Page 2 of Dublin Devil

The elevator doors open on the top floor, and I lead the way up the corridor.

Escorting these two to their suite is my grand finale. Then, I’ll report back to my father that I nailed it and that Sidorov and Volkov are both happy and well fed.

I can’t wait.

The carpet is soft beneath my heels, and our procession is quiet as we move past the doors to the three other suites on the floor.

Behind me, Arkady says something to Vladmir in Russian and the two laugh gregariously. I’m not as naïve as they might think. I know he likely commented on my ass in this dress or something, but it doesn’t matter. Once I get them in their suite and settled, I’m off the clock.

I’m half expecting to find Da’s female entertainment in the suite when we step inside, but no, it’s empty.

I’m not sure when they’re set to arrive, but I don’t want to bring it up in case something unexpected happened and it might make Da look bad.

“Welcome to your home away from home, gentlemen.” I lead them through a grand foyer and past the round glass table with a giant display of orchids. “Anything you order up to the room is covered, and over on the bar, you’ll find a case of vodka Da brought in direct from Moscow.”

“Wonderful,” Vladmir says, heading straight for the bar. “A toast to Irish business.”

I chuckle. “Just one. I had enough wine at dinner that I’ll likely have a headache tomorrow already. But I’ll toast to Irish business.”

Arkady and I join Vladmir by the bar and I accept the splash of vodka in the bottom of a crystal tumbler. Holding it up to toast, I give my last effort at making this negotiation a success. “To a long and profitable arrangement between our organization and yours.”

I swallow the vodka without choking, but it’s a close call. The burn of it going down my throat is awful, and I blink quickly to get it down.

“Good.” Vladmir tips his glass back and refills it. “To lovely McGuire daughter and business deals.”

Arkady holds out his glass for a refill and throws that one back just as quickly. There’s no world in which I could drink with two Russian Bratva and come out of it unscathed. I saw how much they can eat. I don’t even want to imagine how much they can drink.

“And this is where I say goodnight, gentlemen. It’s been a pleasure meeting both of you, and I hope you enjoy your stay in Dublin. My father will be in touch with you in the morning.”

“What about our lady for staying night?” Arkady asks.

I set my empty tumbler on the bar and take my phone out of my purse. “Da mentioned he arranged for some female company for you. I’ll call him and find out about that right away. You two relax and enjoy your vodka. I’m sure someone will be here shortly.”

With another painted-on smile, I give them a nod goodbye and walk briskly toward the door. They’re following me, looking annoyed, but if the Russians end up angry about there being no prostitutes here, that’s not on me.

I’ve done my part.

I stop at the table in the foyer and set their room cards on the glass surface. “You’re all set.”

The few steps to the door seem like a mile, at least until the cool metal of the door handle is in my palm. Pushing down, I release the door and pull to swing it open.

A meaty hand brushes past my head and slams it shut. The boom of my exit being denied has my heart hammering as I turn to face an angry Arkady. “No. Not all set.”

Vladimir is there too. He’s taken off his jacket and is unbuttoning his shirt. “No. Mattie says daughter for the night. His treat.”

“As your hostess and dinner companion.” I shift away from Arkady so that I have the foyer wall at my back. “I’m not your sexual companion for the night. Da has girls for that. They’re obviously just running late.” I lift my phone and hit my contact list to call Da. “Let me find out when they’ll be arriving.”

Vladmir grabs my phone and drops it in the vase for the orchids. “No call whores. Father promised me good girl. Virgin daughter is mine.”

My face goes numb as all the blood rushes out of my head.My father wouldn’t have said that.

“You misunderstood. I, uh…the language barrier confused you. He meant for dinner. I was your hostess for the evening.”

Arkady grabs me, his fingers digging into my arm as he spins me and pulls me against his chest. Gorilla arms wrap around me from behind and pin my arms at my sides. “No misunderstand. He signed contract. We fuck you as part of deal and Vlad keep you for back home in Russia.”

I kick backward, hoping my heels will stab him in the shins, but I only manage to lose my shoes.

“Settle, little wolf. I show you.” Vladmir pulls a folded document out of his inside pocket and points to a section on the second page above my father’s signature.

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