Page 22

“It’s none of your fucking business,” I barked, musing how the hell they could’ve found out.

I was extra careful with my disguise—all tattoos covered, different color of eyes, and a changed voice.

I bought a new place on the other side of the city, and the car I used was also unfamiliar to them.

Everything was done by the book, but those two idiots sniffed me out anyway.

“Wouldn’t it be more civilized to ask her out for a romantic dinner?” Dorian mused, shaking his head with his typical wide grin stretched across his face when my cell beeped again .

“Where is the thrill in that?” I snapped, my eyes jumping from one amused expression to another. I was their source of fun.

“Don’t tell me she’s as similarly mentally unstable as you,” Malin deadpanned, but the corners of his lips twitched while he tried to suppress a laugh.

“It is exciting to find a person with the same tastes,” Dorian chirped, wiggling his brows. I stared at them in bewilderment. They were polar opposites, but there wasn’t any condemnation of my behavior in their voices. All three of us were excellent cases for the psychiatrist.

“Should we be worried about Chester Kellerman’s health once he returns from hospital?

” Malin inquired, studying me with his probing gaze.

He took a significant part in this conversation, which was unusual.

Mostly, he listened, then voiced his opinion and left.

His interest in my new relationship was strange.

“He already said it’s a delicate matter,” Dorian replied instead of me in a lecturing tone, inching closer to see my phone screen.

“Valeria will surely find out soon enough who’s best for her.

” He winked at me and stood up, zipping his brown leather jacket.

“I’m invited to dine with Grooves and his son tonight.

He wants me to perform his wife′s surgery.

While I′m there, I’ll make sure my concerns about the ground floor in the Starlight building are heard loud and clear. ”

“I’ll be in Maxime’s tonight,” Malin joined, taking his helmet from the couch. “The French have private sex orgies, and the girls can spread the news between guests.”

“Just make sure no one crosses the line,” I reminded him of the last incident when a customer ignored the safeword. Our girls had to be protected from such outrageousness. The mentioned guy will eat through the straw till the end of his life, but I cared about my employees—not about the asshole.

“No worries. They are regulars and respect the rules,” Malin replied, waving his goodbye and closing the door.

I stayed alone in my office, my mind drifting between everything I had to deal with.

The situation with the contractors was sickening, but it could be solved with a cool head and without any casualties.

My organization was terrific in figuring out conflicts, and the possibility of war hung above us all the time, but if it could be avoided, I did my best to evade clashes .

I peered at my phone and saw Valeria’s car parked on the street before her apartment.

I opened the app with cameras and found her dancing in the kitchen while the machine made her coffee.

I zoomed in on her, admiring her wide smile and elegant moves.

Her hips swayed to jazz tunes, her eyes were closed, and she made waves with her arms above her head.

She was exquisite, dressed only in a tight navy green top and ordinary black panties.

My fantasy instantly went wild, imagining very inappropriate things I would love to do to her.

Fishing my other phone from my desk drawer, I typed the message, watching her as she whipped her head toward the device.

Unknown Number : Are you free tonight, mon c?ur? I have some ideas to spice things up a little bit.

Her reply came in a matter of seconds.

Valeria : Don’t you dare come or kidnap me! Tonight is very important. I won’t let you destroy my first day at a new job!

I blinked in confusion, checking my calendar, but she wasn’t there. But then I clicked on Tasha’s name, and Valeria was placed just under her. I was ecstatic that she would spend more time around me. However, it didn’t stop me from teasing her a little.

Unknown Number : Is that a challenge?

I chuckled, my fingers itching for more, but when my eyes landed on her words, my body froze.

Valeria : Please, this job is crucial for my survival.

The image of her bruised forehead and gratitude in her eyes when I gave her the money appeared before my eyes, and I fisted my palm. The poor phone almost paid the price for Chester’s transgressions.

Pure white rage devoured every nerve and cell in my body, pushing me toward one goal—to rip the dumbass’s head off.

Valeria claimed he didn’t hit her, and I believed her.

But if I ever found out she lied and he was behind that purple monstrosity on her gorgeous head, I would turn him into my personal circus animal and train him to do the tricks his mind wouldn’t comprehend.

Unknown Number : What’s in it for me?

Pondering all the options to get rid of Kellerman’s existence without causing trouble with Italians, Valeria’s simple answer knocked the air out of my lungs.

Valeria : A date.

I stared at the two words, unsure what to think of it.

The offer was tempting but also dangerous.

She could have suspicions, and I would walk right into her trap.

It was too soon for her to uncover who was hidden under the mask.

Her marriage and incompetent husband were obstacles I had to take care of before our relationship would go public.

And she also had to get accommodated to the new discoveries about herself.

I doubted Chester ever made her feel like I did last night.

Her reactions to my touch were priceless.

Her quivering body and loud moans of pleasure were permanently imprinted into my memory.

I craved more of it. I couldn’t live without her surrendering to me in the most primal and intimate way.

She was mine whether she liked it or not.

My confidence about Valeria becoming the next Mrs. Zhumagulov was unshakable.

In a week or ten years, I didn’t care, but she would have my name and be the mother of my kids.

She was chosen to bring my heir, the next generation, to this world.

Cute, little, chubby babies with big grey-blue eyes having me wrapped around their little fingers, precisely as their mother does.

The thought made me smile, and my grin broadened when another text came.

Valeria : I’ll even wear a lovely dress and high heels if you leave me alone tonight.

I smirked, quickly tapping the letters to create my response.

Unknown Number : If I wait for another five minutes, will the offer come without underwear?

Valeria : You’re so greedy! Why can’t you simply take what is presented to you?

Her indignation was palpable even from the other side of the phone, but it only made me enjoy our conversation more.

Unknown Number : Because I won’t settle for crumbs. Take it or leave it.

She grilled me for seven long minutes before her answer lit up my phone screen.

Valeria : Fine! But promise you’ll behave!

A victorious grunt escaped my throat, and my fingers almost burst into flames from the speed with which I typed my agreement. I quickly eyed Tasha’s calendar, finding that Valeria should be at work on Sunday.

Unknown Number : I promise you won’t hear from me till Saturday at 7 pm when I’ll pick you up for our first date. Stay safe, mon c?ur.

Valeria : Thank you. Bye.

I leaned into my chair, finishing my drink.

The burn of strong alcohol joined the tiny flame in my chest, growing into a full-consuming fire.

I couldn’t wait for Valeria’s arrival at the casino to see her stunning face and enjoy at least a glimpse of her attention.

Yet my mind rapidly drifted to the upcoming date. It would be an event to remember.