Page 73 of Burning Beauty

"Ah, Javier Bastida?" Sitnikov mused. "I've heard of the man. Discuss anything interesting?"

"No," Nic said darkly. He didn't need the Russians involving themselves in the Columbian cartel. They already had enough fingers in the American pie. Wanting to change the subject, he shifted his eyes to Maria, and made the introduction. "This is Maria Sanchez."

Maria smiled slightly and gave the mobster her hand, keeping her gaze directed on the floor. Sitnikov took her hand and gave it a squeeze but released her quickly as Nic maneuvered her away with a hand at her waist.

Sitnikov squeezed the hip of the short, dark-haired woman standing next to him. "Niccolo, you remember my wife, Jane."

"Of course," Nic said warmly, taking her hand. "A pleasure as always, Mrs. Sitnikov."

Jane nodded but didn’t say anything. She dropped her gaze and pulled her hand away quickly. Probably knew of his reputation from her husband. If they weren't surrounded by mobsters with guns, Nic would be almost amused at the dark little dance they played, attempting to make themselves seem normal while attending something as common as a wedding.

Sitnikov glanced beside him, toward the woman Nic didn't know. "Lucy."

"Hmm," she murmured, turning her distracted gaze from the dancing couples.

"Niccolo, Maria, my sister-in-law, Lucy Miller," Vlad turned to Lucy, a hand on her back. "Lucy, this is Niccolo DeLuca, a business associate of mine." Vlad turned to Maria. "And this is Ms. Sanchez, Niccolo's..." He trailed off unable to finish the sentence.

Maria's cheeks burned in embarrassment and Nic felt certain he was going to hear about it later. Still, he could not bring himself to regret bringing her with him.

"Oh," Lucy gasped, her head turning sharply. She set her champagne glass down on the table with a clatter and looked around guiltily. She stuck her hand out, not really paying attention to who she was actually being introduced. Maria took pity on her, and accepted the proffered hand.

Once the introductions had been made, they chatted a little more easily, giving the women some space. Lucy and Jane bent their heads together and seemed to get into a heated discussion. Nic dismissed them, uncaring of whatever drama they were embroiled in. Maria tried to pull away from Nic, but he held her tight against his side. Finally, she dug an elbow into his ribs hard enough to make him grunt.

"If you'll excuse us." He took her arm and led her away.

Before Nic could say anything, she growled at him furiously, "If I'm not allowed to speak to these people then I don't want to just stand there looking stupid. We could at least dance."

"I don't dance," Nic said, "and you can swallow the attitude. This is not the place for it. Our bodyguards are not in attendance, so I am your only protection."

"So, be a good girl and listen to my master who can only introduce me by name. Everyone is wondering who I am to you, Nic, and you have no good answer for them."

Her words brought his head up. He scanned the room and sure enough the gazes of several curious acquaintances were on the couple. Nic was easily recognized as the ruthless Italian mobster who had little patience for women. To come to a function like this with a woman in tow was making a statement. Perhaps he had made a misstep in allowing Maria to come. But he hadn't the heart to leave her behind knowing she would want to be here.

"Maybe they are wondering, but it doesn't matter what they think."

"It doesn't matter that most of them think I'm some two-bit whore you picked up off the street, shoved in a dress and brought with you. Oh, isn't that your friend Daniel Mercer over there? He knows I was part of Franco's scheme, doesn't he?" Maria turned frustrated eyes up to him. "Why am I here? I'm not allowed to talk to anyone. I haven't even told the bride congratulations yet."

"You stay away from the Kings," Nic growled, glancing around for them. "Tyson King is a ruthless businessman with a shady past."

"That's what I'm talking about Nic!" she yanked her arm from his grip. "You have me wrapped up so tight I can't move, can't make any decisions for myself, I can barely breathe!"

"Because you don't know what you're doing in my world," he snapped in a low voice, conscious of how many people might overhear them. Hell, they wouldn't even need to overhear, anyone could see that their body language meant they were arguing. "One misstep can get you killed. You're my responsibility, and as such, you need to listen to me so nothing happens to you."

"Stop treating me like I'm stupid!" she snarled, not bothering to lower her voice. "I managed to take care of myself up until I met you."

"Is that what you call it?" Nic grabbed her again and yanked her close enough that only she could hear his furious words as he lost his temper with her. "Five years ago you killed an abusive asshole, got yourself arrested and nearly imprisoned. His family threatened your life, effectively forcing you from your home and on the run. Stop me if I'm wrong, Maria."

She pressed her lips together in a furious line and glared at him.

"Then, for some unholy stupid reason you managed to land yourself in Delgado's keeping, one of the sleaziest motherfuckers on this side of the pacific. Then you somehow agreed to a scheme that would land you in hot water with an Italian gangster known for his love of dismembering people while they're still alive when they betray him. And you try to tell me you are not a stupid woman? No, you are not capable of making decisions for yourself. So shut the attitude down and try to look grateful that I haven't killed your annoying ass, instead of buying you thousands of dollars in jewelry and clothes."

Nic knew he went too far. Her face paled and her shoulders seemed to slump. He'd been telling the truth the way he saw it, but he'd been harsh. In reality, Maria should bear little responsibility for her misfortunes in life. But Nic was so used to being in control, that he was willing to say or do whatever it took to maintain that control, even crush the spirit of the woman he loved.

"Maria..." he said quietly, wanting to erase the devastated look from her face.

"I need a drink," Maria muttered, turning away from Nic.

He grabbed her arm and dragged her back to his side. "No, you don't."

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