Page 76 of The Russian Retribution

Rocky shrugs one shoulder higher than the other. “I owe Cormac a few favors here and there, and I’ve been keeping an eye on you.”

“Why?”

“I’m drinking buddies with a few of the guys from Ivan Yegorov’s family. They talk. I listen. I heard rumors of a deal between the two of you and naturally, I got curious.”

“You…” He’s so open with the information that it’s almost alarming. “You’re drinking buddies with Ivan’s men?”

“Sure. Just because they do the grunt work doesn’t mean they stop being people. Besides…” Rocky smiles brightly, and there’s something charmingly handsome about how happy he looks. “People like Ivan run their mouths freely around their grunts. And after a few drinks, those grunts get talkative. I’m not saying I pry for information, but if I do hear something interesting, I keep an eye on it, y’know?”

“You’re not what I expected,” I say, finding myself relaxing in Rocky’s easygoing presence.

“Did you think I’d turn up here with threats and demands?” He arches one brow.

“Sort of.”

“Fair.” He laughs softly. “Nah. I know how this shit works and I’m not here for that. Cormac needs a favor, and I can help with it, so I’m here. Tell me what you need.”

If this is part of some trap or nefarious scheme, I don’t even see it. Rocky speaks openly as if we’ve been friends for years, and he’s so relaxed in his stance that I have no doubt about his abilities. Someone like him can only be this relaxed if they're confident in their ability to handle trouble.

“I need security,” I begin to explain. “For the gala.”

“Ah.” Rocky grins. “The famous Remizova gala. Y’know, I’ve always wanted to attend that. You guys make it look fucking fantastic.”

“I can’t claim credit,” I say as an unexpected chuckle rises within me. “This is my first year.”

“Well I’ve seen the invitations.” He lets out a low whistle. “Looks pretty amazing so far.”

“I’m trying.” The urge to spill all my secrets wells up suddenly, then it hits me. Rocky appears relaxed and easygoing because it creates a sense of safety and security. That doesn’t make him any less dangerous.

If anything, it makes him more.

“So, you need some extra security?” he asks, watching me intently.

“Not exactly. I need security that people won’t know are security. People who are there for me because I’m paying them to be and will have my best interests at heart.”

“Okay.”

Words fail me for a few seconds. “Okay?”

“What?” Rocky shrugs lopsidedly once more. “You need that, and I can provide it.”

“I didn’t expect you to agree so easily. I thought there would be questions. Negotiation.”

Rocky laughs warmly. “Look, I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t already committed to doing what you needed. Like I said, Cormac filled me in a little and you’re giving me a chance to attend one of the most elite parties in the history of parties. I’d be a fool to say no. I don’t need to know the details because I know Cormac wouldn’t have called me if there were a risk of blowback onto my family. So whatever you have going on…” He waves one hand at me. “I’ll help you deal with it.”

“This is weird,” I murmur.

“Would it make you feel better if I demanded extreme monetary compensation?” Rocky grins.

“Maybe. I just…” Puffing out my cheeks, I rub anxiously at the back of my neck. “I’m used to everything being such a battle.”

“Such is life,” Rocky says. “But you don’t need to worry. I’ll get some of my guys together. You let me know when and where you want us and we’ll be there. But you’ll owe me one, understand?”

I don’t know if he truly means that or if he’s saying it to make me feel better, but it definitely makes me feel better. “I understand.”

“Excellent!” Rocky pushes up from my car and stretches his arms above his head. “Anything else?”

Should I ask him?Rocky’s already easily doing so much for me that the prospect of asking him for more feels like I’ll be overstaying my welcome, but he seems friendly, happy to help.

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