Page 2 of Lethal Hearts

Mikhail recognized them as the twin sons of another mafia don. She looked like a fish on a hook, unable to get away successfully.“My dear, were you waiting long?” Mikhail asked, positioning himself between him and the twins.

The older twin, Rodrigo, made a face when he spotted Mikhail. He was about to say something he would probably regret later, but his brother nudged him sharply in the ribs.“My apologies, Mikhail, we didn’t know she was with you,” the younger twin said. Then wisely steered his brother away.

“I’m perfectly able to handle them on my own, you know,” said the woman.

Mikhail turned, finally able to take her in. She was in her early twenties, had dark-brown curls and soulful hazel eyes that bared everything to the world. This woman probably couldn’t tell a convincing lie.

“Mikhail Konstantin,” he introduced.

He held out a hand. Recognition filled her eyes. She’d heard of him and probably his reputation no doubt. Would that send her running? After a moment’s hesitation, she shook it. Her fingers were small and dainty compared to his rough and callused hands—hands often washed in blood, hands he once used to crush a man’s windpipe with no trouble or ounce of guilt.

It seemed atrocious, touching an innocent little thing like her with his tainted fingers. An unnamed thrill crept down his spine as he smiled down at her. Normally, he preferred a woman he could see eye-to-eye with but there was something fascinating about the tiny thing right in front of him.

Brownie points to her for not running in the opposite direction right away. Mikhail had tried dating when he was younger but none of the women he saw lasted long, especially once they beheld the real him. The braver ones called him a monster to his face. Mikhail wasn’t insulted one bit. In fact, he was pleased. He let his fingers linger on hers a little longer, before pulling away.

“You haven’t introduced yourself,” Mikhail pointed out.

“Oh, right. Sorry. Harper Valenti,” she quickly said.

Mikhail raised one eyebrow.“Alfonso’s daughter?” he asked.

She seemed surprised but only nodded. He knew the fallen Don of the Valenti Familia had one offspring. Alfonso had taken great pains to hide any news of her from her public, especially after his wife’s death. Mikhail didn’t know Alfonso Valenti well but they had minor business dealings in the past.

“Can I buy you a drink, Harper?” Mikhail asked.

“Sure, wine,” Harper answered. Within the first ten minutes of chatting with her, Mikhail immediately realized she couldn’t handle her alcohol well. He gently pushed her third glass away from her.

“Hey,” she protested.

“I don’t want to take you back to my place completely drunk,” Mikhail pointed out.

“As if you’d get that lucky,” Harper retorted.

Earlier, she’d been skittish as a kitten. Consuming alcohol had unveiled a different side of her personality, one that wasn’t afraid to give her opinions. Mikhail was getting more and more intrigued by this rare unicorn by the second.

Alfonso Valenti really shouldn’t let his princess alone in a place swimming with sharks. As far as Mikhail could tell, Harper didn’t even have bodyguards with her. If she came alone, then gut instinct told him there was something a little off about this situation.

She leaned her head against his shoulder boldly. Mikhail didn’t think she did it on purpose.“My head’s spinning,” she murmured softly.“I’m really not cut out for this.”

“For what?” he asked her. Harper deigned to answer him. Unable to help himself, he ran his fingers through her thick curls. She let out a hiccup.

“It’s time to take you home, Princess. Where are your guards?” Mikhail asked. It was rare for him to be playing the role of a gentleman but after knowing her for only an hour, he suddenly felt protective of her.

“I came alone, on behalf of the Valenti Familia,” she murmured.“We have a shortage of men these days.”

“Then allow me to take you home,” Mikhail offered.

She raised her head and squinted suspiciously at him.“Why would you do that? You’ve only met me tonight?”

“Because I can’t bear the thought of someone else making the same offer to you and taking advantage of you in this state.” Mikhail gestured to her tipsy appearance. She looked delectable, when she pointed and glared at him. Harper reminded him of a kitten trying to play the role of a larger predatory cat. It was cute.

“Fine,” she said. Mikhail got off his stool and offered her his hand. She stood a little unsteadily. Then she swiped her tiny purse from the counter and gripped his arm. She gave the muscles there a squeeze.

“You work out, huh?”

“You’re an unexpected delight,” Mikhail said, then led her out of the ballroom.

ChapterTwo

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