Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 94678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Prostitution is as rife in politics as it is in bratva entities. The titles of the women selling their bodies are just altered to make them seem less dubious.
After shrugging out of my jacket, I scan the numerous bodies throughout the mansion, seeking a familiar face. Kolya will be here somewhere. He was my grandfather’s chief of staff, and even after his boss’s death, he remains his number one right-hand man.
Haunting me appears to have been my grandfather’s dying wish, and Kolya is the best man to help him achieve that. He’s been a thorn in my ass for over two decades, and I can’t wait to see the back of him. I just need to wait until the end of Inga’s treatment since that term added new provisions to the inheritance terms.
I find Kolya near the west entrance, drinking a pricy bourbon. Although my first thoughts should be on the multiple business objectives I set aside today, I let my heart speak for the first time in years. “Emerson?”
It might have been different if I hadn’t received a text from Kolya minutes before taking Emmy, the plane, up for the first time.
Igna’s inclusion into the immunotherapy trial is the sole reason Emerson entered the plane I’d purchased for her. But at the time, I wanted to pretend it was more than that.
For an hour, I wanted to pretend she didn’t break my heart.
Our truce didn’t even last ten minutes.
As I pfft, Kolya places down his whiskey before spinning to face me. “I had Loretta show Mrs. Dokovic to her room.”
“Which is?” I ask, straying my eyes across the numerous doors on the second level.
This mansion has over thirty sleeping quarters, and there are too many bodies for me to detect one.
Well, that’s what my head is telling my cock.
I stop looking in the direction I sense Emerson is in when Kolya answers, “The primary suite, of course.” His pitch peaks during his following sentence. “This is your home now, so the owner’s wing was prepared for your arrival.” He attempts to catch me in a lie in front of an audience. “Unless you’d like me to arrange alternative accommodations for you? The east wing has a beautiful vista of the—”
I lose the utmost devotion of many eyes when I interrupt. “The owner’s wing is fine.”
If anyone not involved in the disbursement of my grandfather’s estate discovers my marriage is fraudulent, the entire inheritance will be forfeited, including any payments already made.
I can handle bounced checks. I am wealthy in my own right. But Inga’s inclusion in the trial treatment wasn’t solely about money. The name on her admissions paperwork and the fact that only the elite get access to healthcare that should be available to all are the real issues.
In layman’s terms, if a Dokovic hadn’t supported Inga’s application, the head research professor wouldn’t have received it.
With a submissive dip of his chin, Kolya says, “I’ve made reservations at Cortots, the number one steak restaurant in the country. It has—”
“Cancel any reservations for this evening before asking Chef to prepare something. Have his selections brought to our room.” With my lips still tingling in the aftermath of Emerson’s stance, I add, “Make sure he is aware of my nut allergy.”
Again, Kolya’s head bobs. “Of course.”
When unease flares through his eyes, I ask, “What is it?”
“It’s nothing,” he brushes off, waving his hand.
Over his theatrics and not having the strength to warn him to steer clear of them if he wishes to remain employed, I walk away.
He halves the length of my strides by asking, “Shall I organize for the doctor to arrive earlier than planned?”
I tilt back and arch a brow, seeking answers without words.
Kolya falls into line remarkably fast. “For the proof they’ll require before payment.”
Since I’m still lost and incapable of hiding it, he tugs me into an alcove, away from prying eyes, before leaning in close.
“Each supplementary bonus requires proof. A marriage certificate, media approval, the public’s reaction to a charity event or gala.” He stops, swallows, then starts again. “Proof of the consummation of the marriage.”
It takes a moment, but when the truth smacks into me, my knuckles pop as my hands ball into firm fists. “If you touch my wife, I will kill you.”
I’ve always been overprotective of Emerson, and my response proves it is as potent today as it was the day she left me.
Though if I were honest, I’d admit it isn’t solely protection burning me alive right now. I’m jealous as fuck as well. Not once in three years did I witness Emerson flirt with anyone but me. Her response to the flight crew’s bug-eyed expressions announces she isn’t taking the rules of our vows seriously, which means she is wasting both of our time.
Kolya’s pupils dilate as his Adam’s apple bobs when I add a glare to my worded threat. “Not me personally. We have a doctor on standby. We scheduled his arrival for an hour after your restaurant reservation expired.” Again, he leans in. “From the stories I’ve heard, eating in may require his attendance sooner than planned.”