Page 123 of Hunt Me

CHAPTER 30

Mikhail

Eyes of fire and a body meant for sin.

That was the way I envisioned Bristol every time I closed my eyes. I’d been unable to stay away from her, my possessiveness no longer catching me off guard.

She remained curled on the couch with her legs under her, wearing nothing but a tee shirt that left little to the imagination. With her eyes pinned on mine, I sensed she was searching to see if I’d suddenly awakened my soul.

“I’m so sorry about Sergio. I thought about coming to the funeral, but I didn’t think you wanted me there.”

“There are some things in life you shouldn’t have to endure. At this point, death is one of them. He will be missed.” I took a sip of the whiskey, enjoying the burn down the back of my throat. When she reached over, wrapping her fingers around my hand, I took a deep breath.

“Death is inevitable, Mikhail. That’s why we need to make the most of every moment of life, because it’s so precious.”

I turned toward her, cocking my head as I studied her face. “You’re right, of course.”

“Why are you really here? Is it because you know I walked out on my father?”

“I’m here because of you, Bristol. You’ve done something to me and while I’m not certain our relationship is good for either of us, I can’t seem to stay away from you. You are precious to me, but keeping you around me won’t be in your best interest.”

“You can’t have it both ways, Mikhail, and I’m a big girl. You’ll keep me safe. I know you will.”

“Things will become… more difficult. The man you watched on television claiming I beat him up was murdered.”

“What?”

“While I had nothing to do with it, I have no doubt I’ll be blamed for his death.”

“O’Shaughnessy.”

“He killed one of his own men to try and frame me. Tristen is using other methods, but while I’m locked away in prison, he’ll slowly try and take my empire.”

“You aren’t guilty.”

“Tell that to your father. I’m certain he’s chomping at the bit.”

She looked away, pulling her hand free. The faraway look in her eyes was disturbing.

“What’s wrong?” When she didn’t answer me, I cupped her chin, pulling her head forward. Seeing tears in her eyes nearly broke me. “What, Bristol?”

“That’s why the chief of police was in my father’s office this morning. That’s why I left. He didn’t fully admit that he was on the take, but he did tell me what he’d done in the past and what he is doing now was about protecting his family. I don’t know what to believe any longer.”

“I have no doubt he was threatened. Whether or not he took a bribe I will discover. I have connections, Bristol, and I need to know. Unfortunately, that won’t stop me from being arrested. But don’t worry. I have a good attorney, even if the two of you have had your run-ins before.” He laughed.

“Mark Jenkins? He’s a snake.” I was able to laugh.

“Well, maybe one day you can become the Dmitriyev attorney.”

“That might be the only place that will hire me. That is if I don’t go to jail.”

“Don’t worry, baby. The tape was destroyed.”

Her smile was bright at first, but she frowned almost immediately. “Sergio did say something to me, but it was in Russian and garbled. I think it was important and I’m so sorry, but I can’t remember.”

“Why don’t I try?”

“Okay.”