Page 29 of Possess Me

“I knew I’d heard your name before, but I couldn’t place from where. The Dmitriyev Bratva, casino kings of Las Vegas. However, a front for other operations. Yes?”

Wow. She wasn’t attempting to hide her curiosity about my world. Few people were so direct. I already enjoyed the banter.

“We’ve been called many things, but you are correct we’ve been labeled kings. Does that bother you?”

“No. The fact you’re Bratva does.”

Bratva. I’d seen people running away in fear from the mention of the powerful Russian mafia.

“And why is that?” Hendrik brought my drink, saying nothing as he placed the glass in front of me.

I shifted through a few additional pictures, a few from reporters and even a couple of guests. Whatever Instagram account she was looking at seemed devoted to our family. Or I should say to our regime. As I continued to scroll, I gathered a sense of why her sudden concern.

We had haters everywhere. My father and uncle would have never been able to tolerate social media attacks. They had no clue about its power or harm.

“Because members of Bratvas are typically brutal criminals who lie, cheat, and steal their way into getting what they want. I don’t associate with criminals. At least not intentionally. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have accepted the job.”

The last comment was said as if she had personal experience. My curiosity increased. “Wow. Now, isn’t that a little harsh?”

“I don’t think so.”

“While it would appear the owner of this account doesn’t mince words and certainly doesn’t value our business very much, I assure you that we aren’t keeping dead bodies in some cold underground cell if that’s what you’re worried about.”

My words surprised her, the sound of her laugh creating a strong need deep within. For a few seconds, all I could think about was running my fingers down her back while capturing her lips with mine, enjoying the feel of her body molded in such a way that I could feel every inch of her.

“So you’re admitting that you do kill people, but are smart enough not to keep the evidence lying around.”

“Let me guess. The hero in the mafia book you’re reading looks exactly like me. What was his name? Ah, yes, Alessandro.” On purpose, I puffed up, teasing her although I could tell by the look in her eyes that she’d had some very personal and difficult interaction with someone within a crime syndicate. It was the same look she’d had when studying Ludolf.

Who I suspected had more criminal ties than my family given our switch to more legitimate operations.

“No, the hero in the book is tall, dark, and handsome.” Her answer was followed by a tilt of her head. Another challenge.

“Ouch. You know how to wound a guy.”

Fallon rolled her eyes. “I have a feeling you’ll heal quickly. From what I could tell, you have women falling all over you.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“Don’t insult my intelligence.”

She had me laughing especially since I couldn’t tell if she was kidding or being serious. “I’m not going to lie to you about my family. We come from Moscow where life was difficult. You either are the top dog or the dogfood.”

“An interesting analysis.”

“Maybe so, but very true. To answer your question, Jeffrey knows all the dirty little secrets about my family. You can feel free to ask him what they are.”

“Including the location of the dead bodies?” At least she was smiling.

I slid the phone across the table, amused that she made certain our fingers didn’t collide again. “Including all the dead bodies.”

“Hmm… I guess I’ll need to ask him, although you and I won’t be required to see each other again.”

“Required is such a formal term.”

Her grin widened. “But necessary.”

“You really do believe I kill people for a living.”