Chapter 46
OCTOBER 16 – THURSDAY 7:59 PM
R en
“Remember, you’re a princess from a powerful mafia family. You don’t let anyone talk down to you, and if they touch you…I’ll kill them,” Liam whispered as we walked through the doors of the hotel. I shivered at the tone in his voice but it was also comforting. I knew he was serious and that he had the skills to do it bare-handed.
With my arm hooked through Liam’s, he rubbed his thumb over my hand. It was the most affection he’d shown me in public. I wasn’t sure if it was a statement to anyone who looked our way, if it was part of the act for the night, or if it meant more. There were still parts of this relationship with him that I just didn’t understand.
“You don’t have to do that. I won’t let anyone touch me,” I said, looking at his hand, and he arched an eyebrow at me. “I’m not being sassy. I just know how you feel about public displays of affection.”
Liam lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles, putting the subject to rest without saying a word and igniting a storm in me.
The hotel reminded me of the one in Seattle, with fancy marble, gold accents, and flowers everywhere. Men in suits and women in elegant dresses milled around like they were part of the décor.
We stepped up to the elevator, and my nerves kicked in as Liam pushed the button. He needed to win this, and I had faith in him, but the other players being shady worried me even if they didn’t worry him. Theo had explained that everyone at the table was a major player. Men from other mafia families, powerful businessmen, or politicians. Dangerous was all I heard when he told me—like we didn’t have enough of that in our lives already.
“You’re certainly prompt.”
I turned to greet Dimitri, but when my eyes landed on the girl clinging to his arm, my mood darkened. She was not Aunt Helena and looked my age. She shrank back from my icy glare. My gaze snapped up to Dimitri’s face, and he chuckled.
“You look exactly like your mother when she was pissed off.”
“Mr. Mikhailov,” Liam said, holding out his hand to shake. I wanted to smack it away.
My jaw muscle twitched, and I purposely turned my back on them before I said something ignorant. I knew nothing about his and Helena’s relationship so I shouldn’t be so fast to judge, considering what I had going on, but I couldn’t help it. Something about this screamed mistress, which meant lying, cheating, pain, and hurt. It reminded me of when my mum was sick, and Dad had stayed out late and came home smelling like perfume.
“Have I offended you,” Dimitri asked.
I didn’t answer him even though I knew the question was directed at me. Liam stared at me, but anything that I said right now was not going to be nice.
“Lilya?” My nostrils flared. “Interesting, maybe I should revoke Mr. Hick’s invitation this evening.”
My entire body stiffened, and I turned to face my great uncle. I knew nothing about him, but I was so livid that he threatened Liam that I was ready to rip his head off.
“Why don’t you go up, sir. Ren and I need to have a private conversation,” Liam said, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me away from the opening elevator doors.
Dimitri looked at me and then Liam. “I’ll meet you upstairs. Don’t be too long.”
As the elevator left, Liam walked us to a quiet corner. He let me go and put his arm on the wall beside me as he glared.
“What are you doing?”
“Did you see that girl on his arm? She was our age…and…ugh…it’s so disrespectful. I can’t believe he’d do that to Helena and in front of me. I just met him. You’d think that maybe he’d want to be a little more discreet,” I fumed.
“Stop. Ren, I get that seeing him with a mistress pisses you off, but you can’t let it overshadow what’s really important tonight.”
“So, you admit she’s a mistress,” I said, crossing my arms.
“Yes, but it doesn’t matter who she is, and don’t look at me like I’m the enemy.”
I sucked in a deep, steadying breath, trying to calm the raging flames burning in my gut.
“I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you, Liam. But this is bringing up some painful stuff for me. I looked after my mum all the time because Neil was either working or doing that.” I pointed in the direction of the elevator.
He sighed. “Look, I don’t know if Helena is okay with the other women, but I can tell you that she knows.”
My arms fell, and I searched his face.
“How do you know that?” He shrugged. Liam’s classic sign for I know, but I’m not going to tell. “You’re not just saying that?”
“No.”
“It doesn’t matter. My mum knew and it didn’t make it better. She could hate it everytime he goes out,” I said.
“You’re right it could and if you want to question him, punch him in the face, or whatever else after the game, then go for it, but just remember something. You’re a guest here, even if you are family. This is Dimitri Mikhailov’s state. He holds a seat on the Head Council for all of North America, and your actions directly affect me, Nash and everyone else. You represent the Kings as much as we do. Besides, what he does in his personal time is not our business. It’s between him and Helena. What you need to remember is that everything you say and do matters. You’re a real princess, Little Rabbit. You need to play the game while your tongue is dipped with sugar, or in your case, maple syrup,” he said, and I smirked. “Are you good?”
I rolled my shoulders and gathered my composure.
“No, not really, but…yes, I can do this. I promise you can count on me.”
His eyes searched my face before responding.
“If you start to lose sight of your priorities, come and touch me. I’ll remind you.”
When he kissed me, the anger and the surrounding hotel dissolved into the ether.
“Mmm, you still taste like me. I can’t wait to get you naked, Little Rabbit.”
Pulling back, he held out his arm for me once more, looking totally unbothered while my brain was static. Apparently, I’d lost my ability to speak.
“I do love that look on your face.”
On the ride up to the penthouse, I prepped myself to keep a calm and civil attitude. Dimitri waited in the hallway for us, and I tried to pretend that the girl on his arm didn’t exist while I thought of the best way to handle the situation.
When we reached Dimitri, I plastered a gracious smile on my face and wanted to throw up.
“Sorry about that, great uncle, or is that great-great uncle? I can never keep these things straight. You caught me off guard earlier,” I said, and I loved that he cringed.
