Page 21 of Niko's Printsessa

I try to ignore my raging hard-on and focus on work. I check our business reports, and text our men to confirm upcoming shipments and deliveries, while waiting for Sergei’s call.

He jumps right in, “There was another threat. Anya discovered black roses when she arrived at the distillery, this morning. The card was the same shitszhech' printsessu, burn the princess.

“What about the cameras? Any footage?”

“He hacked into our system, which isn’t easy to do. Ino is reaching out to his contacts, even offering cash for any leads. Someone must’ve heard of this guy, and money talks. We’ll find him, but until then, she’s safe with you.”

Is she safe with me? With me, yes. From me, no.. The longer the asshole is out there, the longer she’s under my watch. The longer I’m walking around with blue balls.

“I’ll pull Max, Art, and Rurik to assist with her security. Max can handpick an additional four or five soldiers to guard the perimeter. This isn’t just a prank anymore. I trust you to keep her safe, but the added security will ease our worries.”

“Agreed.”

“Is she driving you crazy, yet?” He chuckles.

I grunt my answer.

“If you feel comfortable leaving her with Max and his crew, I could really use your help with the Perez’s. They ignored our warnings.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Ino threw out some bogus information about a weapons shipment tonight, and they’ve latched on, hook, line and sinker. I don’t know how much firepower they’re going to bring, so Ineed you, Foko, Alek, and Isaak there. I could send in some soldiers but this feels personal. I want to make a statement.

“We’re going to ambush their ambush.”

“That’s the plan. I’ll text you when we’re leaving dinner from Mom’s.”

We work out the details before disconnecting, and Max calls confirming he’ll be here within the hour.

I stomp into the kitchen in search of caffeine, and I’m surprised to find her at the counter eating breakfast. She doesn’t even bother acknowledging me, but there’s no ignoring her. Fuck me, how many fucking short shorts and thin ass tank tops does she own?

“Did Tali pack any actual clothes for you?”

Her scowl would kill a lesser man. “I’ll wear what I want, thank you very much.”

“Go put on sweats, or a fucking burka. I don’t need Max’s crew drooling over you.”

“Why in the fuck would Max or anyone else be here?”

“To guard you.”

She snorts. “That’s hilarious. The Butcher needs a calvary to protect little ole me?”

“I have a job tonight, and I don’t need you fucking it up.” There’s no reason to tell her there was another threat, it’ll only add to her stress.

I leave her to return to my office but she stomps behind me. “Do you honestly think you can just go about living your life while I’m stuck in this ivory tower?”

I sigh but open the office door allowing her to enter. There’s no ignoring her when she’s like this.

I sit at my desk and she stands with her arms crossed. Her pink bra peeks out from under her top, and I wonder if her panties match.

Her voice shakes me from my daydream, “What am I supposed to do out here in the middle of nowhere? If this guy doesn’t kill me, I’ll certainly die of boredom.”

“Dramatic much? There’s plenty to do. Read, swim, shop online.”

“Right, because shopping is the only thing I’m good at?”

My patience is running thin, “Tali packed your laptop, you can work from here, organizing the grand opening.”