42. Max

Nightclubs bore me. The music is too loud and the women too drunk. I much prefer bars where I can hear myself think and enjoy a premium vodka that's not been watered down. Needless to say, this is not how I pictured spending my Friday night, but here I am.

Natalya has been distant with me since the night her apartment was broken into. She says she's fine and she replies to my messages, but there's a coolness that wasn't there before. And I'm not sure why.

At first, I thought maybe she'd overheard my conversation with Sasha but I checked the cameras and she was asleep the whole time. It's possible she's still pissed about the woman kissing me in the street, but I'm certain she's believed me.

I'm supposed to be at a black tie event, schmoozing with investors for my casino project, but Sasha has gone in my place. He's comfortable at these these things and he knows enough to keep the investors happy. It also helps my case that Diana Belov, the rich wife of Dimitri Belov, has a crush on him.

Sasha will likely spend all evening flirting with her. I don't blame him. She is a beautiful woman and Dimitri is in his 70s. Luckily for Sasha - and by extension, me - Dimitri gives no shits about who his wife sees on the down low as long as she's discreet.

I suspect the guy enjoys a break from her. She's petulant and demanding and only married him for his billionaire status. Sasha has the looks but not the billions, but since he's not looking for anything serious, they are perfectly suited.

The app on Natalya's phone tells me she's somewhere close. Kolya follows me as we weave through the crowds of drunk office workers hoping to shake off the shackles of a boring week.

Quite a few women check us out but neither of us pay attention. My only focus is Natalya. I need to make sure she's safe. It's become my priority.

Kolya's here to watch my back. At least he says he is. I told him to take a night off and I'd call in Boris, but he insisted on coming. I have a feeling it has something to do with Natalya's friend, Amanda.

Sasha says he's been seeing her. Sneaking over to her apartment for late-night booty calls.

Not that I care. As long as he's available when I call, he can do what the fuck he wants the rest of the time.

We walk up the stairs as a crowd of drunken women stumbles down. One of them giggles and falls against me, her hand resting dangerously close to my crotch. I growl at her and she jumps back in alarm.

Kolya grabs her arm and pulls her away, shaking his head. Whatever the woman sees in our expressions is enough to send her scurrying down the stairs with a lot less pep in her step.

Good.I'm not here to pick up anyone. The next person who puts their hands on me without permission will end up regretting it.

"They're over there, boss," Kolya murmurs in my ear.

I look in the direction he indicates and then I see her.

Fuck me.

She's wearing a tiny red dress and heels. Even in the low light, I can see how the silky fabric clings to her curves. The damn thing barely covers her ass, above or below, thanks to the way it drapes low enough to touch the base of her spine. Which tells me she's not wearing a bra.

From the way Kolya frowns, he's not all that impressed with what Amanda's wearing either, but I'm not looking at her.

My eyes are firmly fixed on Natalya, or more accurately, on the trio of guys who are hovering nearby, leering at my woman with hungry eyes.

Eyes that are about to be plucked from their faces.