Page 88 of Kings & Queen

Nikolai

A Scavenger Hunt

Stepping out of theclub, I was greeted by the late-afternoon sun. The warm rays were bright compared to the dim interior I’d just left. I squinted against it, momentarily disoriented, and dug out my sunglasses. My chest heaved as my lungs filled with outside air. I tilted my head from side to side and stretched, trying to shake off the day’s stress.

Marcus nodded in greeting as he opened the door, and I slid into the back seat, a sense of anticipation already building within. He pulled out into traffic, and I relaxed against the leather, closing my eyes for a brief moment.

“The parents’ house this evening?” Marcus asked with a shit-eating grin.

My gaze shot to his, and I couldn’t help the smile that formed in response to his. “Of course. And I’m lucky to have the house to myself with her. My parents are dining out tonight.”

“I’m sure the two of you will have the time of your lives,” Marcus said, chuckling.

“That’s the plan, and I sure as hell need it after today,” I mumbled.

“That bad, huh?” His face changed, revealing his newfound concern.

“You don’t know the half of it. I’m sure Alek will fill you in on everything later.”

I sat in silence the rest of the way, thinking about the news we’d received three hours ago. At the start of the day, everything was quiet on the Russian/Kinsley front, but the call we received from one of our cousins a few hours ago shattered that.

Stepan Fedorov had recently announced the upcoming nuptials of his eldest grandson to a prominent, high-power family within his organization. Her identity was being kept quiet for the moment.

The footage we were sent showed both Mikhail and Konstantin Romanov off to the side, and something about the looks on their faces told me that our worst fear may have been materializing. If either of them got their hands on Kinsley, it was over.

We’d never see her again. They had to know she was here, though. Neither of them were stupid. They more than likely had eyes on her already. Alek agreed that we’d need to involve our father on a deeper level. It was the responsible thing to do since she was in his home.

I was startled from my thoughts as Marcus exchanged pleasantries with the guard at the compound. He let us in, and I turned that part of my brain off. Kinsley was the only thing I wanted to focus on. I needed her differently tonight—I craved something sweet and slow.

“Thanks, Marcus,” I said, opening my door as soon as he put the car in park.

“No problem, Boss. Have a great evening, and tell Ms. Taylor I said hi.”

I walked inside, reveling in the sudden quietness. The constant drum of loud music at the club seemed extra today. Heading upstairs, I checked the library. I hovered in the doorway, scanning the empty room.Odd. There was no soft hum of her voice, no rustle of pages. I exhaled and turned back for the stairs.

Down the hall, one of the maids rounded the corner with a stack of linens. I moved toward her, my steps quick.

“Renee, have you seen Kinsley?”

“She went into her room a while ago, I believe,” she said.

I thanked her and took off. God, I needed to see her—to hold her and feel her heartbeat against my bare chest. I walked in and called her name, frowning when I didn’t get a response. My eyes fell on the bed. Drawing closer to it, I noticed a note and snatched it up.

Dear Crow,

It’s time for a game. One for just you and I.

It’ll be fun, I promise. Please give it a try.

The reward at the end is all for you,

Flip this over to read your first clue.

The little shit. I shook my head, grinning like a fool. Just when I didn’t think she could possibly be any more amazing, she pulled this. The silly girl had been worried that she didn’t know us well enough. She knew us better than she thought. I eagerly flipped the paper over and read her first clue for an evening scavenger hunt.

You are so damn delicious, sexy, and sweet.

I want to lick you like this frozen treat.