Page 22 of Beautiful Cruelty

I shove my phone back in my purse and get into my car. But when I adjust my rearview mirror and see his suit hanging on the backseat, I can’t help sighing bitterly.

What was I thinking? Of course he moved on the second I left. He's probably with Irina right now, those perfect red curls bouncing across his pillow while he's kissing her the same way he kissed me.

My eyes sting as tears start welling, and I squeeze the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white. I will not cry over another man who saw me as nothing but a temporary distraction.

Iwon't.

But as I start the car, and turn on the wipers, a tear slides down my cheek anyway.

6

VADIM

"Fuck."I slam my palm against the steering wheel as I speed away from the Vorobyov event in my Ferrari.

The memory of my kiss with Lacey courses through my blood like fire. Her soft lips yielding to mine, the way she pressed against me, that little gasp when I slid my tongue into her mouth. The scent of citrus and lavender that clings to her skin as we kissed.

I wanted to do so much more than kiss her. I wanted to tear that cheap uniform off her perfect body. Pin her against the wall and make her scream my name. Show her exactly what happens to women who send teasing photos of themselves inmyclothes.

My grip tightens on the steering wheel as the picture Lacey sent me surfaces in my mind.

She'd been sprawled across the sheets. The phone positioned just enough to hide her face, but not before offering a hint of her golden messy hair. My charcoal suit jacket made for the perfect contrast with her pale creamy skin and breasts.

Her long legs had been parted in invitation and her fingers dipped into her glistening pussy while she bit her lower lip, trying to look innocent while being anything but.

She even positioned the lapel to give me only a teasing hint of her perky nipples.

The perfect mix of sweetness and sin.

She knew exactly what she was doing by sending me that picture.

She looked so natural wearing my clothes, as if they belong on her body. As ifshebelongs to me. The thought sends a thrum through my chest that I haven't felt in years.

It took everything in my power to not do everything I want to do to her.

Everything Iwilldo to her if our paths ever cross again.

But for now, something more important is demanding my attention. Reluctantly, I force all thoughts of Lacey out of my mind, fish my phone from my pocket, and hit Demyon's number on speed dial.

He picks up on the second ring.

"What the hell was so damn important that you needed to see me in person?"

"Found someone trying to walk through the back door of one of Kirsan's clubs carrying a suitcase full of cash," Demyon says. "Currently having a friendly chat with him at the usual place about some of the deals he helped make."

I ease off the gas, letting the Ferrari cruise. "And?"

"I recognize a couple, but I'll need to check the rest against your list."

"Can't help you there." I drum my fingers on the leather steering wheel. "I don't have it anymore."

"What do you mean you don't have it?" Demyon's voice sharpens. "That list has every single one of that bastard's?—"

"I know what's on it." I cut him off as I merge into the right lane, taking the exit. "But someone else has it now."

"Blyat." Demyon exhales heavily. "Who?"

"No-one that you need to worry about." I reply. "Make sure our guest stays comfortable until I arrive."

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