“But because itismy birthday,” Don Leo says. “It means I’m inclined to forgive your trespasses. And if I’m willing to extend this small gesture of respect for you, then maybe you can extend one for me and dress appropriately for my hot tub.”
“Fine,” Slava says.
With mechanical precision, he takes off his shirt, pants, and shoes, until he’s in his black swim briefs.
“Satisfied?”
“Almost,” Don Leo says. His eyes turn to me again, and he licks his lips. “Now you,ragazza.”
Slava holds out a hand. “She doesn’t have to.”
The smile curdles on Don Leo’s face, and one of his men starts raising his gun.
“That wasn’t a fucking request, Romanov,” he says. “And in case you’ve forgotten, you’re onmyyacht. So you play by my rules.”
He looks back towards me. “Strip, girl.”
With shaking hands, I start reaching for the hem of my dress.
The sundress falls away, leaving me in the one-piece bathing suit. But even this feels like it’s far too exposed. I wrap my arms around my body, away from Don Leo’s lecherous gaze.
His guards all share his smile. Slava looks like he’s ready to kill. My eyes spy Nico, and to my surprise, I see a slight discomfort in his eyes.
“Now, get in,” Don Leo commands.
Finally, I realize what this really is. Don Leo isn’t just making us uncomfortable for sport.
He’s making sure we’re unarmed.
Clever. Terrifying. But clever.
I step into the hot tub, the water burns, but the heat remains skin deep. Slava follows, lowering himself into the space beside me until our thighs press together beneath the churning surface.
Under the water, hidden by the bubbles and steam, his hand finds mine.
I grip him like he’s a lifeline.
Because right now, he’s all I have.
24
SLAVA
Bella’s fingerslace through mine beneath the water, and they’re so cold it’s like holding ice.
She’s terrified and trying not to show it, because she’s stronger than anyone gives her credit for. But I can feel the tremors running through her hand, and her grip tightens every time Don Leo’s gaze drifts her direction.
I want to pull her behind me, shield her body from those hungry pervert eyes, and wrap myself around her until she’s invisible.
But I can’t. There are four guns behind Don Leo, and they’re all poised to be trained on us in a split second.
“So.” Don Leo takes a long drag of his cigar, blowing smoke as he speaks. “We’re all friends here, yes?”
His men chorus their agreement. “Yes, Don Leo.”
I say nothing.
Don Leo’s eyes narrow, just slightly. “Romanov. I asked you a question.”
