Aleksei nodded as he handed my suitcase to his right-hand man. “Everything else is in order?”
“Absolutely, boss,” Maksim said half under his breath. “The plane arrives back at ten-ten tomorrow morning. Just enough time to get to your meeting.”
“Make certain nothing goes wrong. If there is any indication of a breach, I want to know. Otherwise, I do not want to be bothered.” Aleksei’s voice held the same level of domination I was accustomed to.
Plane. The man was taking me on a plane ride? My hackles were raised, my thoughts shifting all over the place. Was he taking me somewhere to easily dispose of my body? I shrank back, hugging my arms, fear permeating every cell and muscle until I felt the suffocating claw wrapping around my neck.
Aleksei turned his gaze toward me, beckoning me with a single finger. “Come. We have a timetable. Just remember, you will obey me. Period.”
“And if I don’t?”
“The terms of the deal you made still apply. I own you. Every inch. You will do as I please. I am not a man you can back into a corner, cherie.”
“So you’ve told me.”
I wasn’t even certain my legs responded but as the wind whipped against my face, I peered up at the sky. The cloudy day had turned ominous in every manner, darkness hovering over the area like a shroud of violence. I had a terrible feeling that the next two days were going to alter every concept I had of good versus evil.
I was eased into the back of an SUV, black in color and solid in nature. I suspected the windows were bulletproof, reminding me of the treatment high-ranking politicians and celebrities received.
Aleksei stood outside, conversing with Maksim. I crawled over the seat, watching as the soldier removed a piece of paper from his pocket, tentatively handing it to Aleksei. Suddenly, the conversation stopped and the expression on Aleksei’s face was full of anger. While I was unable to hear anything that was said, it was obvious that Aleksei was surprised by whatever Maksim had shared.
I scuttled back in my place when Aleksei shoved the piece of paper into his pocket and waved his hand, more animated than I’d seen him. Every nerve stood on end as he stormed toward the SUV. Another problem. Another concern.
And I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it had to do with me.
I hadn’t anticipated that Aleksei would climb into the other side, closing the door with a hard thud while the driver eased inside.
I studied the driver’s face, able to see his features as he adjusted the rearview mirror. He was scarred, his skin mottled and slightly red. Not only had the man been in several fights, but he’d taken it one on one with a blade of some kind more than once. I shuddered at the thought. My world had been sheltered in several ways, preventing me from seeing the true horrors of everyday existence in the mafia world. Maybe I’d been lucky.
Maybe I’d simply been too na? ve for my own good.
Either way, I was fucked.
I settled into the seat as the driver pressed his foot on the gas, avoiding the stern gaze I’d already seen on Aleksei’s face. He challenged me in every way, determining my understanding of the game at hand. He really believed that I would succumb to him without any level of retaliation.
The bastard had another think coming.
I was nobody’s fool. I’d played the femme fatale card far too long. It was my time to quietly take back control. Maybe this trip would allow me to do so.
The entire SUV was silent, neither the driver nor Aleksei muttering a word. Instructions had already been laid out, the need for unnecessary talking at a minimum. I peered out the window, my hands still clasped together, trying to control my breathing as the world flashed by. Buildings. Landscapes. Children playing. Everything seemed surreal.
I was aware there was a car following us, no doubt protection in case we ran into trouble. Did my brother have enough gumption to take on a Bratva family? I honestly didn’t know the answer. What little I did realize was that Peter hated to lose. He would fight hard to keep his stature, influence, and his wealth.
Even at my expense.
I noticed the signs for the airport, expecting the driver to make the turn. He sped by it going well over seventy miles per hour. Only then did I turn my head in Aleksei’s direction.
He had a smug look about him, conceited in ways I wasn’t used to seeing. Even without meeting my gaze, he exhaled, his words chosen carefully.
“I never use commercial airlines. I don’t have to.”
I almost laughed hearing the hint of arrogance. The man was used to the finer things in life while my world was modest, time off spent reading books while a rather cheap bottle of red wine remained opened. I’d worked hard over the years perfecting my craft. What a crock of shit.
Within twenty minutes, we were on the outskirts of the city, the single highway sign indicating an airport I’d only heard of a couple of times in passing. Private. Secluded.
For the wealthy.
Bile rose to the surface as I leaned forward. If he was planning on dropping me off in some third world country, I would find a weapon to use.
The SUV pulled up only fifty yards from a small corporate jet, its sleek design indicating a newer model. I gave Aleksei another hard look as the driver cut the engine, immediately getting out. I noticed the weapon strapped to the man’s side, his hand on the barrel as he waited until the other car pulled up, three men piling out, their weapons drawn.
I had difficulty swallowing as I watched their actions, checking the perimeter until the driver finally returned, opening the door for Aleksei first.
Aleksei remained seated, his demeanor calm and collected. “I’m going to trust you on this trip. There will be no soldiers, no one to protect us. I need you to assure me that you’ll follow my orders no matter the circumstances.”
Another laugh bubbled to the surface. The man had balls. “Fine.”
The slow shift of his head in my direction gave me a shiver that tickled my pussy as always, the burn in his eyes commanding.
“Yes, sir. You don’t have to worry about me, sir.” While my answer was snide, he seemed satisfied, exiting the vehicle while another soldier opened my door.
I was led quickly toward the plane, walking up the stairs in front of the burly man. I stopped long enough to take a glance over my shoulder. I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever see the city again.
The thought was far less terrifying than I would have imagined. I honestly didn’t care. I had no real home, merely a place to land and rest. When I walked inside the plane, I had a moment of shock and awe. Plush leather seats. A full bar. Gleaming tables. Everything was created with the powerful in mind. I was led to a seat, the soldier merely pointing, waiting until I obeyed his direct order.
One that came from the master.
Five minutes later, Aleksei walked onto the plane, heading in my direction. He took the seat opposite, easing down with the confidence of a leader.