiliated. That's the moment he chose to crowd my space. I was cornered, no easy sign of a way out.

"I need to get out of here." My words were said with more confidence than I felt, but nothing would keep me from making sure my little fluff ball was safe.

There was another presence, the hulking man blocking my quick escape.

"You're not going anywhere, Penny. Not only is it dangerous, but you also witnessed a crime."

I sucked in my breath, realizing what he was telling me. "You're going to kill me?"

"After you just saved my life?" he asked, laughing in a way that sent a wave of electricity and fear shooting through every muscle. "No, Penny. But you will be enjoying my company until I determine how to handle the situation."

"No fucking way."

"Stop fighting me, malyshka. It won't do you any good."

He brushed the rough pads of his fingers against my cheek and all I could think about was what I now realized was a sexy Russian accent, which matched perfectly with his ruggedly handsome good looks. I was able to take a single step backwards but had nowhere else to go. "Whoa. What did you call me?"

"Baby girl."

I tried to sidestep him again, but his hulking mass was firmly planted in the way. "I'm not your baby girl."

He chuckled as if my random vehemence would do me any good. Why did I have the terrible feeling something bad was going to happen to me?

For all I knew, the dude was part of the Morelli clan. I threw myself within inches of him, pointing my finger in his face. He didn't have a chance to do anything but flash his pearly whites when one of the goons I'd seen him with made an appearance.

"Be careful," he advised. He stood a solid foot taller than me, his massive frame dwarfing me.

"The assholes managed to get away, but we shot the vehicle up pretty good," another gruff voice with a heavier accent stated, obviously to the beast of a man blocking me from leaving.

I managed to look around the guy in front of me, staring at the dude speaking. He was a bit more rugged, definitely forty pounds heavier and there was no suit out there able to accommodate his muscular physique. The fact he had a gun in his hand almost made me laugh. I was obviously in a state of shock.

The bastard determined to keep me shifted back by a few inches, scanning the restaurant.

The momentary change in what was going on allowed me to bolt toward the door. I wanted to scream for help but knew it wouldn't do me any good.

"Check for any identity on the asshole after you bring her back," the sexy man huffed.

I was grabbed with ease, yanked back like a ragdoll for a second time, and tossed back to front and center of the man I'd saved. I hissed and squirmed, almost managing to get out of the large man's hold. Meanwhile, Mr. Hottie studied me intently, remaining silent. Was he determining what concrete pit he was going to bury me in?

"You need to fucking let me go. I can't let him stay in my car all alone. He's hot. He needs water. He needs food. I just wanted to get him something special. He's so hungry. Please let me go to him. He's likely terrified and I'm all he has. Well, he's all I have and…" My mother used to call it potty mouth. It was a syndrome where crap just flowed. I was now sick to my stomach, realizing I'd stumbled into some kind of heavy shit I shouldn't have.

The second man was still holding my arms, his heated breath skipping across the back of my neck.

"Who is in your vehicle?" the sexy man asked, his expression turning puzzled.

"None of your business," I barked.

Two other men were hovering around us after heading back in from rushing onto the sidewalk, obviously wary of who I was and my point for being in the restaurant in the first place.

"She's tough," another one of the men said.

"Yeah, and she almost got herself killed. Sit her down at my table." Sexy man was obviously the one in charge. And he was exasperated I wasn't obeying him like the rest of the grunts.

Without feedback from anyone, I was dragged to the table where they'd been seated, squirming and fighting the entire time. "No. No!"

Another blond dude got in my face as soon as he plopped me in my seat, leaning over so our faces were only inches away. "Relax, Penny. You're safe now and the boss isn't going to hurt you. You did a good thing, an admirable yet stupid deed but in saving that man's life, you will be rewarded. Just don't piss him off. It's been a tough night."

A tough night? Even if they were merely protective goons hired by the sexy guy, the cost of their suits could pay a mortgage on a house for a solid year. He had no clue what tough was.

His grin made me cringe for some reason. It was like the leader was God and the fact I'd almost sacrificed myself was something holy.

He talked to all three of the people I'd seen him with, then an older gentleman who'd been in the back. I couldn't hear a word, but I could tell by their expressions they were angry.

I couldn't take my eyes off him and when he planted his hands on his hips, pacing as he glanced in my direction not once but twice, I wanted nothing more than to get away from this horrible situation.

As he made his way toward me, he took a couple of seconds rubbing his chiseled jaw. "Penny. Who is inside your car?"

"What's it matter to you?"

He sighed as if I was becoming an annoyance. "My name is Kraven Sokolov. Does that name mean anything to you?"

