Page 131 of Thorns of Lust
I narrowed my eyes on him. “I sincerely doubt it. Obviously our meeting wasveryunmemorable.”
The corners of his lips tugged up even more, as if I amused him. Or maybe he accepted the challenge. “Well, I’ll have to try harder next time.”
“Doubtful you’ll succeed.” The words fell from my lips, knowing very well it’d sound insulting. I didn’t care.
“Tatiana!”
I shrugged my slim shoulders. “Lovely party, Brother.”
Vasili turned to the Pakhan and swiftly changed the subject. Absent-mindedly, I listened as they discussed the latest revelation. Namely, the self-proclaimed Pakhan of Russia. Sofia Catalano Volkov.
Apparently the woman was slightly mad and coincidentally related to Wynter DiLustro, Sasha’s little protégé. So many lunatics roaming around, it wasn’t even funny.
Although crazy doesn’t even scratch the surface on the Nikolaev portfolio, I thought, scoffing and my brother’s and Illias’ eyes shifted my way, studying me. The look in Vasili’s eyes told me not to do something stupid.
Like starting another war. My poor brother. First he had to play a diplomat with Branka Russo’s brother after Sasha kidnapped her. Now, he had to neutralize this shit with the Pakhan.
“You okay?” Vasili asked, furrowing his brows. I just waved my hand, indicating it was nothing so he returned his attention to Konstantin.
“What is her end game?” Vasili questioned, deciding to ignore my peculiar behavior. Good call for sure!
Illias shrugged one shoulder. “Ruling the East Coast, I’d assume.”
“Do you deal with her?” Vasili questioned.
“No.”
It was obvious to Vasili and I that Konstantin wouldn’t reveal anything. I discreetly peeked at him. I’d never admit it out loud but Illias looked gorgeous wearing a tailored black tuxedo. He seemed even taller, larger than life. Sharper. You could even forget he was Pakhan and think of him as a businessman.
Until you looked into his eyes.
Then you saw the criminal. The murderer. The pillar of the Russian mafia who ran the criminal organization of Russia and the West Coast in the States.
“Tatiana, I was hoping you, Illias, and I could go into my office and–”
I started to shake my head. The way Konstantin was watching me wouldn’t bode well. “No.”
He watched me with a dark, half-lidded stare, and suddenly it felt like I stood in his domain. Not my brothers. His large frame threw shadows over my frame and soaked up all the oxygen in the room.
Illias’ eyes dropped to coast the length of the slit, exposing my bare leg. My heart raced with an edgy beat and my blood warmed. I squeezed my thighs together, my skin buzzing like a live wire.
“No, what?” Vasili questioned, watching me too closely.
I took a deep breath in and released it.
“Umm… I haven’t had a chance to see Isabella,” I muttered. “I’ll see you around.”
Tilting my head, I whirled around and left both men standing there. One set of dark eyes burning a hole in my back.
I found Isabella in the kitchen. She looked beautiful in a red gown, holding her baby girl and soothing her.
“Hey,” I greeted her. “Is everything okay?”
My best friend’s brown eyes met mine. I brushed my fingers over my little niece’s dark hair. She’d be the first child in our family with dark hair.
“Yes, she’s cranky,” Isabella murmured. “This party came at the worst time. Or Marietta’s tantrums come at the worst time.”
I extended my hands and Marietta immediately reached for me. “Are you giving Mommy a hard time, Marietta?”
