“No. Don’t worry about that. There’s one more action I need you to take.” I moved in front of him so there was no doubt about what I wanted or what was necessary to have happen. “I want a rumor circulated that because of the prison break at the Black Dolphin, I managed to escape. Use whoever you want, but I need the rumor to spread quickly.”
I could swear I noticed him paling. “You’re not just playing with fire any longer, Pakhan. You’re playing with grenades without the pins.”
Laughing, I clapped him on the shoulder. “Yes, I am. But I have no intention on being the one caught in the explosions.”
His laugh was strangled. “I mean no disrespect, but I hope you know what the hell you’re doing.”
“Have some faith in me, Kirill. Have a little faith.”
The desire was so intense I’d asked Kirill to come with me to ensure someone had my back. It wasn’t every day a man admitted his weaknesses to anyone. But I gave myself a one-time pass since I’d spent the last three years in prison.
And because she was much more beautiful than I’d thought possible.
Every curve was more rounded, her breasts fuller and her hips perfect for me to grasp and hold onto.
Even the angles of her face were different, although somewhat hardened by whatever had transpired in the last three years.
At least I knew she’d thought of me more than once. There went my cock pushing against my trousers. The need for her was brutal. Whether she knew or appreciated the fact, she’d embedded herself under my skin.
Dear God, the hunger was off the charts.
I stood studying the exterior of the club; the garish outdoor decor and the number of people waiting in line were impressive.
She’d met a couple of people, who’d bypassed the bouncers without a hitch.
However, from what I’d seen inside her apartment, she wasn’t dating anyone.
God help the person if she was.
As we stood silently watching the comings and goings, a group of twenty-somethings walked by, mentioning the purpose of the night’s festivities and Kirill half choked.
“A rave? Isn’t that for kids?” he threw out with a wry smile. “No offense, sir, but you’re not getting any younger.”
“Evidently raves are active in Paris.” I buttoned my jacket, eyeing the entrance. “Keep watch. If anyone looks suspect, call me.”
“What are you going to do with her?”
“If I call you, then you can leave.”
He chuckled. “You just need to remember not to draw attention to yourself.”
“We’re in Paris. I know only one person.”
Now he snorted. “You know people everywhere, my Pakhan. And even sporting a beard, you’re highly recognizable.”
I tossed him an amused look. “At least I know I’m unforgettable. And why not perpetuate the latest rumor?”
When he mimed a huge explosion, even tumbling against the side of the car, I shot him a look. The end was near. I could feel it in my bones. But I would control the narrative.
Including with the woman.
As I headed to the entrance, as expected, the bouncer tried to stop me until I flashed him enough euros he could take a couple of weeks off.
The velvet rope was pulled aside and I was allowed in.
It would be good to be the Pakhan again.
I moved through the crowd, constantly scanning the perimeter. There were two levels within the facility, both jammed with people dancing. Lights flashed everywhere, vivid neon colors splashing across the ceiling, floor, and every wall, shimmers also dancing across the bars. There had to be five hundred people in the club.
