Page 64 of Alexei

Glancing her way, I gave her another chance to bail out. A jerky nod and I knocked on the door.

One. Two. Three.

“One more,” she murmured, her voice hoarse. I raised my eyebrow in question. “Three’s bad luck.”

Her explanation made no sense. But I knocked one more time to appease her.

The door swung open and Irena stood in front of us in her signature black dress. She had been hinting for a while that she'd be interested in entertaining me sexually. She’d even been willing to do hardcore shit with Sasha. I’d rather cut my dick off than take her up on it. Apparently so would Sasha because he avoided her like the plague.

Voyeurism wasn’t my thing. Even if it was, I’d never bother with someone that willingly attached themselves to Igor. And I knew how deep she was in with Igor. I made it my business to know, though the little weasel was good at hiding.

Aware of Aurora’s eyes on me, studying me, I slid my hand to her lower back and nudged her in. If she changed her mind, I knew there’d be nothing to make her take that step. I certainly wouldn’t force her.

Aurora moved forward, her steps slightly hesitant. Once inside, her sharp gaze studied her surroundings.Smart.

“Welcome to the Eve’s Apple,” Irena greeted, smiling at us like she scored big time.

Urging Aurora forward, we made our way down the hallway and to the large bar.

“Drink?” I asked her. She nodded and as we sat down on the barstools, I signaled the bartender.

“Vodka spritz for the lady and cognac for me.”

The moment our drinks landed in front of us, Aurora downed hers. Her eyes were like a deer in headlights, glancing all around. I leaned closer to her ear, to give an appearance of lovers whispering to each other.

Potentially discussing other partners.

She’d never get another partner. I’d rip him to pieces. She was mine. I should have admitted days ago or the moment she stepped into the elevator that I was fucked.

But, I didn’t.

“No eye contact,” I told her, my lips brushing her earlobe. “Otherwise, it’s an invitation.”

And their death, I added silently.

To my satisfaction, her eyes returned to me.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” she muttered. And she gulped down another drink. I felt his presence before I saw him.

“Alexei Nikolaev.” I fucking hated Igor. And the moment his filthy hand landed on Aurora’s shoulder, I wanted to slice it off.

“Get your hands off her,” I told Igor in Russian, keeping my voice low. He immediately obeyed, knowing full well the killer that I could be.

“Are you enjoying the club?” Igor drawled, his eyes on Agent Ashford. Fuck, I was so tempted to rid him of his eyeballs. Fucker didn’t need them to get us to Ivan.

“It’s great,” Aurora answered, forcing a smile.

“Introduce us, Alexei.” He was getting closer and closer to losing his eyesight.

“Aurora. Igor.” Goddamn fucker. I didn’t want him to know anything about her.

I placed my hand on her thigh, ensuring Igor understood she wasn’t available. Fucker didn’t get lost.

“Would you like a tour, Aurora?” Igor offered, his eyes never leaving her.

“Ah, thank you. Alexei already offered.” She actually offered him a sweet smile while her hand covered mine, patting it awkwardly. As fucked up as it was, it made me want to chuckle. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had that feeling.

She turned her head and focused on me.