Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

V adim

"I see you decided against bringing your guest to this evening's festivities." Aleksander flanked my side turned the opposite way.

Caroline's comment not to underestimate her ruled my mind.

At least the one not consumed by lust.

The dress was stunningly gorgeous, hugging every curve, but it was the sheer confidence in her that had attracted me tonight. Well, for the most part.

Aleksander and I had both done little more than observe the groups of men and women. All laughing. All acting as if this was the event of the year.

To me, it was mundane other than those placed on the guest list.

Of course the governor's entire cabinet was here. They wouldn't dare defy the man. So were members from the opposing party, prominent attorneys, judges, and even the district attorney.

The list went on with high-ranking members of law enforcement, and a few selected press members who'd never dared cross Frank Chipino, offering glowing testament to his fucking balls in their articles.

It filtered down to several talented stars from Broadway, as well as other acts who all seemed thrilled to be the man's flunkies.

What they were all too stupid and starstruck to see was that the good governor was just using them. Once finished, they would be tossed aside like unwanted garbage.

While I used people myself, the scale at wish Frank had done so riled the hell out of me. He'd campaigned on fairness in the law, goodness in all things, and extreme family values.

Meanwhile, he was a perverted prick using grayer methods of espionage, extortion, and money laundering to fund his wealth and push his agenda. Unless he was brought down, I had a feeling he'd be on a future ticket running for president of the United States.

Why was it so many politicians believed they could do better but refused to stand by decent standards? I should laugh outright since I was truly a reprehensible man who stopped at nothing to get what he wanted. But I still believed in what had once been decent standards within the political game.

My counselor's question drew my attention toward my beautiful companion for the evening. I wasn't ready to admit it to anyone, but the moment Caroline had walked into the room, my breath had been taken away.

I would never have believed how much with subtle yet powerful changes, her entire persona and look could change. She was truly a vision and to her credit, she acted as if parties like this were her usual fare. Talking to the right people. Laughing when required even though I knew her well enough to realize she was faking it.

While she'd had a drink in her hand since we'd arrived, she'd barely taken more than a few sips. To say I was in awe was a huge understatement.

And my cock ached more than ever.

I glanced in his direction, chuckling. "Look again, my dear friend. Or perhaps I should say looks can definitely be deceiving."

Aleksander did his best not reacting too quickly, merely turning around, searching through the crowd until he caught another glimpse of her.

"You're shitting me. That's Caroline?"

"Yes, but for tonight, she's Sunny, someone I met at another charity event."

"Whew. That's amazing. She's stunning."

"Don't get any ideas," I growled.

Aleksander grinned and threw up his hands. "I wouldn't dream of it. However, I can tell you have and will continue doing so."

"Yeah, well, it would seem my daughter isn't easily fooled."

"Whew. Ouch. What did Sofiya have to say?"

I'd seen the look on my daughter's face. As if I'd dishonored her and the family somehow. "Let's just say it's not as much what she said as the look on her face."

"She can give those badass looks with the best of them, my friend. She'll come around. You need to enjoy your life. Who knows. Maybe that pink-haired girl came back into your life for a reason."

"Don't go playing matchmaker. Anything tonight?"

He laughed curtly. "You mean other than two members of the law firm the governor was a partner in approaching me for a job offer?"

"Interesting. Perhaps our good governor is getting nervous."

"Not an election year."

"That doesn't mean a single thing. If I had to guess, I'd say the man is rallying a perfect team around him, one that can easily squelch rumors while driving him into stardom."

"You could be right. Oh, look who's headed in our direction. Can… Sunny hold up under the pressure?"

"She can do anything she sets her mind to."

Including fucking with my mind.

She sensed I was beckoning for her, taking her time smiling and breaking away from the conversation with women high on the scale of wealth. I couldn't help but notice the same younger women allowed their gaze to follow my date. When Caroline reached me, snagging my arm and looking up lovingly, their expressions immediately changed.

I wasn't in the mood for a cat fight.

While there were guards posted all around the massive ballroom, Governor Chipino had been roaming more freely, acting as if he was truly leader of the city. The only man present who didn't seem to be basking in the older man's glory was the mayor. Sadly, if the man wasn't careful, he'd be on the hit list.

