Page 60 of Maxim

Speaking of…

He’s been quiet all day. Normally he messages me all the time, but today, other than a good morning message, I haven’t heard from him. I could have texted him first, but I’ve taken a step back the last few days.

“Two Negronis!” Jane yells at the bartender.

There’s still no sign of Amanda, although she did say she was on her way… an hour ago.

The bartender’s gaze dips appreciatively into my cleavage and I turn away, feeling uncomfortable. The dress is too revealing. Jane tuts as I attempt to adjust the straps so it covers more, and fail miserably.

“Stop fussing!” she hisses while the bartender expertly mixes our drinks. “You look fantastic!”

“I look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman!”

“No, you look way classier than her, babe.”

Jane’s sweet and all, but she’s my best friend and best friends always say shit like that. It’s part of the job description.

“I can tell you don’t believe me but you really do look hot, Nat. It’s about time you got your mojo back. I dunno, lately you’ve been like your usual self so I assumed this guy Max has a magic dick and all, but this week, it’s all gone to shit again, hasn’t it?”

She’s not wrong.

Jane hands me my drink and we move away from the bar, into a quieter area where we can talk.

“You know you can stay at mine for as long as you like, babe, but I’m worried about you. It’s not like you to get this upset about a roach infestation.”

I cringe, looking away and praying she can’t tell I’m blushing in the low light. She doesn’t know about the break-in. Nobody does except Max and whoever he called to clean it up. I didn’t want to alarm my friends so I told them I’d spotted roaches and asked the landlord to sort it.

Jane thinks he’s dragging his feet in calling in pest control, and that’s why I’m staying with her.

“Maybe you need a few more nights with Max and his Magic Dick.”

We both laugh. I haven’t told the girls much about Max, but they’re not blind. And besides, they have both met him, even if they don’t remember much because we were all horrifically drunk.

In fact, I’m pretty sure Amanda only remembers Max’s guy, Kolya, because he was all she could talk about for a few days after he and Artem took the girls home.

Jane’s phone lights up in her bag and she retrieves it. “Ooh Amanda is finally here! Let’s go meet her downstairs.” She taps out a quick message and we make our way to the main staircase that connects the different floors.

Chapter forty-two

Max

Nightclubs bore me. The music is too loud and the women too drunk. I much prefer bars where I can hear myself think and enjoy a premium vodka that’s not been watered down. Needless to say, this is not how I pictured spending my Friday night, but here I am.

Natalya has been distant with me since the night her apartment was broken into. She says she’s fine and she replies to my messages, but there’s a coolness that wasn’t there before. And I’m not sure why.

At first, I thought maybe she’d overheard my conversation with Sasha but I checked the cameras and she was asleep the whole time. It’s possible she’s still pissed about the woman kissing me in the street, but I’m certain she’s believed me.

I’m supposed to be at a black tie event, schmoozing with investors for my casino project, but Sasha has gone in my place. He’s comfortable at these these things and he knows enough to keep the investors happy. It also helps my case that Diana Belov, the rich wife of Dimitri Belov, has a crush on him.

Sasha will likely spend all evening flirting with her. I don’t blame him. She is a beautiful woman and Dimitri is in his 70s. Luckily for Sasha - and by extension, me - Dimitri gives no shits about who his wife sees on the down low as long as she’s discreet.

I suspect the guy enjoys a break from her. She’s petulant and demanding and only married him for his billionaire status. Sasha has the looks but not the billions, but since he’s not looking for anything serious, they are perfectly suited.

The app on Natalya’s phone tells me she’s somewhere close. Kolya follows me as we weave through the crowds of drunk office workers hoping to shake off the shackles of a boring week.

Quite a few women check us out but neither of us pay attention. My only focus is Natalya. I need to make sure she’s safe. It’s become my priority.

Kolya’s here to watch my back. At least he says he is. I told him to take a night off and I’d call in Boris, but he insisted on coming. I have a feeling it has something to do with Natalya’s friend, Amanda.

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