Page 137 of Hunt Me

“Not at all. I’m simply here as a courtesy. Call it a possible life-saving moment.”

“Oh, yeah? How is that?”

I leaned across the table, looking him directly in the eyes. “If you heed my warning, then we won’t have any issues or need for further discussions. However, if you ignore the common courtesy I’ve shown you, there will be hell to pay.”

He glared at me with an amused look on his face. “What’s the warning?”

“It’s simple. Stay away from my family and my business. You will sign the necessary paperwork turning the land housing Ecstasy over to Dmitriyev Enterprises. That’s it.” While he didn’t laugh, I could see his wheels turning. I grabbed the deed and a pen, shoving them both across the table. He wasn’t a stupid man, yet I could tell he was weighing the possibilities regarding my next actions.

He wiped his mouth with his napkin, tossing it aside. I noticed his fingers were shaking as he pulled the contract into his hand. He was getting old, perhaps even frail. His entire family was about to be decimated and he knew it. The man was backed against a wall.

“Do we have a deal, Tristen?”

The way he studied me was an indication he was trying to determine if I’d lost my mind or if I had a loaded weapon hidden inside the hotel.

In a way I did.

“Fine, Mikhail. For now. However, the bad blood remains between us.” He scribbled his signature on the deed, obviously disgusted he’d been forced to do so.

I took the contract, keeping my eyes locked on his face while sliding it into my pocket.

“Tit for tat, Tristen. Just keep in mind what I said.” I rose to my feet, immediately buttoning my jacket. “You can keep the pen. Call it a souvenir from Ecstasy.”

After walking past the row of goons, I allowed a smile. This was working out nicely. No need for blood raining in the streets. The moment I walked into the sunshine, several police cars pulled up, men with guns rushing from their vehicles.

It looked like Tristen was going to have a memorable stay in Las Vegas.

For ten to twenty.

EPILOGUE

Several days later…

Bristol

Maybe I was a little crazy or just tipsy from the two glasses of champagne, but I’d never felt so happy in my life.

I reminded myself that the previous two glasses of champagne were the very reason I’d gotten myself in the precarious position in the first place.

But fate had followed me and thankfully the bitch had been kind.

I bit my lower lip, shivering as I thought about Mikhail. I felt a little like a princess tonight. This was our first night out as an official couple. If there was such a thing any longer.

Finally, the nightmare had begun to die down.

With Sergio and Jax’s murderer behind bars, alongside members of the O’Shaughnessy crime syndicate, the press had finally stopped hounding the Dmitriyev family. Mikhail hadeven been photographed for the cover ofLas Vegas Nightly, the premier city magazine.

I’d helped in his selection of attire.

“Oh, my God. You look incredible.”

Squealing, I turned around and grabbed Callie, thrilled to see her. We’d been like two ships passing in the night since I was spending all my time with Mikhail.

“There you are,” I breathed. “You look amazing yourself.” I glanced over my shoulder, expecting to see Jason. “Where’s the not-so-love-of-your-life?”

She rolled her eyes, immediately snagging a flute of champagne. “Some smart girl I know told me I should take some of my own advice. I sent him packing. He’s not passionate enough for me.”

Laughing, I squeezed her arm. “Does that mean you’ll be moving back into the apartment?”