And there was no doubt Chipino had one.

I'd often wondered if he'd dared place me on it or knew what I would do to him.

"Darling. I missed you." She rose onto her tiptoes, leaning into me and pressing a single yet juicy kiss against my jaw, her lips partially touching mine. Damn it. Even her perfume was driving me insane tonight.

"And who do we have here, Vadim? I wasn't certain you were bringing anyone." He dared take Caroline's hand and I was ready to cut his off.

Talk about possessive. I could try to hide the way I felt about her from everyone, but it was impossible to do so with the man inside.

"Sunny Caruthers, I'd like you to meet our illustrious governor of this fine state, Frank Chipino."

Aleksander was waiting beside me like a dutiful servant, the smug look on his face not masking the amusement in the man's eyes.

"Yes, I've been following your career over the years, Governor Chipino. I must admit your views on the international policies on illegal trading activities involving our city's ports are fascinating and I believe one of the strongest reasons for your support."

Nothing shocked me any longer; I'd seen and heard too much. But the way she held her own, even giving the man a slight look of disdain when he kissed her knuckles truly indicated a sophisticated woman. And the statement she'd just issued meant she'd been paying close attention to what was happening in our city.

I was impressed, fascinated.

And utterly aroused to the point I was sweating.

"Well, I can tell you have been paying attention, Ms. Caruthers," the governor cooed, and I'll be damned if she didn't lift a single eyebrow, daring to tease him by dragging the tip of her tongue across her painted bottom lip.

"She's good," Aleksander dared to breathe as he leaned his head in.

Good wasn't the word. Dangerous was.

"Absolutely, Governor. Only with knowledge about what's truly going on behind the scenes can your constituents make an informed decision and of course strong leadership is needed. I've often thought Vadim would make a perfect candidate. Strong. Intelligent. Sophisticated." She gave me an appreciative look.

And the governor was gritting his teeth.

"Well, perhaps I'll consider him on the ticket as my next lieutenant governor." He laughed and lifted his glass. "I am curious. Where did the two of you meet?"

She took a sip of champagne, wrinkling her adorable nose. "At the amazing charity event held a few months ago for the various pet rescue facilities in town. It was truly heartwarming to see so many powerful people donating to such a worthy cause. I must admit I don't remember seeing you there."

She'd purposely selected a charity event she knew the governor couldn't have possibly attended given one of the many things he wasn't well liked for was his views on hunting.

"Yes, well, unfortunately, I was unable to make it."

"You can always send a donation, even through me. I do love helping animals and so many need good homes." She was laying it on a little thick but her ability to hold her own had already attracted a crowd.

"Well, I will mention it to my business manager," he said, obviously feeling a bit boxed in.

I certainly didn't feel sorry for the man.

"That would be fabulous. Honey, we should mingle," she said, turning toward me.

"Yes, as much as I hate these events, appearances are everything." I laughed and gave Aleksander an intro.

"I was checking to ensure the check arrived from my firm," Aleksander told him. It was just a subtle way of reminding the man that he was technically controlled by my regime.

Whether he wanted to admit it or not.

"I don't know, Aleks. I'll need to check. Now, if you'll excuse me, I see some newly arriving guests." Without acknowledging us any further, he walked away and both Aleksander and I laughed.

"That man gives an entirely new meaning to the thought of needing to take a long, hot shower."

I was certain my counselor was having significant difficulty keeping his composure.

"Yes, well, he's had a lot of practice slithering through mud and muck," I told her.

"It would seem you're being watched," Aleksander said casually. "Didn't I tell you it was a damn good idea for you to accept the invitation?"

"Just how many of these people are corrupt?" Caroline asked.

"Enough but nothing you need to care about. Concentrate on voices."

"You might need to allow a little more length in that leash." She gave me a naughty look. "I promise I won't run away with one of the dozen or so hot men here. Unless, of course, that's what you'd prefer."

"Mmm…" Aleksander said under his breath.

"You know the rules, my darling girl," I said and wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her closer. I wasn't particularly interested in the photographs being taken throughout the event, but they could come in handy for luring the assassin into the light. One of those watching was Stefano Marino. Just as had been intended.

