“You really should not defy me.” I look up as Maria comes in carrying a tray of coffee, and I wave her away. “No. She likes to throw liquids, so she doesn’t get hot coffee.”
Maria nods, turns around, and leaves.
I look back down at Penny. “Not many people defy me. Especially not those who have done their homework and know who I am. I assume you have learned who I am in the grand scheme of things?”
Penny nods slowly, and I let go, sitting back down.
“Tell me, what do you know?” I steeple my fingers together and watch her.
Penny swallows. “You’re a bad person. You run the Russian Mafia in Vegas, and you’re wanted in connection with lots of unsolved crimes.”
I nod. “So you did the basics, didn’t delve too deep into my history. It’s there if you’re looking for it, you know. The Internet is so vast now that you can find anything you want.”
I lean forward and start to put fruit on her plate.
“If you had done more research, you would have learned a few more things about the kind of man I am.” I look at her fiery glare and see she still has some defiance in her.
I lean on my elbows, a terrible habit I get when I want to respond specifically to insolence. I did it all the time with my younger brothers.
“Penny, the things you learned about me are the least of your worries. You should worry about the things that aren’t reported about.” I smile and rest my chin on my closed fist. “You might think your little defiance is going to get you somewhere, but all it is going to get you is loneliness as I keep you confined until the birth of our child, after which you will no longer be needed.”
Even as I say the words, I regret them. I regret the fear in her eyes, but I also regret the lie. I cannot hurt her. That attraction to her is real. I need to push it aside now, though, for the betterment of the family. The heir is all that matters now.
I quickly pick up and stab the knife into the wooden table, causing her to jump. “I am not one to care about friendship. I’ll kill anyone who puts my family at risk. Do you understand my meaning?”
Tears well up in Penny’s eyes, and it’s a stab to the heart. I didn’t want to make her cry, but I must ensure she knows the rules. I watch coldly as the tears spill down her cheeks, and she shakes her head. She sobs out, “I will never marry you. You are a monster. There is nothing you can say or do that will make me go through this stupid plan of yours.”
I shrug and call out, “Luka.”
My brother is quick to respond, and I say in Russian, “Go fetch the friend.”
He leaves again, and Penny turns to watch him leave, then looks at me. “Where’s he going?”
“Does it matter? There’s nothing I can say or do to change your mind.” I pull the knife from the table and start chopping up some kiwi.
I pop a small piece into my mouth and stare at Penny as the loud sobs become silent tears streaking down her face. She shivers, and I incline my head. “Are you cold? I can have a heater brought out. It is a lovely time of year in Vegas when it’s not as hot as it normally is. A little nip in the air. Ah, here we go.”
Penny whips around as Luka drags a bound and gagged Asher from the room.
“Asher!” She jumps up, and I slam my hand on the table.
“Sit down!”
She looks at me fearfully and slowly lowers herself back into her seat. Luka stands there holding Asher, who has also been crying. She must have begged him not to gag her. I didn’t order that, but it’s a nice touch. My brother clearly knows what I’m aiming for here.
I glance at Penny. “As you can see, your friend Asher here is still in one piece. Would you like me to release her and leave her to be returned to her life? No one ever bothers her again, and you know what? You can even see each other. I can do that, Penny, if you guarantee you’ll marry me.”
They’re staring at each other as though desperately trying to convey a message, so I lean back in my seat. “Or you can resist. I’ll get rid of your friend, force you to marry me, and lock you away for the rest of your life once the baby is born.”
“You’re a monster,” Penny hisses, her head snapping around to glare at me.
“Words don’t hurt me, my dear,” I say, looking at her seriously.
Luka shakes Asher a little, making her cry out in fright and making Penny turn around. “No! Don’t hurt her! Please.”
I look at Luka and shrug. “What do you think, Luka?”
“I think Miss Winters should give you an answer once and for all before I take Asher to her next destination. Her home or…”
“I’ll marry you,” Penny says in defeat. It doesn’t feel like a victory, but with time, she might come to be more agreeable. I clap my hands. “See. That wasn’t so hard.”
“I will never love you,” Penny snaps, glaring at me. “But if you let Asher go, and I can see her in the future, then I will marry you like you want me to. She’s my best friend. I don’t want her to be hurt or never to see her again.”
“I don’t need love, Penny. Just an heir and occasionally some decent sex.” I stand up and nod to Luka. “Untie her so Penny can say bye for now and then take her home. Impress upon her what happens to snitches.”
Luka nods, and I watch as they tearfully hug once Asher is free. I smile and walk away from them. I have work to do today.
I go to the car waiting for me out front and climb in. I prefer to drive myself some days, but it’s rare. Generally, if I’m taking someone out for dinner, I’ll drive us, but otherwise, I prefer to be driven around and keep my hands free to defend myself if necessary.
As we pull out of my estate and drive toward the club, my driver perks up. “We’re being followed.”
“Detectives again?” I ask.
“Yeah. No doubt nosing around for something.” My driver remains calm. This isn’t the first time the police have harassed us. I send another message to my lawyer to arrange for a harassment complaint to be filed.
We reach the club, and I climb out of my car as they park behind us. “Gentlemen. You’ve caught me on my way into a meeting. Is something wrong?”
I know the older detective. Detective Lymes walks toward me with what looks like his new partner.