"Why should it other than it's obvious you're some bad guy? You part of the Morelli clan?"

"No, why?"

"You have that smarmy thing about you." Great. I was itching to be killed, my body buried under concrete.

He smiled and in truth, the simple gesture seemed to light up the room. "Smarmy. That's a new one. Give me your keys, Penny, and tell me what kind of vehicle you drive."

When I hesitated, he concentrated his stare on me. My hands still shaking, I reached into my purse, yanking the small keychain into my hand. "It's a piece of shit Toyota parked less than a block ahead on the same side of the road. But please, be careful. Just be careful. He's all I have. Please don't hurt him." Tears rushed to my eyes and I did what I could to wipe them away. How had I gotten myself into this mess? By being a good Samaritan?

"Trust me, Penny," Kraven said as he took the keys from my hand, immediately heading for the other blond.

What had I done? Would he hurt my baby?

When he returned, he motioned for one of the waiters. "Would you like a glass of wine?"

"No."

"Don't be tart with me, Penny. You're shaking."

In truth, I was. I'd never been so horrified in my life. "Yes. Okay. I guess." Maybe that would distract him and I could get away.

He chuckled at my answer and ordered something while I noticed the other customers in the place hadn't been fazed by the horrible incident. I was in some kind of crazy surreal nightmare. Who had a name like Kraven?

When he sat down close to me, he took a deep breath. "Who are you, Penny, and why did you come here?"

"I'm nobody."

"Yet you felt compelled to save my life. Most people would cheer my death instead."

"Why? Are you some kind of monster?"

"Yes."

His frankness surprised me. "Did you know the assassin?" he asked.

A lump remained in my throat. I'd never seen a dead body before. Why had he used the term assassin? "The man who wanted to kill you had been hired to do so?"

"As I said, I'm asking the questions. Talk to me, Penny. The people who got away likely saw you saving my life. While your actions were admirable and I am grateful, more than you know, a face is never forgotten in my world."

"What is your world? Are you a criminal?" Of course he was. Duh. No wonder the shitty restaurant was in a crappy part of town and big goons were hovering around him.

Kraven chuckled and sat back in his chair, and I was floored wine had already arrived. It was as if the man was holding court.

We both said nothing as the bottle was opened, two wineglasses filled.

"Talk, Red Penny."

"I'm nobody. I'm just…" I wrapped my hand around the crystal stem, pulling the wine to my lips. Before I could consume a single drop, some of the dark liquid trickled from both sides. My heart still racing, I knew there was no avoiding the question. Especially since he was breathing down my neck. "I'm sorry I stole food. It was very wrong and unusual behavior for someone like me. I'll pay back the money." I could feel his eyes studying me, picking me apart. I'd never felt so uncomfortable in my life.

My mama had always told me a life of crime wouldn't pay.

He folded his arms, his exotic scent driving me crazy. "I just need to know why you chose this restaurant. It's important I know the truth. And I'll know if you're lying."

"I never lie!" Right. It was a pot calling the kettle black moment. "I stopped on the side of the road to get my bearings and my windows were open, so I was able to smell delicious food. I was just hungry and with twelve dollars to my name, I had few choices. I'm sorry. Okay? I'm very sorry." This was the most embarrassing moment of my entire life.

He didn't say anything at first, sitting back on his throne. Between the raw power he exuded and the intense electricity, I found it nearly impossible to breathe.

"Why are you in this position, so hungry? What happened? Did the Morelli brothers do this to you?"

"You know them?"

Why was he still laughing at me? Did I have food between my teeth? "Answer the question. Don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be."

"Why? Because the two fucking assholes fired me for being five minutes late because my car wouldn't start, and my bitch of a roommate was already tossing out my things by the time I got back home. I never meant for any of this to happen. I was raised a good girl with morals and values. I've never stolen as much as a piece of gum in my life. I will make it up to you. Contrary to my earlier behavior, I am a woman of my word."

"Oh, you'll be punished for the theft. However, not right now. Food for two? Who is hiding? Are you certain you're not lying to me?"

Now he'd gone too far. I leaned across the table, glaring at him. I'd saved his life, but I was ready to take out the shit for a period of time on him. Why the hell not? And what the hell did he mean punishment? Was he going to bring me back here to wash dishes? Fine and dandy by me. "You sit there in your five-thousand-dollar suit surrounded by men who are likely your lackeys, doing whatever bidding you demand, and judge me? Walk in my shoes for thirty minutes. Learn what I've been through the last few days, hell, the entire year. Then you can judge me." I thumped back in my seat, refusing to look at him.

He continued to stare at me. I was this close to making a face. So adult of you.

