Page 16 of Savage Boss

Vlad sighed and rolled his shoulders, cracking them. Usually he was up for the mental gymnastics it took to converse with his wife, but today was not one of those days. His head was fuzzy, his stomach was a hurricane of churning vodka, cigar smoke and pretzels, and his wife was already complaining about bedrest. After less than a day. The last three months of her pregnancy were going to be a nightmare.

He brushed his teeth and thought hard about shaving the black and silver scruff from his face and neck but decided he would cross that bridge when he didn’t feel like he’d swallowed an ashtray. He drank two full glasses of water and, feeling a little more human, went back into the bedroom to face a disgruntled Jane.

“Vlad, I — “

He interrupted whatever she was about to say by bending over her and taking her lips in a lingering kiss. She melted immediately and within seconds was reaching for his neck to anchor him in place so she could take full advantage of the morning kiss he was bestowing on her. This was the one area where they spoke the same language. No miscommunications, no misunderstandings, no arguments, just pure, honest lust. It never failed them.

Vlad had to force himself to break the kiss, pulling back slightly. Jane was too delicate for more and he lost his head when she was near. Their chemistry always took over and he couldn’t resist her.

“I will get you something to eat,” he murmured against her lips, teasing the plush curves.

She smiled against him and loosened her hold on his neck. “I want waffles with strawberries, whipping cream and chocolate syrup. Maybe a banana too.”

Vlad laughed and straightened. “Anything for her majesty.”

“And a cheeseburger!” she called as he was leaving.

He took the stairs two at a time, shaking off the effects of the lingering hangover as he went. Jane might be trying at times, but she gave him life. He felt exhilarated and energized when he spent time with her. She was his anchor, and he would spend the rest of his life ensuring her health and safety so he could enjoy her presence well into their old age.

He relayed Jane’s order to Elyse who laughed at the addition of a cheeseburger to the waffles. “Mrs. Sitnikov must be indulged during this delicate stage of her pregnancy.”

Vlad snorted. “Mrs. Sitnikov must be indulged if I wish to remain unstabbed with a full set of testicles.”

While his housekeeper prepared a hearty breakfast for his wife, Vlad made his way into his office, sinking into his battered leather chair. He glanced at his calendar. He had a phone meeting with DeLuca in two days. They were going to discuss Cuban trade. Sitnikov wanted a cut of the action, but Niccolo DeLuca controlled the East coast. Vlad had known of the Italian mobster making waves in America since he landed on the continent but had stood back and watched from a wary distance. The Italian was a smart businessman and had known better than to cross swords with the Russians. If all went well, they would be able to forge a lucrative alliance.

The two had become acquainted at Tyson King’s wedding. In fact, in a roundabout way, DeLuca was involved in Jane’s ending up in the bunker. DeLuca’s woman, Maria Sanchez, and Jane’s sister, Lucy, had been kidnapped by a Las Vegas mobster. Jane had gone vigilante looking for her sister, abandoning Vlad in her search and putting both herself and their baby in danger. Now that he had perspective, he felt more forgiving. If his own sister had been taken, he would have torn the city apart looking for her. No one would have been able to stop him.

The difference between Vlad and Jane was that he was unscrupulous, which acted to protect him. Jane would stop and ask questions. She would give others the benefit of the doubt, whereas Vlad was a shoot first, then ask questions kind of guy. As much as he now regretted putting Jane in the bunker, because it put the life of their child at risk, he stood by his reasoning. Jane needed to stop being so reckless.

Vlad picked up the phone on his desk and called Mack.

“What do you want, Sitnikov,” Mack answered.

The man was a predictable asshole.

“Wanted you to be my best man when Jane and I renew our vows.”

Mack snorted. “Ha ha, you prick. Didn’t think you were capable of humour. Why’re you calling me? There’s a gorgeous piece of ass in my bed and this conversation is giving me limp dick.”

Mack had gone to get Lucy the day before. Vlad didn’t know if it was because of Jane’s collapse or if Mack was missing his girl, but Vlad was glad his sister-in-law was back in town. She had a way of getting through to Jane that others, including himself, didn’t.

As such, Vlad felt protective of the young woman and did not appreciate Mack’s comment. Mack knew exactly how to get under his skin and never missed an opportunity. “You will keep a civil fucking tongue in your head when you are speaking of my sister.”

“Sister-in-law,” Mack drawled.

As if that made a difference to Vlad. Family was family. He would protect them all with his life. “Don’t try me, Hudson.”

“Tell me what you want so you can crawl back under your rock.”

“I need you to bring me Jane’s case files,” Vlad growled. “Anything she can work on from her bed.”

Mack chuckled, the sound rusty and dry, like metal scraping on metal. The big bounty hunter smiled and laughed more often when Lucy was around, but after a two-decade dry spell he wasn’t good at it.

“Your woman driving you insane already?”

Vlad didn’t bother to lie. Mack and Jane were business partners; Mack knew exactly what Jane was all about. “Da. I’m hoping some light reading will keep her ass in bed.”

Mack snorted. “Good luck with that.”

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