Page 6 of You Know I Love You

"Yes, sir." They both speak at the same time. Vasily takes my hand, his fingers threading through mine.

“You want something to drink, Princess?” He leads me down inside the yacht so we’re once again alone.

“You could live on this thing,” I say, taking it all in. We’re in the main area, reminding me of a living room. There is a bar, a few couches, and television. There is even a piano. It’s all very elegant and fancy, while Vasily is in all black with tattoos. It’s such a stark contrast, making him all the more intriguing to me.

“I have spent some nights here, but I have a place in the city.” He releases my hand to go over to the bar. There are a few empty glasses sitting about.

“Was there a party?” I ask. Vasily pours me a glass of champagne, handing it to me.

“Yes, some of my men had the night off and wanted to enjoy the fight.”My men. How many does he have? They are quick to take his orders.

“I’ve never drunk before,” I admit, taking the glass from him.

“I’ll keep an eye on you.”

“How do I know if I should trust you?” What’s the rule? Never take a drink from a stranger. I know he is one.

I barely know anything about him, but he doesn’t feel like a stranger. I’m also not as shy as I normally am with him. Then again, Teddy isn’t here to take the lead for me, not giving me much of a choice.

I really do need to get out and spread my wings. Maybe I have been believing I am who people want or think I am. I played into it. I was too afraid to venture out and discover the truth for myself.

“I have kept you safe this far, have I not? And I already had you all alone.” True, and not once have I been scared. If anything, I found comfort from him. I bring the glass to my lipsand take a sip. The bubbles tickle my tongue, but I like it. He smirks, and I know he’s happy that I’m trusting him.

“Who are you?” I ask.

“Most know me as King.” Yes, but he wanted me to call him Vasily.

“Should I have known of you?”

“I’d rather you get to know me on your own.” He steps closer.

“Why do I get to call you Vasily?”

“You’re different.” He stares into my eyes, never looking away. If I’m different, then maybe he’ll tell me more. If he wants me to trust him, shouldn’t he trust me too?

“The fights. They’re not legal, are they?”

“No.” What has my brother gotten himself into and why? It’s not like he needs the money. We don’t want for anything and probably never will. At least our father did that much for us.

“Will Derrick end up sleeping with the fishes?” Vasily throws his head back and laughs. The sound is rich and sexy. It courses through my body like a jolt of electricity.

“I’m not in the mob, Princess. I make the bulk of my money through gambling.”

“Do you gamble?”

“No, I’m the bank and the house.” I don’t know much about gambling. I do, however, believe it’s something the government monitors.

“Illegally?” I ask again.

“Some, not all.” He answers me without hesitation and doesn’t appear fazed by my questions either. “I think it’s my turn to ask questions.” Vasily leads me over to one of the couches to sit down.

“There isn’t a lot for me to tell. I’m kind of boring.” In fact, I’m wondering why he’s taken such an interest in me. I’m sure he could have his pick of girls, and there were many options at the warehouse tonight. They weren’t girls either; they were women.Ones that have had their fair share of kisses and know what they are doing.

“You’re the most fascinating creature I’ve come across, Willa. Don't underestimate yourself.” His compliment has heat rising to my cheeks. “Now tonight, you came out for a reason. Why?”

“Like I said. I want to find myself. I have been filling out college admissions applications, and with each one I submit, there has been no excitement. No care if I get in or not.”

“And you thought you’d find what you’re looking for in a dirty warehouse?”

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