Page 8 of Ruthless Salvation

I studied the black SUV with heavily tinted windows. I might have been struggling with my grief, but I wasn’t completely out of my mind. “I was taught not to get in cars with strangers,” I said with a grin, hoping not to offend him. “Would you be open to meeting up somewhere?”

He bowed his head. “Of course—and that is very wise of you. An admirable quality.”

“Paranoia?” I teased.

“Caution. I would not be the man I am today if I had not cultivated a healthy sense of self-preservation. Will you at least allow me to walk you back to your hotel and offer you my number? You can call me if you would like to meet for dinner, perhaps.”

I beamed up at him with relief and barely repressed excitement. “I don’t suppose I could say no to such a thoughtful offer.”

“Wonderful! However, there is one thing I will need from you first.”

My smile faltered. “What’s that?”

“A name. That way, we will no longer be strangers to one another.”

My teeth grazed my bottom lip to keep from grinning. “Alina. Alina Shelton.”

He took my hand in his and raised my knuckles to his lips. “Alina—that is a beautiful Russian name.” He raised a brow.

“I started off at the orphanage here but was adopted by my wonderful American parents when I was a baby. They loved my given name, so they kept it.”

“Respect for your origins. I like them already.”

“They were amazing parents.” I was unable to keep the sadness from creeping into my words.

“Were?” he asked softly.

“Yes, that’s actually why I’m here. They passed away a few months back, and I decided it was time to explore where I came from.”

“Sladkaya angel, I’m so sorry for your loss.”

I didn’t understand his first words and didn’t want our conversation to turn morose, so I waved him off. “I’m sure they’d be pleased to know I came, and I’m excited to see what I can learn.” I peered back at the old building. “Though, I had expected to find the orphanage still operational.”

“Not to worry.” He gave the building a dismissive wave. “We will locate whatever information you seek.”

“Well then, that only leaves one thing,” I said, fighting back a grin.

“And that is?”

“I still don’t knowyourname.”

His eyes glinted with delight as though he’d been waiting for me to ask. “Damyon Karpova, at your service.” He bowed, this time from the waist, his arm sweeping wide with the gesture.

My heart fluttered her thick lashes, then melted into a gooey puddle deep in my belly. I’d come to Russia for answers, but I had a feeling this trip would uncover much more than I ever could have expected.

Present

Didn’tshe realize any sick fuck off the street could have been watching her? I’d been following Stormy home after work for weeks, and every time it pissed me off when she didn’t close her fucking drapes all the way. She was so damn naive. Every time she opened her mouth, it was obvious she thought the world was made of bubblegum and rainbows. It was unnatural.

I told myself that was the reason I was there night after night—morbid curiosity. I was fascinated the same way other people couldn’t look away from the scene of a disaster.

I needed to put an end to it, no matter the reason.

A hundred different women had come and gone during my years working at the club. I’d never paid any mind to them, and she shouldn’t have been any different. Blond hair and common brown eyes. Soft, feminine features with legs that went on for miles. She was attractive, but I could have been describing half the girls who have worked at Moxy.

The thing about Stormy that sank its claws into me was an intangible quality, making it harder to shake. Like the woman had spun some fucking Southern voodoo spell over me. I hadn’t acted this recklessly since I was sixteen years old.

That thought was the reminder I needed to push away from the cold brick wall and get the fuck out of there. I was playing a dangerous game. I’d chided myself all night about the scene in the supply closet. I kept telling myself to keep my distance, but goddamn if she didn’t rile me. I didn’t trust her to ask for help when she needed it, and that pissed me off. She was so fucking optimistic and polite that she tried to handle everything on her own. I’d seen it happen time and again, which was the other reason I kept such a close eye on her. If she had any street smarts at all, I wouldn’t have to.

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