Page 20 of The Pakhan

“Okay.”

“While I haven’t taken your phone, I’m going to replace it with an untraceable one. You’ll need to go get it for me.”

“Um,” I said, forced to look away. “I might have already used it this morning to make a little call.”

His nostrils immediately flared and I was certain he was going to toss me over the desk all over again, spanking me while calling me a very bad girl.

“Who did you call, Caroline?”

“Joshua. I needed to let him know the gig was toast.” I’d never felt so sheepish in my life. I could tell he was doing his best not to get angry with me. Hell, I was angry with myself. I was smarter than this, for God’s sake.

“And what happened?”

“At first his phone didn’t pick up. Then it clicked like someone was there, but I hung up and didn’t say anything.”

“Fuck,” he hissed. “What is your goddamn handler’s full name? Don’t lie to me because I will know it. Your life might depend on your full disclosure of every detail.”

Hearing the fury in his voice made me sick to my stomach. “Joshua Smith but that’s not his real name. We never use our real names.”

“Does he have a handle like you do?” He wasn’t blinking as he eyed me as if I was the enemy.

“Blackbird. He’s known on the dark web as Blackbird.”

Vadim’s entire face looked like chiseled stone. “Bring me the goddamn phone now.”

“I had it scrambled so no one would track me.”

He cocked his head and another flash of embarrassment rolled through me. I was a grade-A certified idiot. I’d underestimated the Cosa Nostra’s power and their reach.

However, I knew I’d been right in asking for help from Vadim.

His ability to protect me didn’t concern me in the least.

What did?

The fact that he was my ultimate fantasy.

CHAPTER 6

Vadim

Staying away from her was necessary.

I’d made it my business to spend the day outside of the house on purpose, which was better for my libido and helpful in reinforcing my rule over my kingdom.

I’d had two different soldiers look in on her from time to time, watching the estate like hawks. I also had a camera system that alerted an app on my phone if there were any breaches. Including those from inside.

I’d also dispatched one of my tech guys to see if he could identify Blackbird and the kid’s whereabouts. It was entirely possible he’d roll over on Caroline, which wasn’t acceptable.

I still found it unfathomable Caroline had taken such significant risks. While it would appear that her phone did have an adequate scrambling system, at least according to my team of security and computer experts, I’d had it destroyed anyway.

There would be no additional risks taken. Not while I was protecting her.

“When I suggested you go out, I didn’t mean for you to jump into the freaking frying pan, for fuck’s sake.”

“What’s wrong, Aleksander? You don’t like my choice of restaurants to enjoy a late lunch with my counselor?”

He glanced around him at the good two dozen people staring at us. “I’m not an idiot, Vadim. This is not only a restaurant frequented by members of the Cosa Nostra, but it’s also owned by Stefano Marino and his family.”

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