Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

A leksander

Decisions.

How many had I made in my life that had been difficult? Enough to know I couldn't take this one lightly.

Raphaella had remained quiet and mostly to herself, asking me if she could get off a couple of hours early. As much as I'd wanted to confront her again, I'd done nothing but nod, wishing her well. I'd seen such a haunted look in her eyes and it continued to flame my extreme rage.

Gone was the spark from a girl enjoying obtaining a new position.

What I had in mind might be something I'd regret but she deserved better.

Much better.

"So, are you going to tell me what the fuck you're in such a funk about?" Vadim waited to start grilling me until we were halfway to her father's house.

"Something personal."

"Uh-huh. So you know, I've narrowed down the list."

I turned my head, studying him. "And?"

"I think Sergei is the best choice. He understands how important this is. However, my other choice is Viktor."

I sensed he was partially goading me, even lifting his eyebrows and waiting until I responded. "Viktor is a brutal idiot and Sergei is too much of a playboy."

"He and I discussed that. He's agreed to curtail his ways."

"Yeah?" I asked, laughing. "For how long? Either choice will not be good for her."

"What about the alliance?"

"Don't be a fool, Vadim. Neither one is a good choice all the way around. If they make a mistake, the alliance becomes null and void."

"Then what do you suggest?"

Inhaling, I knew what I was about to do was nuts, but you only lived once. She hated me, but that might make for a perfect coupling. "I'll marry her."

He sucked in his breath in an exaggerated manner, finally whistling afterward. "What in God's name brought you to this?"

"I have my reasons. I ask that you respect them."

"Fine, my friend, but I hope you know what you're doing."

"Oh, I do too." We remained in silence as he continued driving and my thoughts were running wild as to how best to handle this. She would be incensed, but what was worse, two men who had no understanding of being in a relationship? I closed my eyes and tried to keep from laughing. What the fuck did I know.

The girl should be off the radar, completely forbidden fruit. Could she even remain my employee at this point? Maybe I'd have a conversation with my partner. After he spit out his coffee given my announcement, he would agree. Roman Whitfield was always looking for a decent employee. We seemed to go through them like water.

As soon as Vadim drove into the neighborhood, I pulled out my weapon, checking the ammunition. When I slapped the magazine back into place, Vadim threw me another look.

"Don't start a goddamn war."

"I have no intention of it unless Luciano is a shithead."

He laughed and found the house, the large estate at the end of a cul-de-sac. "I have news for you. He's always going to be a shithead."

I managed to chuckle as he pulled into the driveway. The place was crawling with soldiers. We'd dispatched two sets of men to hang back in case, but if Luciano was stupid enough to start a battle in his house, then we would likely be sitting ducks.

As soon as we stepped out, two men approached and I gave them a look indicating not to touch. I even showed a sign of good faith by pulling out my Beretta, allowing them to see it. "It's coming inside with me, gentlemen. If you need to ask your boss if it's okay, feel free."

They simply looked at each other again then one of them led us to the wooden front door, allowing us inside. The house was a bit more formidable than I was used to, but still comfortable in design. We were led to a combination family room and dining room, the kitchen in another location.

Luciano was talking with someone, stopping almost immediately as soon as we walked in. He was sizing us up, although we certainly knew what each other looked like.

"Gentlemen. So good of you to make it. This is my associate, Mario. You could call him my right-hand man."

The brutal-looking man came over, offering his hand.

I almost didn't take it, but doing so wouldn't be a good start to our meeting.

After introductions were made, Luciano asked if we'd like a drink. At least the man recognized my name, also in connection to my half ownership of Whitfield and Semenov. However, today I was the Pakhan's Councilor, a highly respected position.

And something the Italian shouldn't take lightly.

"Why not. Whiskey for both," I answered, realizing even Vadim was watching me carefully. I don't know why it felt important to meet Raphaella in her home setting first. Perhaps because it would solve the remaining question if I was very wrong. Which of course, I wasn't.

"Excellent taste," Luciano said, nodding to his right-hand man to handle pouring the drinks. "My chef is currently in the middle of making us dinner. I stole her from the top restaurant in New York City."

