Page 8 of Sean Collins

"It seems you are most interested in our connection to the Russian mafia. I know someone who has been on the inside that I can set you up with, but there are conditions," I say.

Elora smiles smugly. "This wouldn't be the mafia princess that your crew rescued and is currently married to one of your guys, would it?"

I sit back in my chair again and feel a prickle of anxiety down my spine. How does she know about Chelsea and the details of her rescue? My voice grows cold as I reply, "I will protect my people, woman or not, sexy or not. Do you understand me?"

Elora holds up her hands in surrender, but I see the glint in her eyes. She liked how I implied that she was sexy. "I understand. Don’t worry; I don't have any desire to put any of your people in danger. I just want answers, and I think you may have them. Now, I want to know about these businesses and assets you have obtained since you have changed your ways. Are you sure they are not just money-laundering fronts?"

I grit my teeth. She is a cool one. Scratch that – Elora reminds me a lot of myself, which is probably why I am attracted to her. "I am not telling you anything else until dinner," I answer, grinning.

Her eyebrows shoot up. "Who said I am having dinner with you?"

I shrug. "You did if you want more information and meet our “mafia princess,” as you called her."

I can see Elora struggle between not wanting to give in to me and clamoring for the answers that Chelsea could give her. It makes me even more curious about why she has such a hard-on for the Russian mob.

"Fine, I will go to dinner with you," she says in a huff, clearly annoyed that I have bested her.

"Great!” I utter enthusiastically. “Should I pick you up at your rental at, say, 7 P.M.?"

It is her turn to be surprised, but she tries her best to hide it. "That works for me," Elora replies coolly.

She opens her laptop and pretends to go back to studying whatever had her so engrossed before I interrupted, dismissing me, but I know it’s just a front. I saunter out of the café and get back into my truck. I need to have a chat with Chelsea before my dinner with Elora tonight.

Chapter Eleven

Elora

I can't believe I agreed to go to dinner with S.C. I'm going to have to watch this one. He is wily, so I need to be on my guard all the time.

Walking across the street towards my rental unit, I shake my head. S.C. has let me go again. How does he know I am not just going to rabbit off into the night with my loot? He seems to realize that their mafia princess can provide enough information that will keep me in Truth and Consequences. If that’s the case, he is right – I badly want to know who killed my parents and take them down.

Sighing, I look for what I can wear in my meager closet. I don't travel with a lot of clothes, but I always bring that essential LBD in case I need to go out with someone to coax more information out of them. It wouldn't be the first time it happened.

After pulling the dress out of the closet, I shower quickly and come back out in my comfy clothes. I have a few hours until S.C. picks me up; I need to spend that time doing some more digging. Eliza sent me a couple of links regarding the history of the Russian mafia, trying to find even the smallest mention of a hit on my family.

Little do I know, hours have already flown by. Soon, my phone alarm is going off, telling me it's time to get ready for my dinner with S.C. Picking up the black dress, I slip it over my body. It doesn't look like much when I hold it in my hands, but once I put it on, it hugs all my curves, giving a healthy glimpse of my creamy skin at the bodice. I also pair my LBD with light makeup, red lips, and stilettos. I haven't found a man who can resist this ensemble.

I have no idea where S.C. is taking me or if I will be overdressed, but it is better to be prepared. I am hoping this dress will help convince him to talk more. There is definite chemistry between the two of us, after all. Each time we meet, the tension in the room sizzles, and I feel heat deep in my core. Our banter earlier today turned into flirting; no matter how cold his voice got, I still knew that I was safe with him. It has been a long time since I have felt attracted to or secure with someone. S.C. could be dangerous for my peace of mind.

I need to be careful about getting attached to S.C. If he had anything to do with my parent's murder, I am taking him down. It will be hard as I'm developing feelings for him, but I will do it. I can't imagine that he would do that after all his talk about not wanting to hurt innocents, but he could be trying to deceive me for some reason.

Sighing, I sit down on the couch and wait for S.C. to arrive. I am getting tired of living my life this way, always wondering when I will learn the truth or if it is going to be another wild goose chase. I am not exactly sure what I will do with my life after I avenge my parents. It has been my driving purpose since I was 16.

Just then, the knock on the door brings me out of my thoughts, and I open the door to see S.C. standing on the porch. He is dressed in dark dress pants and a crisp white shirt. His tattoos can be seen through the sleeves, and he has trimmed his facial hair. My mouth waters at the sight of him, and my core is flooded with heat. I’d rather drag S.C. into the apartment and rip his clothes off than go to dinner right now.

His eyes grow wide as he surveys my dress, and he appears to be having the same issues as I am. Clearing his throat, he meets my eyes. They are electric with heat. I swallow hard.

“Are you ready to go to dinner?” S.C. finally asks, but we both know that there’s more to it.

Reining in my libido, I just nod, grab my purse, and shut the front door. I see a flash of disappointment in S.C.’s eyes and feel the same sense of loss bolt through me. I can't give in to this attraction until I know for sure that he is who he appears to be.

S.C. opens the car door for me, and I climb up into his truck, closing my eyes for a moment and hoping that I can keep myself from jumping him.

Chapter Twelve

Sean

I drive back to the club, knowing that I am about to get shit from the guys for letting the thief go after finding her. I don't know how to explain it; there is just something about her that makes me believe she will be there when I pick her up for dinner.

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