Page 1 of Dangerous Liaisons
CHAPTER ONE
“Take him!”
“No, Isabella, you must-”
“Take Mikhail!” She screamed, shoving her son into Kira’s arms. “I must find Niko. Please take him!”
Face riddled with pain and anguish; Kira clutched the small boy to her chest. “I will return for you.”
“No, you will keep him safe!”
Isabella didn’t wait for the response and took off running through the corridor, the heat from the walls almost enveloping her as they melted fromthe flames. “Niko!” She turned the corner where she last saw him, and time slowed. Pain erupted throughout her entire body.
“No!”
She stumbled, hands clutching her stomach, and fell to her knees. She gasped for breath, her eyes locking with Nikolai’s as he was forced to his knees. His face was bloody, lip busted, as he stared at her.
Another shot rang out, his body crumbling, and she couldn’t help the scream that exploded from her lips.
“You have not touched your plate.”
Shaking free from her thoughts, Isabella glanced at her salad, reached for her tea, and wrinkled her nose at the cold liquid that touched her lips.
Her dark-haired Russian companion signaled with a small raise of her hand, and a waiter approached. “Her tea is cold. Bring a new one.”
Pursing her lips together, she shook her head. “Can you reheat this, please?”
“Of course, ma’am.”
She waited until the man departed before speaking again. “You know, Kira, it doesn’t hurt to ask nicely.” With a sigh, she picked up her fork and stabbed a few pieces of kale. “I ate breakfast. I'm not hungry.”
“Coffee is not breakfast. You eat like a bird. Mikhail will follow your lead if you are not careful, and he is a growing boy.” She looked around, satisfied,as Isabella took a bite of her food. “Sergei called?”
She swallowed and wiped her mouth before placing the napkin on her lap. “Mikhail is doing well and enjoying his classes. I told him I would video him later in the day,” she sighed. “The plane ride exhausted me more this time than I would like to admit.”
“You did not have to come. I could have handled this for you.”
“This situation deserves some diplomacy, and while you can handle things, you have a way of directness most people don’t appreciate.” She took another bite of the salad and was thankful when the server returned with a fresh cup, the liquid hot. “As I’ve told you before, I desire to handle interactions with these men personally.”
“I do not agree with meeting them in this capacity.”
“Outside, you mean?” She lowered her fork and sipped her tea. “As I’ve told you many times-”
“I am aware you will do as you please, but I do not agree with recklessness. You are in the open.”
“It does not matter if I was in the open or not, our enemies don’t care.” She lowered her teacup. “I am not concerned with Diego Martinez now. He has his own problems to deal with concerning the Crimson Legion MC. He doesn’t look at me as a threat.”
“He is an idiot.”
“I don’t disagree.”
“Goodlooking, but an idiot.”
Isabella chuckled, readjusting her own sunglasses against the glare of the sun. “Duly noted.”
“Hunter Collins is good looking and not as slow.”
She paused as she retrieved her fork. “We both know the dangers that lie there should you approach that in any manner.”