Page 146 of See You There

He lifted his hand and shooed them with his fingers. “You may go.”

While Dahlia sensed this man was dangerous, she didn’t feel afraid. Intimidated, yes. But not afraid. He stepped back to give her some space.

“I have a message from my brother for you as well. I’m not involved with his businesses anymore, but he asked that I come tonight to make sure you understood how he feels.”

Dahlia’s heart beat so hard she thought it would break from her rib cage. Her stomach turned to acid, and the bubbles from the champagne seemed to find their way into her throat. There was a genuine possibility she was about to be ill all over this man’s shoes.

“I don’t know who your brother is. And I don’t want to.” Dahlia’s voice was breathless, and she backed away, no longer caring who saw.

Kovalyov gave her a genuine smile, transforming his face and held out a hand as if to gentle a wild animal. “There’s nothing to be concerned about, Ms. Everton. My brother’s message is one of appreciation. Sometimes people like to make up stories just to make the police happy. Misha’s associates sometimes have questionable practices. He apologizes for any inconvenience or discomfort you suffered.” Kovalyov looked over his shoulder to where Alan and Chandler had gone.

“If they bother you again…” He produced a thin black business card from his pocket, with only a phone number written in silver across the front. “I want you to let me know. The warning should be enough, but if you have any difficulty, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“I appreciate that, but I’m not interested in—”

“You never have to hear from us again.” He smiled, then his eyes warmed. “Ah, Prince Charming approaches.”

Dahlia saw Luke striding toward them, his face a mask of anger.

“Mr. Bloom,” Kovalyov extended his hand. “Alex Kovalyov. It’s nice to meet you.”

Luke glanced at the man’s hand, and for a minute, Dahlia thought he would refuse to shake it. Casting a quick glance over her, as if he were making sure she was all right, he grasped the man’s hand. By the white of his knuckles, she guessed more firmly than necessary, but Kovalyov didn’t even blink.

“Mr. Kovalyov was just letting Chandler and Alan know I was no longer interested in their company.”

Luke cast a curious glance at the man.

“Please, call me Alex. And by the way you rushed over here, you must be Luke. I was giving her a message from my brother as to our appreciation.”

“She doesn’t need your appreciation.” Luke's jaw flexed and he angled his body slightly in front of Dahlia. He seemed to know who this man was.

Alex spread his hands wide. “We aren’t interested in an association with Ms. Everton. I was just expressing our thanks. Those are my brother’s messages, but this is mine. Your family has had some difficulty of late, people dying in most unfortunate accidents.”

Dahlia tensed. Where was this going?

“I thought you might like to know that parties are making inquiries about having you removed.”

Luke’s eyes narrowed, but Dahlia trembled.

“We have made it clear throughout the organization that no one is to harm any member of the Bloom family or their close associates. If anyone were to take such a contract, there would be serious repercussions.”

“What do you want in exchange?”

Alex shrugged. “I have my own reasons. It was nice to meet you, Dahlia. You looked beautiful tonight, and I look forward to seeing more of your films.” His flirtatious tone did nothing to calm Luke’s tense stance.

Alex took a step away and then looked back over his shoulder, meeting Luke’s eyes. “Tell Declan we’re even.” He chuckled softly and strolled away, reminding Dahlia of a panther in the jungle.

“What just happened? Never mind, I don’t think I even want to know. Someone is trying to have you killed!”

“But it sounds like they are having a hard time finding someone to do it. Whoever it is underestimated my brother’s reach. I need to talk to my family, but I also want to talk to you.” Luke took her hand. “Don’t leave. I’ll be as fast as I can.”

Dahlia nodded. “I’ll wait.”

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Dahlia squeezedhis hand and Luke felt like smiling for the first time in days, even with the news Kovalyov just gave him—and Luke understood the threat. He strode through the club, looking for James.

“I see the entire pack came out tonight.”