Page 3 of Knocked up by the Mafia

I take a leak, shower, and get dressed. They’ve caught my target. There is no need for me to rush. I doubt the Russians would even know where to start looking for their missing family member, let alone that they’re missing.

It’s half past four when I get into my rental and drive out. I think about Nat on top of me as she rode me slowly. She was a passionate lover, and we weren’t even at our best. For the first time, I wish I could have a second go at her. I think it would be even more fun sober.

It's after five when I arrive at the warehouse, tucked away neatly from prying eyes. Two of my men are waiting outside. I pull my suitcase from the trunk and walk directly toward the door.

“Sir, the Russian…”

“I know what I’m doing.” My voice is cold and authoritative, so they fall quiet. Inside the building, three of the men are hovering around a chair.

“Sir…”

“Show him to me,” I bark as I set the suitcase down.

“Sir, it turns out the Russian is a woman.” They step aside, and before I can even process what they’ve said, they whip the sack off her head. She blinks in the bright light, and luckily, that gives me a moment to get my shock in check.

Nat.

The person I’ve been hunting for months is firstly a woman and, secondly, one I was just intimate with. A sense of possession comes over me, and I snap my fingers, taking control of the situation as recognition dawns on her face.

“Get out. All of you. I have no need for anyone to be here.”

They hurry out without argument, and I stand there, pulling my gloves on. “Well, this is a surprise.”

“Sorry I didn’t stay for breakfast or a goodbye kiss,” she says with a smirk. She’s calm, she knows she’s been caught, and there’s no way out. I appreciate a person who accepts their fate and doesn’t back down.

I look at her clothes and remember how she parted her legs for me. I smile at her coldly. “I’ve been looking for you for a while now.”

“I know. I didn’t want to be found.”

“That’s why I don’t like going out much.” I remove a scalpel from my suitcase. “People always ruin it.”

She shrugs and looks around. “I’ve had worse nights.”

“Really?” I ask, glancing at her.

“My brother shot a boyfriend once because he held my hand…”

I snort, but she shakes her head. “I mean it. And that was my favorite top ruined. Do you know how hard it is to get brains and blood out of a white silk top?”

“I couldn’t begin to imagine,” I smirk and walk toward her. “You shouldn’t have killed the Russo boy.”

“Like you, I have a job to do. It’s just business.”

I sigh and trace a finger along her jawline. Something tugs inside my gut as our eyes meet.

“I know you won’t spare me,” she murmurs.

I shake my head. “I do apologize that this is your final birthday gift.”

She smiles and shakes her hair out of her face. “If you still want to get me a gift, I’d appreciate it if it were quick. I know that’s asking a lot.”

I walk away from her and roll my shoulders. “I have accepted my fate. What I do, there are a certain amount of risks, lass. Aye, lots of risks. I don’t expect to live long enough to settle down and enjoy retirement, and I’m always surprised when people in the underworld think they will. Power doesn’t ensure you grow old, only that you’re a challenge to kill.”

She laughs, and I’m glad I’m facing away from her because it elates me, making me smile as she says sarcastically, “And what? You think that I have that power? That I’ll beg for my life.”

“No, you won’t,” I say clearly and turn to her, returning a smirk. “And that’s why I like you. You accept that we have both done what needs to be done to survive. I’m surprised, though, so I will give you a quick end in return for answers to some questions.”

She raises an eyebrow, and I say, “I’m always negotiating. There’s always a new deal to be made, even if I always honor my current ones first.”

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