It really wasn’t a pleasure to meet him. Zoe hated him, the lecherous old bastard. She’d worked with him for several months before Maxim had taken her on. Maxim occasionally put his hand on her person, but he didn’t give her the heebie-jeebies like Viktor did.
She snatched her hand back from him, barely resisting the urge to wipe the back of her hand on her pants or clean it with peroxide. Lord knew where those lips had been.
Only years of practice kept her cool façade in place even when she wanted nothing more than to turn around and leave. Only her need for the package and his close relationship with Maxim kept her rooted.
His eyes reminded her of a snake as they perused over her body, but she let it slide. This meeting would be brief and Maxim needed his business.
Oh, the things she put with for Maxim.
Viktor Popov was an old associate of Maxim’s from Russia. He’d moved to New York and set up a network of businesses throughout the city. He had his hands involved in everything: drugs, weapons, money, and trafficking. In some ways, he was more dangerous than Maxim.
Maxim had one supplier for drugs that shipped everything to McCarran Airport. From there, the drugs were distributed to several businesses. Zoe oversaw the deliveries, handled the money collection and redistribution.
Viktor worked with several suppliers and owned a fleet of ships to distribute worldwide. Viktor actually worked with Diego Fuentes. This meeting would serve two purposes, Viktor’s dealings with Maxim and seeing if Viktor would arrange a meeting.
“How is it possible you seem to get more beautiful every time I see you?”
“Mr. Popov, as always, you are too kind,” she said sweetly when she really wanted to roll her eyes and gag.
“And yet you still left me for my competitor.” He tsked good-naturedly.
“I didn’t realize Maxim was a competitor. I always assumed you were old friends. You did give him my contact information and suggest a partnership, after all.”
“We are friends, never think otherwise.” He chuckled. “But I lost my greatest asset and now I see him as an enemy. It’s my fault really.” He tsked at himself and shook his head. “A mistake I won’t allow to happen again.”
“I’m flattered you thought of me as an asset. Please, if there is anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m sure Maxim would love to help an old friend.” She was ready to get her package and leave. Meeting Viktor face to face wasn’t good. He was there for a reason, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to know what.
“Zoe, there’s no need to be so formal; call me Viktor.”
Yeah, no, she was good. She didn’t want to be on first-name basis with this man. “I appreciate that. I didn’t realize you’d be at the pickup.I was expecting Donovan.” Donovan was a regular drop-off man who collected from the casino businesses.
She made a point to look for him but didn’t see him. Well, that wasn’t good.
“And miss a chance to bask in your beauty,???????.” There went those roving eyes over her body again. “Never. It’s been too long, Zoe.” He reached into the back of the vehicle and held up the small black briefcase like a master holding out a treat to a dog, knowing they had your attention. She hated that it worked. Zoe couldn’t leave the meet spot without that briefcase. “I found out about the drop and offered to deliver it myself.”
“What are you doing here and not in New York?” Or the other side of the world and away from here. Viktor preferred New York. Something major had drawn him from his beloved city.
His gaze glanced over to Logan who stood just behind her. She didn’t have to look to know that. She could feel him practically breathing down her neck. Not that he was hovering. He was far enough back, he didn’t seem a threat, but she was acutely aware of him.
Viktor sidled closer to her, his hand snaking around her waist. He was a few inches taller than her so his hand was more level with her upper back. His thumb rubbed the side of her boob. Zoe gritted her teeth. She couldn’t offend Viktor, nor could she tell Maxim; he wouldn’t care.
“What is it?” She maneuvered him back toward his vehicle and inched to the side so they weren’t pressed together.
Viktor didn’t look happy, but at least he didn’t close the distance again. “Leo contacted me about a mutual friend.” Zoe hadn’t realized that Leo was speaking to Viktor. She was almost afraid to know what they had discussed. “Diego Fuentes.”
“What about him?” she asked, not giving away she was aware of where this was going. She wanted to know how much Viktor knew and even more so why talk of Diego was bringing Viktor to Vegas. He hated leaving New York unless it was for the warm sunny beaches in Florida.
“Leo wants to set up a meeting with him. Convince his father to join forces.”
How would he know about that? Leo had only brought up the subject last night. “And what role do you play in this?” She didn’t bother asking how he knew. The man was a crime boss. She wouldn’t be surprised if he had spies in Maxim’s ranks.
“As I said, we’re friends. I could arrange a meeting.” He smiled, showing a row of perfect porcelain-white teeth. Zoe was pretty sure several of them were fake. There was no way this man had gone this long in life without someone punching him in the face and knocking a few loose.
There was more to it than that. Viktor never did anything without reason. He wanted something from this deal. “That doesn’t require a personal visit.”
Viktor chuckled and wagged a finger in her face. “I always said you were as smart as you are beautiful.”
Zoe strove for patience. It was a struggle. “What do you really want, Viktor? What do you get out of it?” She wanted him to spell it out. No hidden agenda for her to figure out too late later.
