Page 48 of Maxim

“When I take in someone new, I like to test them. I give them the ground rules, and if they fail, then I increase security. She’s currently chained up because of her actions.” I look at her father and nod. “Thank you for calling me when you did.”

It’s a lie, of course. Ididhave her chained, but I can’t stand the thought of doing it to her again. I won’t be the cause of more pain for her.

He doesn’t need to know that, though.

“Of course. I did contemplate keeping her and selling her again, but I called you in good faith,” her father says.

“I appreciate it.”

The topic turns away from Olena and myself, so I sit and listen. Samuel calls the stranger next to me Rick, and without having to press, I find out that he has a thing for people of color. He comes from a long line of racists who believe in pure bloodlines. He buys people of color to keep them as the help during the day, but at night he uses them for his pleasure. He even goes as far as to admit he has several bastard children. My stomach rolls when his eyes light up in delight as he describes one of his bastard daughters. It wouldn’t shock me if she’s his next victim.

It seems Samuel likes to fuck when in bodies of water while holding women down until they pass out.

He sighs wistfully. “The real magic happens, though, once they’ve stopped breathing.”

“What do you mean?” Rick asks.

“I’ll drag them out of the water and perform CPR while still buried inside of them. The way they flutter around you as they come back to life, gasping for breath.” He brings his fist up to his mouth and bites it.

Jan chuckles. “I guess we know what you are doing when you leave here.”

Samuel winks. “Don’t you know it. It’s been far too long.”

Rick stands. “I could use another drink. Sam, why don’t you come with me? I would love to hear more about this.”

Samuel gets up and follows behind Rick, leaving Olena’s father and me alone.

“Tell me, Mr. Boyko, are you looking for work?”

I try to keep my face blank, hiding my intrigue. “I just bought your daughter. I’m sure you know I’m not hurting for money.”

“I’m not asking if you need one but if you would like one.”

“I’m not currently looking, but I’m always open to new things. What do you have in mind?”

“You’re an attractive man and could be good for business.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not going to become one of your inventory,” I say, making him laugh.

“That’s not what I was thinking, but good to know.” He takes a drink as he studies me. “What I’m offering you is all the free pussy you want to explore your darker side.”

“And what would I have to do for you?”

He smiles darkly. “Just join the family operation, of course.”

My heart races in my chest. This is what we have been working toward. This is the next step to our plan.

So why do I feel like I might puke?

“What would that entail?” I ask, feigning interest.

“Your job would be to do background checks on all potential members. If you do well at that, we will have you partner with one of our men to bring the merchandise in.”

I frown. Having me vet people is a lot of trust. Feels like a trap.

“Why me?”

“We both know that you worked in intelligence for the Ukrainian military before you were forced out. That could be helpful to us,” he says, referring to the fake background Alexei built for me.