Page 21 of Born To Be Bad

“Jeez. You really know how to hurt a grown man’s feelings.”

I sigh. “Blackwood. My drink is getting warm. What is it that you want?”

“I want to make sure that your family stays safe."

“I’m listening.”

“I’ve been watching the Glass Baron. I’m not happy with what I’ve seen.”

I sigh and tap my glass, waiting for him to continue. Patience has never been my strong suit, except maybe in the bedroom—and even then only sometimes.

“I know this will draw your ire, but I’m getting the feeling that things are a bit … off.”

“A bit off.”

“My instinct is throwing up red flags. I’d like to dig a little, with your permission.”

“You have my permission,” I reply. And my generous retainer, which I’m not sure he deserves anymore. “What is your plan exactly?”

“Let me get some eyes on Mikhail. I’ll revert with a plan as soon as I have one.”

“Why so grumpy all of a sudden?” asks Ivy. “I thought we were celebrating.”

“That was Blackwood.”

“Your intel guy?”

I nod and take a slug of my drink. “He has a bad feeling about Kuznetsov.”

“A bad feeling about the bloodthirsty Russian mafia? How shocking.”

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, my little kotik.”

“Kotik?”

“My little kitten.”

“Kotic. I like that. I’m your little pussycat.” She wiggles her perfect eyebrows suggestively. “Maybe we should try some Russian dirty talk.”

“If you don’t mind, I think I prefer sticking to the Queen’s English.”

Ivy shrugs. “Have it your way.”

“It’s the only way I like it,” I reply.

“There are those control issues again.”

I grab her, my hands firm. “You like it when I’m in charge.”

“Oh, I do,” she says, then bites me on the shoulder.

The baby starts grizzling, so I let her go while I move to pick him up.

Ivy watches me. “Shall we take Alex with us to the hospital?”

I pick him up and realize he needs a new diaper just as a cheerful Brumilde breezes in with new baby supplies. “Nope,” I reply, handing him over.

CHAPTER 14

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