“Because I got the secret commission to paint the lions a year ago, and it was his brother, Sasha who did it.”
My muscles tightened. “You mean to tell me that Darryl has been playing us for that long?”
“Yeah.” She tapped her heart locket. “So, I hope he knows that I’m alive, and I hope he watches me go to Russia. Soon as I hit the ground, I’m breaking the locket.”
“He won’t know if you’re alive or not. He might think someone has your locket. I’ve got a better idea.” Xavier snatched the chain off her, walked away, and threw it in a janitor’s cart. “I like him thinking you’re dead. This way, it’ll go to a landfill.”
“Fuck it.” Emily grinned. “Meanwhile, we go to Russia and we face whatever we face together.”
She stared at us both. “We remain together. We have each other’s backs, and most of all. . .we don’t keep secrets from each other anymore. No matter how fucked up it could be. No matter how much it would tear up my mind.”
Xavier beat me to the question. “Are you sure about that, Emily?”
“I’m sure.” Her expression turned sad. “I don’t like what I am, but I. . .just. . .just don’t keep that stuff from me. And if I get too dangerous, then—”
“Shut up. We’re not killing you.” I wanted to hug her, but that wasn’t our way. I doubted she could even deal with my hands on her. The few times I did hold her, she kept her eyes closed and never looked at me.
But none of it mattered.
Although I was always attracted to her—she did have breasts—I loved her more like a stepsister. I couldn’t live without her, but I knew there might be a time when we would have to separate.
I looked across at her Russian.
He continued to watch us as others conversed with him.
This one won’t be going anywhere soon.
Some other men walked into the building.
Shit.
“Emily.” I gestured to the newcomers. Most of them had on bland khakis and white shirts, but their blue wind jackets were the most important. On the side, three yellow letters decorated them—F. B. I.
“I’ll be right back.” Emily walked back over to the Russian.
The idiot hadn’t even noticed the FBI walking in. His gaze remained on Emily, studying her hips as she returned to him.
Even more interesting, none of the Russian men appeared nervous about the FBI’s presence either.
What’s going on?
“Keep your eyes open, young one.” Xavier twirled his cane. “Going off with this guy might be the best thing ever.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I kept my voice low. “It looks like we won’t even be getting on the plane.”
Xavier twirled the cane some more. A redhead walked in with a pencil skirt and white shirt. She wore an FBI jacket too. The other FBI guys gave her space as she headed straight to Emily and her Russian.
I glared at them. “I wish they would’ve let me bring my guns.”
“You won’t need your gun on this trip, but when we get to Russia, we’ll figure it out.”
“Why are you so calm right now?” I asked Xavier.
“Just be happy that you’re not the smartest person in the room.”
Chapter 22
Kazimir
Emily talked to Maxwell like any woman would talk to a close and loving friend. Still, tension built in my chest. It was crazy that I couldn’t stop watching her.
Emily smiled at Maxwell, and my tension switched to a little anger. Her smiles were mine. Her every precious glance belonged to me. She just didn’t know that. Granted, I’d just realized it myself as I studied her next to him, not enjoying their closeness. However, I was smart and fully understood I could never control her.
I’ll figure out this Maxwell thing. It shouldn’t bother me that she’s smiling at him. He’s only been like a brother. He’s only ever protected her. . .for me. He just didn’t know it then.
I clenched my fists and gained control of myself. I wouldn’t kill Maxwell, but he’d learn his place soon enough.
The FBI walked in next.
I’d expected them. Valentina stirred. My men turned to me for my order. Seconds later, Emily spotted the agents too. Her face filled with worry.
Little mysh, you still don’t understand who I am? What’s the FBI to me?
Emily walked over. Every curve moved with lushness under her clothes. Soon, I would have them off and on the plane’s floor. I planned to be deep inside of her as the plane rose to the sky.
She got to my side right as the agents crowded in front of me. “Is everything okay?”
I nodded.
FBI Chief Gloria Stein stood in front of me. “So, you’re alive?”
“Clearly,” I said.
Gloria turned to Emily. “And who is this?”
None of your business.
I smiled. “I’m leaving the country.”
“I see.” She gestured to my sister’s large plane. “And you want permission to leave?”
“Is that what our relationship is?” I wagged my finger at her. “My asking for your permission?”
She frowned. “I want the locations of—”
“You’ll get them, when my party and I are back in Russia.”
“And how do we know that we can trust you?”
“You don’t have a choice.” I held Emily’s hands. “And this conversation is longer than I planned.”
Gloria looked at our locked hands and then back to me. “You’re the one that called me here, Kazimir.”
“I’m adding three people to my protection.” I handed her the list with Emily, Maxwell, and Xavier’s name. “If their names come up for anything under the FBI, you call me directly.”
She opened the paper and then closed it. “Who are these people and what did they—?”
“Have a good afternoon, Gloria.”
I guided Emily away. Everyone in our party followed. My sister had brought many of her people. Most were our cousins that had fought with us for years. And of course, we now had the Harlem Crew—a name that my sister had coined for Xavier, Maxwell, and Emily.
“They’re so adorable.” My sister had clapped her hands. “I’m so glad they’re coming. I want to dress them up. Especially her.”
I held my arms up for the tailor as he fitted me for the third jacket that morning. “Valentina, you’re too excited. They’re not pets or dolls.”
“I know. I know.”
I lowered my arms as the tailor finished measuring. “Don’t bother them.”
“How can I bother them? They’re the Harlem Crew. They’re family.” Then she raised her eyebrows. “Are they family?”
“I’m still. . .reviewing them.”
She crossed her arms across her chest. “It’s not like you to bring people along that you’ve just met.”
“Emily saved my life.”
“And the other two men?” she asked.
“They’ve saved her life. . .many times, which means they’re friends of mine for now.”
Her expression brightened. “This Harlem Crew has a lot of spunk.”