I was too busy looking around the room, noticing very few pictures of family anywhere. That wasn't entirely abnormal for mafia families. Maintaining privacy was important in our line of work. After a few minutes of hearing their chitchat, I'd had enough.

"Please. Make yourselves comfortable," Luciano suggested as he sat down in the same kind of over-plush chair that reminded me of the one Vadim kept court in.

It was one of those moments where neither the Pakhan nor I were comfortable, but as with all aspects of business negotiations, there were certain protocols even brutal men needed to follow. Mario was also on edge, eager to whip out a weapon and start shooting.

Vadim sat down first before I took a seat at the end of the couch. Our backs were turned toward the door, which wasn't good on any level strategically but, if necessary, we'd remind the mafia Don we had people waiting to handle whatever issue came up.

Luciano shifted in his seat, acting as if this was a family gathering. I wanted to laugh but took a sip of my drink instead, placing it on the coffee table and steepling my hands.

"I want to meet the girl," I told him.

He eyed me with more disdain than before. "I feel it's only prudent to ask if you brought the signed contract with the identity of my daughter's fiancé. She does deserve the best."

"You should have thought of that when you offered her up like a possession."

Vadim tilted his head, lifting a single eyebrow in a reminder to think about where we were.

"Yes, well, she is a free spirit, refusing to give into rules. I need to guide her through everything."

"That will be her husband's job from now on." I pulled out the executed contract, keeping it in my hands.

"His name?"

"It would seem," Vadim interjected, "that my second in command has decided it's time for him to marry."

For some reason, the news settled in hard, Luciano's eyes flashing. "You?"

How accusatory. "I enjoy the company of a beautiful, intelligent woman. Yes, it's past time I start a family. Now, I would like to meet my bride to be."

The way Luciano stared at me was telling. He was terrified. Good. I wanted him to be. I also wanted it to be very clear that he would never, ever be able to lay a hand on her again. I also sensed Vadim had a million questions. The answers would come later. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew I was winging part of this.

So the answers weren't easy to come by.

When Luciano didn't react right away, I leaned forward in my seat. He finally made a gesture toward Mario, who was slightly hesitant to leave.

"Mario. It's fine. Go get my daughter."

The burly man finally left the room, grumbling under his breath as he did so.

"The terms of the deal—" Luciano started.

"Were spelled out," Vadim interrupted. "Once the girl is safely in Aleksander's possession, the crates of heroin will he brought to you."

The mafia Don nodded. "I suggest you not consider stabbing me in the back."

"I suggest you not challenge my respect or my integrity. Men have died for less."

It wasn't necessarily surprising the Italian leader burst into laughter. "Understood and I think we have a mutual respect for each other. Yes?"

It was tough not to laugh given all the posturing. I decided to answer. "As long as we are clear with details."

"I understand."

We only had to wait a few minutes before hearing footsteps. I had no idea what—if anything—Raphaella had been told, other than that she was required to get married in an arranged deal.

"Here she is," Mario said, his rather rebellious tone something I wouldn't be able to tolerate for much longer.

I stood along with Vadim, Luciano remaining an entitled asshole and staying where he was. There was nothing I hated more than pompous jerks. I curtailed my anger as she walked further into the room.

"There you are. At least you look almost presentable. Meet your fiancé, the Councilor to the Russian Pakhan, Aleksander Semenov."

Well, the cat was out of the bag.

I turned around and instantly, the flash of shock in her eyes drove a dagger into my heart. Shock almost immediately turned into hate, but she was doing her best to hide her emotions. She did a slight shake of her head as I walked around the couch, a gesture her father wouldn't see but telling me in no uncertain terms Daddy dearest had no idea the identity of her new boss. She looked faint, her lower lip quivering.

I kept the fa?ade, even though I wanted to torch the man inside his residence, holding out my hand for a traditional handshake. "Aleksander Semenov."

She was so nervous she was fidgeting, twirling a long hair around two fingers. Her father did that to her. What struck me other than the haunted look in her eyes was she looked like a coiffed doll. The dress was not anything like what I'd seen her in, sensual in the way the soft material hugged her curves. Her long chestnut hair had been styled, the bouncy curls highlighting her aristocratic features. Even the way the waning sunlight light streamed in through the blinds created a warm glow around her.

