Page 31 of Dangerous Liaisons

He raised an eyebrow at calling him a grumpy wolf, but with a brief nod, he picked up her glass and headed to the bar. He passed Kira on the way, and, as if sensing his disapproving gaze, she walked by him without a second glance.

“You are well?”

Isabella motioned for her to take his vacant seat. “I’m fine. Sergei needs a strong drink.”

“He is unhappy with me,” Kira waved away her protests. “There is no sense in denying it. After all these years, I can read him quite clearly.”

“Pay him no mind.” Isabella watched Sergei talking to Cameron, the bartender Hunter had hired. Another woman, Trinity, worked beside her behind the counter. Something must have been said forthe woman to cut a sharp look at Sergei, but Cameron laughed, shaking her head as she poured wine into the empty glass. He meant well, but he could be a snake in the garden if he so desired. She was relieved Cameron moved on to serve someone else, but she couldn’t help noticing that Trinity was staring at Sergei with a narrowed gaze. He said something else, causing the woman to blush before she shoved the glass toward him and walked away.

Isabella smothered her smile when he returned. She accepted the wine and paused as his attention ventured back to the bar. “You need a drink,” she remarked with a soft smile. “I will be fine.”

“I am not sure-”

“Go,” she commanded, tone firm. “Kira is about to accompany me to the winery. I wish to look at the inventory.”

He wisely avoided looking at the woman and nodded. “I will return.”

“Leave the jacket,” Kira mumbled. “You look as if you are selling car insurance.”

Isabella chuckled and nodded at him as he shrugged off his suit jacket, folding it before laying it on the chair beside her. She swatted at Kira to keep her quiet, and Sergei melted into the crowd.

“You have already looked at inventory.”

She ignored the knowing look from the other woman. She rose to her feet, glass in hand. “Go find your biker.I forbid you to sit here and sulk at him being away from you.”

“I do not know what you mean by that.”

“Yes, you do.” She glanced at the two bodyguards behind them. “I don’t need you to accompany me. You are to stay here and wait for my return.”

They exchanged glances, but the taller of the two, a man named Alexie who had been with Nikolai long before she had met him, shook his head. “Igor can stay. I will remain at the door for you.”

“You would go against what I want?”

“I will protect you as my duty requires.”

She wanted to argue, but saved her energy. He was the most loyal associate she had outside of Sergei, and scolding him would do more harm than good. Igor, twenty years younger and apprehensive, remained where he stood. Nodding in reluctant agreement, she made her way through the crowd toward the winery door, which parted as she walked. Most of the bar’s patrons were locals and friends of the MC. Even if they didn’t know who she was, they were smart enough to avoid any trouble with her or her men. She knew it wouldn’t be long before Igor followed; Sergei likely having ordered him to stay by her side the entire night.

Inside the winery, with the bodyguards stationed at the door, she was a bit more at ease. She promised Hunter she would attend the grand opening, though she had warnedhim her visit would be brief. She was eager to return home to Mikhail, who was staying at the house with Viktor and a few other guards. Although she knew he was safe, she yearned to cuddle him at that very moment.

The door opened once more, and Xavier appeared in the doorway. She smiled in greeting, setting her glass down on the tasting table. He stepped forward, cupping her face in his hands, and their lips met in a passionate kiss.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“I’ve been waiting all night to do that.”

Isabella held his wrists in her hands and closed her eyes as he pressed his forehead against hers. “We should be more careful.”

He pressed another kiss to her lips. “Hunter knows, Isa.”

“But-”

“Everything’s going to be fine, I promise. We had Church before we came here, the guys know as well now.”

“They wereupset at you.”

He shrugged. “They know it ain’t their call to make, it’s mine. I explained to them it wouldn’t affect the club or our business deal.”

Sighing, she took a moment to gaze around the winery. “Things are calm now, but it won’t last. It never does.” She returned her attention to his handsome face. “There will come a time when you’ll have to choose which life is more important.”