Page 7 of Beautiful Deception

“Aiden has some money stashed away in case of emergencies. I can get you some.”

“No. Not if it’s a loan. My dad will gamble it away and then we couldn’t pay Aiden back.”

“He’ll understand. You’re my friend.”

“No. What I need is a job but I don’t have any experience. My dad tried to kill Viktor Smirnov and now he’s terrified Viktor will come after him. If only I could talk to Viktor and convince him to spare my dad’s life.”

“I’m not sure Viktor would understand. He’s at war with Erik and Dante right now. And I know he’s not a fan of me after I left him at the alter to be with Aiden. But… he was never mean to me. Maybe he would hear you out.”

“I don’t even know where to meet him. I don’t even know what to say. What if he tries to hurt me? But if I knew my father wasn’t at risk of getting killed, I’d feel a lot better.”

Elena hesitates, then says, “Well… I do know some of the clubs he owns. You could try talking to him there. But Inessa, this is risky. If you want my advice, you should stay far away from him. You’re not exactly involved in Bratva business. It’s better to keep it that way.”

“But I am involved. My father made me involved when he tried to kill Viktor. If you have the addresses of his clubs, then I need them. I need to talk to him and then I need to find a job.”

“I don’t like this,” she says.

“I have no other choice. And you said Viktor was never mean to you. That has to count for something.”

“But I still barely knew him. He’s still a stranger in so many ways.”

“Elena, I can’t just sit back and let my dad die. He’s all I have left. He disappoints me and upsets me but I can’t let him die. I just can’t.”

“Ok. I’ll get you the addresses. But just be careful. Please.”

“I promise.”

I find myself standing outside a nightclub. Viktor’s nightclub. My heart is pounding as I walk inside after standing in line for an hour. I wore my best dress but I’m still so out of place. Everyone is glitz and glam and I feel nothing but shabby.

I have no idea if Viktor is even here but I have to try.

“Viktor Smirnov?” I ask the bartender. “Where is he?”

“Why do you want to see Mr. Smirnov?”

“I just need to talk to him. Please.”

His eyes rake down my body. “A pretty, innocent girl like you has no place talking to Mr. Smirnov.”

“It’s important. Is he here?”

He jerks his head towards a hallway. “In his office.”

“Thank you.” I hurry away and find myself in a dark hallway that feels suffocating. My heart is beating just as fast as the music is pumping through the speakers.

There’s only one door at the end of the hallway. After a deep breath, I knock.

“Who is it?” a deep man’s voice says on the other side. “Come in.”

Slowly, I turn the knob and come face to face with an intimidatingly handsome man. Dark hair combed back. Five o-clock shadow. A fitted suit that showcases his broad shoulders.

He frowns as he looks up at me. “Who are you?”

“I’m-,”

“Are you the maid?”

My mouth snaps shut. The maid?

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