The door was opened and as soon as Remington bounded in, I jerked up from the table, bolting toward him. Let the bastard try to stop me. "Oh, baby. You're okay. Mommy Dog was so worried. I dropped your chimkin but I'll get you something. I promise." I planted kisses on his head as he woofed, issuing a couple of growls as he tried to process what was going on.

"Food for two," Kraven whiskered huskily, although there was a hint of disbelief in his voice.

"There was no one else in the car, boss. Just a lot of boxes," the other blond said. "And no identification on the dead assassin after a quick search of his pockets."

"I appreciate that, Konstantin, and that's to be expected."

I hugged Remington, still shocked and horrified.

The man smiled as if no one ever thanked him for anything. "What do you want me to do with the asshole, boss?"

"Put him on ice. Check for tats or brandings. And labels on his clothes."

"Will do."

At least I had a couple of names for when and if I talked to the police. "What is chimkin?" Kraven asked.

I kept my arm wrapped around Remington's neck, darting a couple of quick glances toward the man. "You don't have a pet. Do you?"

He cocked his head and remained quiet, his piercing eyes almost condemning me.

"That's what some dog parents call chicken, which is okay for a pup to eat. I don't have much dogfood left after my bitch of a roommate threw me out. I ordered some plain grilled chicken, which I dropped saving you. I'll still pay for it, but I need a little time."

He appeared more riled than before, his nostrils even flaring.

"I said I was sorry!"

"I don't like my malyshka being treated like dirt. They deserve my wrath."

"While I appreciate the whole macho thing you have going on, hear me. I'm not your baby girl or your anything for that matter." Now he was amused. Oh, I'd lost my mind.

"Sit in the chair, Penny. Drink your wine and calm down. Misha. Tell Tony to make a fresh batch of grilled… chimkin for…"

"Remington Steele," I whispered, barely able to find my voice any longer.

"For a special guest. And have a bowl of water brought now."

"Yes, sir," Misha said, the third guy who was sitting at the table.

"Come back to the table," Kraven directed. "I'm not going to hurt you, but we seem to have an issue that needs to be dealt with."

I kissed Remington's head again before returning to the chair. Remington wasn't daunted by his new surroundings, instead more intrigued than I was used to seeing. When I noticed Konstantin immediately headed in my fur baby's direction, I watched their interaction instead of giving Kraven the attention it was obvious he was used to receiving. "Please just leave me alone. I've had a shitty week. I really have. I know you almost died but it feels like I lost everything. Okay?" Maybe I'd been knocked in the head, which was good reason for me acting so impulsively. And stupidly.

"You said the dog is all you have."

I finally turned toward the man, nodding. "At least here in this shitty town. My dad is back in Roanoke, Virginia, but I'm all alone out here."

"And what brought you across the country?"

"Because I wanted to dance. I had a friend tell me that with my talents, I could easily get a high paying job. Boy, was she wrong. Who was the… man who was killed?" My stomach lurched as I watched the body being wrapped in plastic and taken to the back room.

"An enemy."

"Do you have many of those?" I laughed nervously, but I had a feeling he did.

"Yes." Another simple answer.

"Oh. You are a bad man." I couldn't even use my college education to my benefit by finding another word than ‘bad.' Although several certainly came to mind. Reprehensible. Powerful. Terrifying. Dangerous. I could go on and on.

He lifted his eyebrows. "As I said before. You saved my life, Penny. But in doing so, you placed yourself in a difficult position with me."

"So it would seem." Why was he repeating it? Was he really that shocked?

"However, that does mean I owe you at least some protection." He was rubbing his jaw, still contemplating what to do with me. "I'm still wondering why you put yourself in harm's way."

"Because that's what decent people do. Maybe if I'd known you were a horrible man, I wouldn't have intervened."

Two of his men laughed and Kraven appeared even more amused. "If you want decent instead of immoral and dangerous, you've come to the wrong city. Now, as I mentioned, we have an issue since you performed that good deed you mentioned."

"So what does that mean?"

He took a deep breath, holding it in his lungs, once again allowing his extremely heated gaze to drift over me. "It means, Red Penny, that you and Remington Steele are coming with me."

"You're not taking me anywhere."

"You have no say in the matter, Penny. You witnessed a crime. You saved my life. If you are who you say you are, the person responsible for sending that dead man to kill me will send others. And you'll be added to the list. Besides, from what you've told me, you're tapped out of offers and friends. So, to answer your question more directly, I'm taking you somewhere safe. But in doing so, you will do what I say when I say."

"And if I don't?"

"Then I assure you that you won't like the consequences."