Page 12 of Lord of Vice

“Yes.”

His frankness surprised me. “Did you know the assassin?” he asked.

A lump remained in my throat. I’d never seen a dead body before. Why had he used the term assassin? “The man who wanted to kill you had been hired to do so?”

“As I said, I’m asking the questions. Talk to me, Penny. The people who got away likely saw you saving my life. While your actions were admirable and I am grateful, more than you know, a face is never forgotten in my world.”

“What is your world? Are you a criminal?” Of course he was. Duh. No wonder the shitty restaurant was in a crappy part of town and big goons were hovering around him.

Kraven chuckled and sat back in his chair, and I was floored wine had already arrived. It was as if the man was holding court.

We both said nothing as the bottle was opened, two wineglasses filled.

“Talk, Red Penny.”

“I’m nobody. I’m just…” I wrapped my hand around the crystal stem, pulling the wine to my lips. Before I could consume a single drop, some of the dark liquid trickled from both sides. My heart still racing, I knew there was no avoiding the question. Especially since he was breathing down my neck. “I’m sorry I stole food. It was very wrong and unusual behavior for someone like me. I’ll pay back the money.” I could feel his eyes studying me, picking me apart. I’d never felt so uncomfortable in my life.

My mama had always told me a life of crime wouldn’t pay.

He folded his arms, his exotic scent driving me crazy. “I just need to know why you chose this restaurant. It’s important I know the truth. And I’ll know if you’re lying.”

“I never lie!” Right. It was a pot calling the kettle black moment. “I stopped on the side of the road to get my bearings and my windows were open, so I was able to smell delicious food. I was just hungry and with twelve dollars to my name, I had few choices. I’m sorry. Okay? I’m very sorry.” This was the most embarrassing moment of my entire life.

He didn’t say anything at first, sitting back on his throne. Between the raw power he exuded and the intense electricity, I found it nearly impossible to breathe.

“Why are you in this position, so hungry? What happened? Did the Morelli brothers do this to you?”

“You know them?”

Why was he still laughing at me? Did I have food between my teeth? “Answer the question. Don’t make this any more difficult than it needs to be.”

“Why? Because the two fucking assholes fired me for being five minutes late because my car wouldn’t start, and my bitch of a roommate was already tossing out my things by the time I got back home. I never meant for any of this to happen. I was raised a good girl with morals and values. I’ve never stolen as much as a piece of gum in my life. I will make it up to you. Contrary to my earlier behavior, I am a woman of my word.”

“Oh, you’ll be punished for the theft. However, not right now. Food for two? Who is hiding? Are you certain you’re not lying to me?”

Now he’d gone too far. I leaned across the table, glaring at him. I’d saved his life, but I was ready to take out the shit for a period of time on him. Why the hell not? And what the hell did he mean punishment? Was he going to bring me back here to wash dishes? Fine and dandy by me. “You sit there in your five-thousand-dollar suit surrounded by men who are likely your lackeys, doing whatever bidding you demand, and judge me? Walk in my shoes for thirty minutes. Learn what I’ve been through the last few days, hell, the entire year. Then you can judge me.” I thumped back in my seat, refusing to look at him.

He continued to stare at me. I was this close to making a face.So adult of you.

The door was opened and as soon as Remington bounded in, I jerked up from the table, bolting toward him. Let the bastard try to stop me. “Oh, baby. You’re okay. Mommy Dog was so worried. I dropped your chimkin but I’ll get you something. I promise.”I planted kisses on his head as he woofed, issuing a couple of growls as he tried to process what was going on.

“Food for two,” Kraven whiskered huskily, although there was a hint of disbelief in his voice.

“There was no one else in the car, boss. Just a lot of boxes,” the other blond said. “And no identification on the dead assassin after a quick search of his pockets.”

“I appreciate that, Konstantin, and that’s to be expected.”

I hugged Remington, still shocked and horrified.

The man smiled as if no one ever thanked him for anything. “What do you want me to do with the asshole, boss?”

“Put him on ice. Check for tats or brandings. And labels on his clothes.”

“Will do.”

At least I had a couple of names for when and if I talked to the police. “What is chimkin?” Kraven asked.

I kept my arm wrapped around Remington’s neck, darting a couple of quick glances toward the man. “You don’t have a pet. Do you?”

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