Page 63 of The Umarova Crime Family

“I think it’s good of you to want to communicate with them directly. Calling or texting could be seen as insensitive, and given the circumstances, I think what you’re planning on doing is right.” I squeeze Emily’s hand, trying to be here for her in whatever way that I can. I don’t want to be overly attentive, but I also don’t want to seem like I don’t give a damn either.

“Yeah, that’s what I figured. I’m just still reeling from her threats. I really never expected her to turn on me in such a way.”

Any time Emily speaks to me about this, I can practically hear the disappointment in her voice. She hoped for so much from her aunt, but I think the only thing that ever really mattered was her loyalty… but her aunt had none. She only cared about herself.

“I’m sorry that she did. I know you had hoped she would be trustworthy, and unfortunately, she wasn’t. Maybe at the time, she was, but it seems obvious to me that when it came to her or you, she chose herself in the end. Once you speak to your parents, I’m sure things will get better.”

“I really hope you’re right, Lom.” Emily sounds exasperated, so I tug her hand as I walk toward the dance floor. “Whoa. What are you doing?”

I turn my head back to glance at her with a twisted smile. “I’m getting your mind off all of this, so come along now.”

“Lom, I don’t know how to, like, nicely dance. I only know how to club dance.” Emily’s eyes widen with each word, and I’m trying not to laugh.

“Well, I guess you’ll have to improvise. I’m sure the guests won’t mind you shaking your ass a bit.”

“Lom!” Emily smacks my hand away and freezes right in her tracks.

“Don’t worry about a thing. I got you, and you’ll move with me. I take the lead, remember?”

“I don’t remember because I’ve never danced with anyone like this before.” Emily grits her teeth and speaks lowly, and I realize she’s terrified that she’s going to make a fool of herself. I smile lightly and grab onto her hand again, walking alongside her as we reach the dance floor.

The music is slow and sensual, so this shouldn’t be too terrifying to her. All she honestly has to do is match my movements. I bring her hands up over my neck and plant them there while I snake my hands on her hips. We move slowly as a unit, together with grace. After a few minutes, she eventually calms down, and I’m happy that she’s enjoying this. “See, not too bad, is it?”

“If I knew it was like this, I wouldn’t have freaked out in the first place,” Emily tells me, but I don’t know if I believe her.

We stay on the dance floor for five songs, and then Emily wants to head over to the bar to get a drink. I tell her I’ll meet her there in a few minutes as I spot Ludvik in my peripheral vision. I head over to my right-hand man, and he immediately diverts his attention to me.

“Boss,” Ludvik says upon greeting me.

“Ludvik, I have something I need you to do.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Look into Amelia’s mother, who is also Emily’s aunt. I know her name is Lucy, but she goes by Lou, and try the surname, Wilson. I believe Amelia’s last name is the same as her mother’s.”

Ludvik nods immediately. “Certainly. Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“Not yet. I might have more for you after you get me some information.”

Ludvik gives me a curt nod, and I go find Emily as she’s in line for the bar. We both get another drink and mingle with the other guests, but after that, we’re ready to head back home. The two of us are staying in Ruslan and Amelia’s condo, and I have a key to the place already.

We get back to their condo and immediately head for the bedroom we’re staying in, but as soon as we pass through the doors, I’m in awe of the woman before me. She turns her back to me and moves her hair out of the way. “Would you mind unzipping me?”

“Of course not,” I tell her as I pull the delicate zipper down the length of her back. The satin-type material falls to a pile on the floor, then she kicks off her shoes.

“God, I’m beat. I don’t think I’ve been this tired in eons,” she confesses as she turns around in nothing but lingerie. My eyes follow the lacy material, and I’m damn certain this woman can’t look bad in anything.

She takes one step toward me and grabs ahold of my tie, steps up onto her tippy toes, and collides her lips with my own. The two of us work together to remove every article of clothing I have on, and once we do, we both get into bed. We’re both on our sides, kissing and touching one another, but Emily slows down, and after a while, she falls asleep next to me.

I can’t even be mad about it, and I don’t want to be. Emily’s proving to me that I’m much more than some playboy. I’m a man who actually gives a shit, and not too long ago, I didn’t think I’d ever be this type of man.

Chapter Eleven

Emily

The sun slipping through the blinds causes my heart to pump anxiously. I can’t believe I overslept, and I’m an early riser. Shit. I get out of bed, and as I do, I realize Lom isn’t anywhere around. So I make the bed and walk into the en-suite bathroom attached to the room. I go right up to the sink and turn on the hot water. Once it gets steamy, I grab a fresh washcloth and soak it in the hot liquid, then put it on my face. I do this every morning, and every single time it’s so refreshing.

Since I’m late, I quickly turn on the shower and strip out of my bra and thong. I was so tired last night that I ended up wearing these to bed. I get in the shower and lather up my body, then start on my hair. The suds of the shampoo feel so good against my hair. Within ten minutes, I’m out. I run a comb through my hair and then put on my clothes for the day. I don’t put anything too special on, especially since we’re leaving to fly back home tomorrow.

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