Page 19 of Dangerous Liaisons
She proceeded into the winery, unable to ignore that he was following closely behind her. Kira opened the door, her gaze not moving from him as they passed by her into the room. Inside, to the left of the entrance, Alexander Volkov was sitting in the tasting room, a bodyguard standing behind him. He was a man Nikolai had dealt with many times before his death, a staunch ally that had grown up similar to her husband. They were generational Russians with their business, their great grandfathers having been friends and part of the first true syndicates to come out of Russia. When Nikolai died, Alexander had been the first to offer them sanctuary and support when Sergei had been ready to strike.
He didn’t stand when she approached. Not bothered by his lack of decorum, she took a seat across from him. Xavier echoed the stance of Volkov’s bodyguard over her right shoulder, Kira moving to stand to her left. His gaze lingered on the biker, the taller man staring right back. He chuckled andrefocused his attention on Isabella.
“You have something for me?”
“Diego Martinez hasn’t taken kindly to the change in arrangements.”
“I’m not surprised. Has he approached you in a way I should know?”
“No, but rumor has it he’s reached out to a motorcycle group that’s near the border. With your recent change in affiliations, I thought it important you were informed.”
“Are you referring to the Spartan Warriors? They no longer work for Diego; they work for me.” She knew Xavier looked her way at that moment, but she continued to focus on Alexander.
“My contacts tell me there’s another club he contacted that has moved from the coast, one that originated from Washington. I don’t have a name yet, but they’re not your typical MC.”
“Not typical how?” Xavier questioned. “We haven’t heard of another group coming into our area. If this was true, we would know about it, even if it was from the Spartans themselves.”
Alexander cocked an eyebrow. “I promise my information is quite solid. Perhaps you are preoccupied, da?”
Isabella knew without a doubt that his information wouldn’t be misleading. He understood the consequences of treason. Clearing her throat, she brought his attention back to her. “Answerthe question.”
“This MC does not live by the so-called rules of your club. They are interested in the old world and way of rule. What they covet, they will take it by bloodshed or deception.”
“So, they’re a gang.”
“It matters not,” he shrugged.
“You will keep me updated.”
“Of course, Moya Koroleva.”
“I do not care for that nickname.”
“You would prefer malen’kiy zayka?”
She chuckled, but flicked a hand nonchalantly in the air. “If that is all?”
He rose to his feet and buttoned the jacket of his business suit. “I’m headed to Vegas for a few days. If you find yourself in need of a break from your surroundings,” he shot Xavier a quick look, “I will fit you into my busy schedule. I’m sure Katarina would enjoy seeing you.”
“I am not so sure of that,” she grunted. “Last time she saw me, she attempted to stab me with a fork.”
“An unfortunate misunderstanding. She has a flair for the dramatic.”
“Her drama will get her in trouble one of these days.”
Grinning, he motioned for his bodyguard to start for the door. “It is her drama that made me want to marry her. I will send your regards.”
“Please do.” She remained seated as he left, his exit on the other side of the winery to avoid any unnecessaryissues. She motioned at Kira. “Find out what you can about this MC.”
“Yes, Moya Koroleva.”
“Stop that.” She rose to her feet. “Please have Viktor bring the car around. I’d like to head home.”
Kira snuck a look at Xavier and nodded. “We will be out front when you are ready.”
Isabella kept her attention on him, Kira disappearing back through the door leading into the bar. He was frowning, not moving, as he stared at her. “You have something you wish to say to me?”
“What does that mean? What they called you?”