Page 35 of Lord of Vice

Not that I could call myself innocent any longer. Not after sucking a stranger’s cock.

Remington suddenly barked and I sensed someone was at the suite entrance. The light rapping was followed by someone opening the door without waiting for an answer.

This time three bellmen rolled in different carts, the door opened by one of the soldiers I’d seen at the restaurant. He gave me a nod before indicating where the three young men could place the carts. I was shocked to see easily fifty shopping bags, some on hangers, others in colorful foil piled on the carts. I also noticed two large bags of dog food, a massive dog’s bed, and other goodies in at least three bags from one of the nicest pet stores in the city.

One I couldn’t afford.

“What is all this?” I asked while I kept a firm hold on Remington’s collar. He was thrilled to have company, doing everything he could to wiggle from my hold.

“Some items Mr. Sokolov thought you’d need. Also, he wanted me to tell you that he already walked Remington so you could enjoy a relaxing morning.”

Hold on. What? A man who wore ten-thousand-dollar suits and likely ate caviar for breakfast had walked my baby?

The soldier seemed as confused as to the niceties as I was, his body language stiff. I didn’t know what to say to him, especially about the fact my baby had been walked. What was Kraven trying to prove to me? That I was wrong about him? That I would be okay with submitting to him?

“Um, where is… Mr. Sokolov?” All I could think about was he was a brutal Russian.

“He has some business to take care of. Do you need anything?”

“I don’t think so. What’s your name?”

As the bellman walked out, I noticed he didn’t bother giving them a tip. Of course. Neither the man who owned the place nor his soldiers were required to do anything that mundane. “Misha.”

“Thank you, Misha. I don’t know what I’m doing here.”

He straightened to his full height and I couldn’t help but wonder if every Russian was tall, rough and tumble. “Very few people would have done what you did, Ms. Valentine. It’s rare when Mr. Sokolov is allowed to express his gratitude about anything.”

“You mean when he chooses to?”

I could tell by the way he kept his eyes open that he had no intention of answering my question.

“How sad.” And it was. “And please call me Penny.”

While he nodded, I doubted he was going to accept my request. “The boss demands respect.”

“And I’m not your boss.”

“No, but you are someone of utmost importance to him.”

His statement intrigued me and it was heartfelt. The man looked as tired as I felt, which was why I shocked myself by being hospitable. “I was going to have a cup of coffee. Would you like one?”

He glanced toward the door, scrunching his brow. “Not allowed.”

Not allowed. What a cruel taskmaster Kraven was. “You can still protect me or keep me from running to the hills if that’s what you’re doing. I think you’ve been there all night. Haven’t you?”

“I’m used to long hours.”

“It’s just coffee. I won’t spike it. Honest.” I held up my fingers in a silly Girl Scout salute, which allowed his expression to soften.

“I will admit, coffee sounds wonderful.”

“And don’t worry. I won’t tell your boss.”

When he laughed, I was able to take a deep breath. The number of packages still floored me, enough so I hated the butterflies of excitement having their way with my stomach. I hadn’t suddenlybeen crowned princess for a week or month. I’d need to come down to reality sooner versus later. And when I hit rock bottom, it was going to be tough. Maybe for now, I could try to enjoy the unexpected hospitality.

I headed for the kitchen, opening three drawers until I found an array of Keurig-style coffee pods, uncertain what to select. I’d been forced to have rotgut coffee for so long, being able to choose between flavors and brands was a little like being given carte blanche inside a Starbucks. Boy, wasn’t I deprived?

“What flavor would you like? I think there are fifty.” I laughed and it felt good to be able to do so.

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