But the girl was terrified. She was also enraged. The spark was returning to her eyes, which I was glad to see.

"Show off your wares, Raphaella. You need to prove your worth. A lot is at stake for this marriage given if your fiancé approves, our battles will end."

Without a doubt, she was mortified but turned in a circle, even offering a little sway to her hips. The girl was extremely beautiful, which I'd already determined. But without the glasses, which I'd suspected was nothing but a prop, and a little additional makeup, any man would be a fool not to find her attractive.

But I sensed she didn't trust me any more than she did her father. She likely believed her hiring at my firm had been planned. I had to admit the coincidence would keep me on edge.

"Come on. You can do better than that. You need to show this man you're worthy of producing an heir. If he finds you unattractive, your worth will be in the toilet."

Hearing Luciano's additional crass comments was all I could take. I noticed the horror spreading across her face, but she didn't need to react herself.

I did.

And I was not so nice doing so. In a flash, I had the fucker lifted from the chair, one hand alone wrapped around his throat doing the trick. I also leveled my weapon toward Mario, giving him a nasty look.

"Yeah, I wouldn't do anything stupid, Mario," Vadim offered. I did love the amusement in his voice. "Aleksander can be a little unhinged."

I cocked my head, hearing a crack of several bones given the tension I was feeling. I almost wanted the Don to do something stupid. The charade could end right now if he did. "Now, from this moment on, you will have as little to do with your daughter as possible. She's my property. Bought and paid for. And if I ever hear of you disparaging her again or touching her, I will finish this."

"Leave him alone," she said from behind me.

"I can't do that, my lovely fiancée. This man deserves to learn about respecting women as much as he does how to act when more powerful men are around him."

It was fascinating what a rush of adrenaline could do. That I was able to keep Luciano on his toes was a testament to the heavy boxing I'd been doing. I squeezed for emphasis, more than enjoying the way the man's face turned blood red.

Mario was also stupid enough to keep his hand on his weapon. I shook my head, giving him an admonishing look and he finally threw up his hands in surrender.

"Are we clear, Luciano?" I growled.

He was finally slapping at my hands, unable to speak. He gurgled his answer and at this point it would need to be good enough for me. I let him go, waiting as the asshole wheezed and coughed, rubbing his throat as if I'd almost killed him.

Oh, the thoughts I'd had of doing so. Delicious.

"Now, a slight change in the rules. Raphaella is coming with me." I was clear in my statement, but he seemed befuddled, even angry. I stepped away, locking eyes with her. She was incensed, longing to say something to me. She would have that chance soon enough.

He moved closer, sticking a finger in my face; it was all I could do to keep from breaking it. "That wasn't in the agreement."

"Changes need to be made and I can't trust that you won't hurt the merchandise. Raphaella, gather whatever things you have here. You're coming with me."

I sensed it took everything she had not to refuse, her eyes finally shifting to her father. Now I could clearly see the hate.

"You will honor your promise to me, Dad," she huffed. "You will leave my brother and sister fucking alone." Her voice was shaking.

"Don't talk to your father like that!" Luciano snapped. All I needed to do was give him a hateful look and he calmed down.

"I assure you that he will, Raphaella, as he will with everything else he agreed to under contract." The fact her brother and sister had been threatened answered so many questions.

She had made a deal of her own, which meant her backbone remained. Perhaps this would be an excellent union after all.

I might not know exactly what to do with her, at least in the beginning, but two things were clear. I would need to keep her safe from this man as well as others. But more important, the bad man inside of me was hungry.

Very hungry.

She could push me away for a period of time, but I doubted I could wait until the wedding.

My throbbing cock and tight balls were a clear indication she was everything I'd craved.

And perhaps nothing I needed.

It was funny how life seemed to throw you a curve ball when you least expected it.

The way her eyes pierced mine was heavy and telling. Even as she walked from the room, she confirmed in a harsh whisper what I already knew.

She would forever hate me.