Page 4 of Dangerous Liaisons
She squinted her eyes against the glare of the sun, pausing as someone thrust sunglasses into her line of sight. Nodding gratefully, she slid on the shades and focused on the lone motorcycle speeding up to the property.
“It appears to be the bigger man, the one who starred too much.”
It was disappointing to not see the president of the MC, but the vice president was just as good. She needed this partnership to work, and if that meant attempting to charm the grumpy biker, she would do it.
Xavier parked his Harley, his tall frame rising off the bike with practiced ease. Wearing a look that expressed anything but happiness, he had left his hair down and trimmed his beard. His clothes were black, the kutte displaying black and white lettering.
“While I appreciateyour time, Mr. Wilson, I was expecting someone else.”
“I wasn’t expecting to be here, so we’re all disappointed,” he grumbled. “Hunter said any decision I make he would support. You’re stuck with me.”
“Well, by all means,” she motioned toward the winery, “I promised you a tour.”
Kira cleared her throat. “I will escort-”
“We’ll be fine,” Isabella interrupted her. “You can wait outside with Viktor.” She ignored the heated glare the woman sent her way and lifted the keys she held. “Shall we?”
“I do not think-”
“You will wait outside with the driver,” she stated before switching to Russian.
“Da,” Kira glared. She flashed Xavier a smile that appeared more like a wild animal flashing its teeth. “I understand.”
Isabella motioned for him to proceed toward the building. Shooting Kira one more guarded look, he moved forward. She kept up with his long strides, venturing past him to unlock the glass double doors and allowing him to enter before she did. She shut the door, but seeing Kira’s stern look, it remained unlocked.
“She’s very protective of you.”
“I pay her to be,” Isabella quipped as she flipped on a few lights.
She watched him survey in the large space, the right side leading to the winery.The bar had seen better days and had remained vacant for some time now. “The bar is around twenty-two hundred square feet. As you can see, it will require a total overhaul. I can cover the reconstruction costs, but I will have to approve the final layout.” She looked around at the covered furniture and dusty items scattered throughout the room. “The winery is eighty-seven hundred square feet and has been operational for over a year. Follow me, please.”
Xavier grunted but did as she requested, walking through another set of doors that led into the winery, where endless rows of oak barrels lined the walls just beyond the tasting room.
She watched him survey the area and folded her arms across her chest in wait. “Do you have questions?”
“For the head of a Russian cartel, you sure sound like a realtor at the moment.”
“I wear many hats.”
“You know I can tell when you’re being sarcastic, right?”
“I’m not being sarcastic. I’m being direct. I’m also aware of when you’re being arrogant and rude.”
“The club won’t work with you unless we’re all on board, and right now, I’m not convinced.”
“I’m offering you a very lucrative deal, one you won’t find anywhere else, especially with Diego Martinez. Working for him, at any point, you’re disposable. Wecan be friends, Mr. Wilson, or we can be enemies. Your choice.”
“My name is Xavier. Mr. Wilson is my father.”
“I would very much like to meet him. I can’t help but wonder if his manners are better than yours.”
He cracked a smile, and in response, she managed one of her own. The expression faded as quickly as it appeared. Rubbing his beard, he glanced around the winery. “We would want the right to lease to own.”
“That can be negotiated.”
“When Hunter isn’t around, you deal with me and only me.”
Isabella cocked an eyebrow. “Do you expect Mr. Collins to be predisposed a lot during our intended meetings? I would hate to feel as if I’m not as important as your other business associates.”