Page 56 of Diamond Don

“I understand, Nik. And I will help you as best as I can. I promise. But there’s no need for things to be so black and white. We can work and let off some steam whenever needed. I can’t imagine how much pressure you must be under right now. Why not let me help you with that as well?”

I dare a glance in her direction. The maddening woman is smiling coyly at me.

I sigh again before sternly saying, “We are not going down this path, Kat. And that’s my final word on this subject.”

“We’ll see about that.”

I let her challenging reply slide, hoping it will be the end of this subject. Deep down, however, I have a feeling that’s nothing but wishful thinking on my part.

I keep my eyes glued to the screen as past Kat discreetly leaves the room where she gave me the most fantastic fuck I’ve had in years. Maybe ever. Even then, she was already playing games with me. While I was dying to get another chance to have her in my arms, the little thief’s only concern had been to disappear with my most valuable possession.

“I’ve been curious. What made you get into this line of work in the first place?” I ask.

Kat raises her eyebrows. “I’m surprised you even have to ask,” she says. “Surely a big, bad bratva pakhan such as yourself would have learned all there is to know about me by now.”

I scoff. “I’d never be stupid enough to fool myself into thinking that.”

She smiles. “Well, be it as it may, I’m positive you looked me up. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a file on me somewhere in this room.”

“Maybe. I know you were an orphan for most of your childhood. You were adopted later, during your teen years. And I learned of your stellar reputation as one of the best in your field.”

“The best,” she corrects me sharply.

I smirk, pleased she took the bait. “Perhaps. But none of that tells me why you chose this…lifestyle. Not all orphans become part of the criminal underworld’s elite. So why did you?”

She remains silent for a long moment. Eventually, she says, “I knew I’d be good at it. It seemed foolish not to pursue what I knew I would excel at. And truth be told, I was tired of hoping, wishing, and praying for things that were never offered to me. If no one was going to give me anything, then I was going to take it myself. What can I say? I like the finer things in life.” She shrugs. “I was so done with feeling helpless—powerless, victimized. So tired of being at the mercy of others and unable to take care of those I care about.”

Dumbstruck, I stare at her, long after she is done talking. I thought she’d brush me off, giving me a non-answer. Whatever I expected her to say in response to my question, it wasn’t this heartfelt statement. For a moment, I struggle to reconcile this vulnerable, caring side of her with the untrustworthy woman I’ve learned she can be.

If anyone can understand what it is like to be utterly alone and have to fend for yourself at a young age, that would be me.

I study her in a way I haven’t yet. As always, I see her beautifully wrought face and perfectly sculpted body, but for the first time, I also see her delicate hands and athletic but diminutive build. At fifteen, I probably already outweighed her by at least fifty pounds.

As a child in a similar situation to hers, being alone was always a scary and dangerous experience for me. I can only imagine what it had been like for a creature as fragile as her. I shudder just thinking about it. And to think she somehow found it in herself to worry about others and protect them.

As I unabashedly study her—this confusing, intriguing woman who has turned my orderly life upside down—I can’t help but wonder who is taking care of her while she’s busy looking out for others. I can’t help but wish it could be me.

“That’s the guy from last night,” she says, interrupting my reverie, blissfully unaware of it.

I glance at the screen and see Vladmir approaching me through the museum gala’s guests. It’s a much-welcome reminder of why we are here.

Maxim.

The man I failed to protect.

“That’s Vladmir Smirnov. He works for me.”

“I figured that much.”

“He’s approaching me to take me to Maxim.”

“Oh,” she says, straightening. “He came from inside the museum.”

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “That’s where they found the body.”

“I see. Where?”

“The room had been closed to the public that evening. It was in the area where they hold their Italian Masters exhibition.”

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