Page 55 of Wicked Embers

“Fuck,” I mutter. “I forgot I’m hosting that thing.” I frown. “What’s the theme?”

“Oh, I’m going to leave that as a surprise for when your costumes arrive tomorrow.” Judy’s grin widens as she pours another drink. “Good thing you’ll have a lovely wife on your arm. It’ll really sell the theme.”

“What do you want, Judy?”

“Oh, it’s not me that wants you.” Her voice is sing-song, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I was ordered to find you and send you back to the Diamond immediately.”

“Who?”

“Your cousin.”

“You can tell him to fuck off. I’m busy. I don’t jump when he cracks the whip.”

“No, but you do when I’m the cousin doing it.”

The deep voice cuts through the air like a blade. My muscles tense as I turn to see Oleksi, his towering frame cutting an imposing figure in the dim light. Nearer six-foot-five than my six-four, his shoulders are broad, his body built like a weapon. His ice-blue eyes, colder than a Siberian winter, sweep over Judy before landing on me.

“Didn’t trust me?” Judy’s tone is sharp as she addresses Oleksi, her demeanor shifting to match his.

“I don’t trust either of you when Radomir gets some fucked-up idea in his head,” Oleksi replies bluntly, his gaze unwavering. “You know how easily influenced you are, Judy!”

Without another word, he strides to the bar. I glare at her, leaning forward to say under my breath, “You could’ve led with which cousin.”

“And miss the look on your face?” she says, finishing another shot. Then, batting her eyes at me. “Now you know how I feel every time that fucker comes to town, and you fail to let me know.”

“Touché. Usually, I do enjoy torturing you by not revealing his plans, but I honestly didn’t know he was coming this time.” My one brow arches as I look at her. “Maybe it’s high time, though, that the two of you work out all this sexual tension and finally get over your breakup from ten years ago.” Now it’s my turn to smirk

“Fuck you,” she hisses, slamming the glass down. “Oh, by the way, I’ve organized your wedding for tomorrow at noon. Tracy’s getting a dress for Leigh and a tux for you. Then we’ll have a lovely late lunch at the penthouse after, complete with photos for your mother. Saturday, you and your new bride will grace the ball in your appropriate costumes. Trust me, they’re fitting.” She checks her watch, muttering, “Shit. I’m late—again. The babysitter is going to have another fucking fit.” Her eyes narrow. “If she quits, I’m leaving Maksim with you to look after each day.”

“Why doesn’t your reliable husband look after him for a change?” Oleksi’s voice cuts in as he returns, setting an evenmore expensive bottle of vodka on the table. A waiter follows with ice and glasses. “I’m sure he’d love to teach his son how to rough people up and take what’s not his. Isn’t that Viktor’s specialty?”

“I can’t stay,” Judy says, ignoring Oleksi’s jab at her husband as her eyes harden when she turns to him. “I have a son to get home to. I found your cousin. If you’re staying for the ball, let Radomir know, and I’ll get you an outfit, too.” She gives him a tight smile. “I have a fitting costume in mind for you.”

She strides out without another glance.

“Nice to see the two of you getting along,” I say dryly, watching her go. “You don’t need ice cubes when the two of you are in the same room.”

“Fuck you,” Oleksi snarls, pouring himself a drink. He downs it in one go before fixing me with a glare. “I see you’ve created another great shit show.” He leans back in the chair. “Your mother’s furious, my brother’s disgusted with you for taking an innocent prisoner, and now I’m stuck making sure this marriage and the ball go off without a hitch. A ball I didn’t even plan to attend because I have actual shit to handle, but here I am babysitting because you and my brother just don’t know when to leave things the fuck alone.”

“Right, like you’re innocent in all this.” I take a sip of vodka. “If I remember correctly, you’re the ringleader wanting to get to the bottom of our father’s deaths. And this isn’t a shit show of my making you can thank Dalton for it.”

“Yes, but Rad, you’re the one that couldn’t keep your fucking dick in his pants.” His jaw clenches. “And, cousin, this fuck-up can cost us everything.” He pours himself another drink and this time savors a sip of the clear liquid. “The only brightside is that when we’ve finally taken down who’s behind this strike you’ll have managed to make our family’s veritable power houses.”

His words tell me that he has been fully briefed by my mother and knows all about Leigh.

“Yay for me!” I salute with my glass, my gaze sliding back to the stage. Sabrina’s final dance is winding down. I need to get rid of him. “When did you get into town?”

“An hour ago.” Oleksi shrugs, his eyes on the stage having followed my gaze and narrowing on the petite blonde. “Who’s the girl?”

“Who?”

He nods his head toward the stage not taking his eyes off Sabrina. “The one you’ve been watching like a cat stalking it’s prey.” He glances at me suspiciously. “Sowing your wild oats, cousin?”

“No!” I shake my head turning back to Sabrina. “More like trying to solve a ten year old mystery that’s about to burst wide open again.”

“You’re shitting me, right?” Oleksi raises an eyebrow, his interest piqued as he gets the meaning behind my words. “How’s she going to help us?”

“She’s got the answers we need,” I reply simply.

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