When I cupped the side of her face with my fingers flexed open, she clamped her fingers around my shirt with one hand, rolling her other over my shoulder. Just the way she leaned into me, staring into my eyes was enough to further arouse me.

As expected, she'd done her best to ignore me as I had with her, but the draw tonight was overwhelming. The defiant spark in her eyes was one I coveted but she was pushing buttons on purpose, using the event as a platform. I only hoped she didn't go too far in her act or tonight could get dicey.

There was too much testosterone in the room, too many exposed wires with fuel all around, which could lead to horrific explosions. It was a situation where something tragic could occur.

At least my men were wired to the hilt, six of them walking the grounds of the hotel. I had no intention of staying for long. It was far too dangerous.

But the information we gathered and being seen could prove invaluable.

I took the single opportunity that might present itself to capture her lovely mouth. The passion we'd shared before had been spectacular, but this was an entirely different woman in my arms. Still vulnerable yet more self-assured. She was playing a role, or was she?

The taste of her, the little hint of bubbles was even more arousing, the desire I'd tried to shove aside roaring to the surface again. Even the way her body was pressed into mine was different, or maybe it was just the increased longing I felt, which I had no business engaging in.

As I swept my tongue inside, I sensed several of the women, single and married were unhappy that I no longer appeared on the most eligible bachelor list. It was amusing at best.

When I broke the kiss, Caroline's eyes remained closed. Sighing, the sound exaggerated, she allowed her long eyelashes to float across her shimmering cheeks before rubbing her thumb across my lips.

"I hate to say it, lover, but red just isn't your color," she purred.

"You might be surprised. Go ahead and search the room carefully. Don't leave. Do you understand?" I'd lowered my voice but needed her to understand I was dead serious. In the last few seconds, a strange sense of foreboding had positioned itself in the forefront of my mind. It was something I didn't like in the least.

"Don't worry, boy toy. I'll be a very good girl." She launched herself off me, even blowing me a kiss before providing Aleksander with one of her signature and more vengeful looks. As she walked away, I was forced to take a deep breath.

There wasn't a single man who wasn't watching her far too intently, hungering for what belonged to me.

"Wow," Aleksander half whispered. "That is one interesting woman."

He was choosing his words carefully. "Yes, she is." I took a step toward the direction she'd gone and my jaw automatically clenched. I noticed Sergei close and nodded for him. Both he and Maxim had stayed inside the room, doing their best to blend in, although given both men's statures, it was almost impossible not to stick out.

I sensed Aleks had noticed.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, trying to act nonchalant while scanning the entire room. "Who are those men?"

It took my counselor a few seconds to figure out who I was talking about. "You don't remember Stefano's sons? The third guy is the man's enforcer, a highly trained assassin."

While Aleksander wasn't usually caught in the violence of our world given his profession, he was highly skilled himself and knew what to look for.

"Why would Stefano bring his sons to this particular event?" I was asking the question more in passing. For grandstanding. However, Stefano never did anything without specific reasons. Did I detect some apprehension?

Sergei approached. "I thought you'd be asking for me. Stefano has his spawn here. They're paying close attention to what the governor is doing."

It would seem I hadn't paid enough attention to the two young men. Or I hadn't cared.

"Interesting. Check with the others and do a serious sweep of the room. I have a feeling something terrible is going down."

"Yes, sir. I'll keep you informed."

"And have the car ready to leave if necessary." A valet had taken it somewhere in the bowels of the building and the hold-up in attempting to get it if something went down would be costly.

"You got it, boss."

Aleksander shifted in front of me. "What aren't you telling me?'

"I have a bad feeling. Why would Stefano bring both his sons to this event and ensure his men are heavily armed?"

"Maybe the better question is why would Governor Chipino allow it."

"Because he's playing one side versus the other. And I don't like it. I suggest you leave the illustrious party."

"And miss all the action? That's not going to happen. Let me see if I can rally up some information from other sources for us."

"Fine. Just be careful."

As soon as he walked away, I reassessed the room.

Soldiers knew how to flank all sides without appearing as if that's what they were doing. Once they did, all exits were cut off without their permission. The military move also allowed for additional men to position themselves if and when necessary.

Why did it feel as if we were sitting ducks?