Page 7 of Hunt Me

The dollars she’d spent on food and beverages could feed the entire population of Las Vegas for a week. Nothing was too good for her baby girl.

“Have a drink. Go mingle. Find a woman to fuck, Mikhail. You haven’t gotten laid in a decade.”

“Unlike you who’s enjoyed a different girl every night. Which one is your choice for the night?”

He offered a dour look. “I haven’t decided yet. What I’m trying to tell you,” he chortled as he clapped me on the back, “is to lighten the fuck up. Don’t ruin this for Lilia. She deserves to be happy.”

I threw him a look and shook my head. He was right as usual, yet I remained worried the union would produce more than Russian-Italian heirs.

Even the structured alliance couldn’t keep us completely protected from the seedy underbelly of the territory. There were always those intent on violently attempting to claim what rightfully belonged to us.

Including the Irish fucks refusing to stay in their lane. Or in their city. I’d gotten wind a few Irish were in town. While they’d yet to cause trouble, I would keep an eye on their activities.

As I headed to the bar, I thought about what was being brought to the table by the Costa family. They ruled Reno like we did Las Vegas. On paper, our alliance would create an unstoppable empire. We had control of everything from several billion-dollar resorts, Michelin Star restaurants, and casinos to a hold on the entertainment and sports industries. Our combined effort would make us some of the richest people in the world.

Our fortunes and our connections also kept targets on our backs, which no one seemed to worry about.

“Here you are, Mr. Dmitriyev,” the bartender said as he pushed another Macallan in my direction. Contrary to popular belief, I couldn’t stand vodka.

“Thank you, Scott.” I walked away realizing my brother was correct. I was bored. People were annoying, especially high rollers whose egos constantly needed to be stroked. While I wasgood at what I did, that didn’t mean dealing with them didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth.

I moved through the lingering crowd toward a group of unoccupied tables when I noticed a woman sitting by herself. I’d seen her before, the bridesmaid’s dress catching my eye when she’d walked down the aisle before Lilia’s grand entrance. While I had no idea who she was, she was obviously close with my sister.

While I’d remained at the rehearsal dinner for fifteen minutes, the woman’s stunning beauty had grabbed almost all of my attention. She’d darted looks in my direction, deep in thought as she’d dragged just the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. I’d watched her as she’d sipped her wine, doing her best to fade into the group. But nothing about her could hide in the shadows. She was a precious gem, a beautiful flower waiting to be opened.

My cock ached from the longing to brush my fingers across her smooth skin. I fisted my hand, enjoying the feeling of desire for the first time in months.

She was sitting all alone while the other bridesmaids were actively partying together. A few seconds later, one of the male guests I didn’t know stumbled toward her, immediately placing his hand on her shoulder.

Something stirred inside of me that I wasn’t expecting. I didn’t know this woman, yet I felt somewhat possessive. Now I was curious as to what she’d do.

The look she threw him could drill him to the center of the earth. She plucked his hand off, issuing a statement I wasn’t close enough to hear, but her facial expression reminded me of a venomous snake. I applauded the way she handled theunwanted situation. There was no scene, no name calling or tossing her glass of champagne into the man’s face. Just strong words thrusting him aside like a rodent.

My cock twitched in appreciation and my curiosity was piqued. How long had it been since that had happened?

Yet the fucker refused to comply. He moved into her face, grabbing and wrenching her arm.

The perfect angel didn’t have time to react. I took three long strides, snapping my hand around the back of his neck and jerking him away.

His look of surprise quickly turned into one of horror as recognition flashed across his miserable face. I recognized him as Sergio’s latest prize possession, an up-and-coming soldier, yet right now, I was ready to reduce him to ash.

“Ty znayesh’, kto ya.” I kept my voice low and inaudible to anyone else.

You know who I am.

“Da, Pakhan.”

Yes, Pakhan.

“Togda ty znayesh’, na chto ya sposoben.”

Then you know what I’m capable of.

He nodded vehemently, his eyes remaining open wide. He suddenly clutched my shirt, twisting the material as if begging me to allow him to live.

No one would die tonight. Unless the fucker touched the woman, my woman again.

“Idi domoy. Seychas zhe. Ona prinadlezhit mne.”