Turning my beaming smile on the girl, I held out my hand.
“And you are? I’m still learning about family members, and you weren’t at dinner the other night. Are you one of my cousins?”
“Lilya….” Dimitri’s tone held an edge, but I continued to smile and ignored the subtle threat.
“What? Does she not have a name? I mean, if I have a cousin my age, I want to get to know her,” I said, and his eyes darkened.
“I’m Candi, with an I, not a Y,” she said, her voice as grating as Vicky’s, just a little less arrogant. She clung to Dimitri’s arm as if he was her lifeline. “And Dimitri and I aren’t related. We’re together.”
I pulled my hand back.
“Ohhh….” I glanced at Liam and pretended to wipe sweat off my forehead. “Phew, thank goodness for that.” Candi looked at me and then up at Dimitri, obviously trying to decide if I’d complimented or insulted them. “We better head in,” I said as Dimitri opened his mouth. “Sorry, the ladies’ room calls.”
Liam didn’t hold me back as I walked toward the open doors at the end of the hall. I could just hear Candi asking what I meant and if I had just insulted her as she threw a tantrum behind us.
“Was that better?”
“Much,” he said, smirking.
“Are there any rules about throwing her out of a window?” He looked at me. “I’m teasing,” I said, walking into the suite. “Maybe.” I smiled at Liam as two guards stopped us to search for weapons.
“You definitely weren’t joking, but I like it,” he said before turning his attention to the woman with an tablet in her hand. “Liam Hicks and guest.”
She checked our names off, and we stepped past them into the lavish room. Men and a couple of women lounged on couches while servers wove around with trays of food and drink. The centerpiece was one of those massive poker tables that you only saw on television.
“Do you know everyone playing,” I asked.
“Yes, I study all my opponents before I face them.”
We moved over to the bar, and Liam ordered a scotch for himself and sparkling water with lime for me. There were two half-moon tables set up, facing one another, in the middle of the sitting area with five seats each. All the other furniture had been moved and placed far enough away that it would be nearly impossible to see the players’ cards unless you were Superman.
“There are two tables. Will you have to play everyone?”
Liam linked our fingers together on the bar. “No, each table plays for a single place in the final. Then those two face off for the whole pot. There is no second place, and if you walk away from the table then you lose all your money. This is an all-or-nothing event, so if you can’t afford to lose, you shouldn’t be playing.”
“Wow, that’s terrifying. I have no idea how you do it.”
Liam smiled wide, a glimmer of excitement shining in his eyes.
“I love it. It’s a rush. I started watching my dad play when I was still in diapers. He used to have card parties all the time, and I’d wander in and sit on his lap. I was hooked and started studying players and realized that my ability for reading people really came in handy while playing.”
“So tell me this…how can you study all of these men if you’ve never played them before,” I asked, and the corner of Liam’s mouth turned up.
“There’s more than one way to do anything in this life, Little Rabbit.”
He winked, and my cheeks heated. I watched the bartender carefully to make sure he didn’t slip anything into our drinks.
“Try and relax,” Liam whispered as we walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean. “You look like you’re the one who wants to jump out the window.”
“Not a chance. Not even with a parachute, or glider, or squirrel suit. Yes, I’ve seen them all, and it’s still a no.”
I hated windows like this. No, I hated heights in general and refused to get any closer than a few feet. Liam looked at me and smiled.
“Well, I know what we need to work on next,” he said, and I shot him a glare.
“No way. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not happening. Nope. Not ever,” I said.
“You should know better than to challenge me. I always get what I want,” he said. I believed that, but not about this unless he liked vomit all over him.
“We’ll discuss it later,” I said, and he laughed as a man walked up to us.
“Well now, hello, beautiful.” I glanced at him and then back to Liam. Purposely waiting a few seconds before I looked back at the man.
“Are you speaking to me? Sorry, I thought you were talking about Liam. He looks extremely sexy tonight.”
The man’s mouth opened and then closed as I linked arms with Liam again.
“I’m Liam Hicks, and you are?”
“Nicolo Amato,” he said, and Liam held out his hand. “Liam Hicks…I don’t know that name. We must not run in the same circles.” It was an underhanded slap in the face, and I wanted to wipe that cocky-ass grin right off.
Liam took it all in stride. If he felt insulted it never showed. “I like to keep a low profile. Your family is from Illinois, yes?”
Nicolo lifted a brow and looked Liam up and down before he did the same to me. His gaze was distinctly more appreciative as he undressed me with his eyes.
“I am. I feel I’m at a disadvantage suddenly. Not only do I not know who you are, but I didn’t bring a sexy woman to distract everyone.” Nicolo said.
“I’m more than a pretty face,” I said, and he smirked. I held out my hand. “Lilya Mikhailov, I believe you know my family.”
He shook my hand, and I assessed him—from his tailored black suit to blue eyes that screamed a truckload of arrogance and how he subtly glanced at Dimitri.
“Yes, I do mean Dimitri,” I said, making sure he knew I saw the look.
“In that case, the pleasure is all mine,” he said, trying to be charming, but there was enough of a shift in his personality to tell me he didn’t really like my great uncle.
I still let him bring my hand to his lips. Liam tensed beside me, but I tightened my arm to soothe him.
“I’m sure it is, Nicolo. I’m a catch,” I said, and Nicolo laughed.
“You’re very….” He tilted his head as he studied my face. “Feisty.” He smiled.
“You say that like it’s an insult.”
“I mean no offence.” He smiled wide, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “This is going to be an interesting evening.” He nodded to Liam before walking away.
“Little Rabbit….”
“I know, but I’m not going to let anyone talk to me like I’m a piece of meat or talk down to you.”
Liam traced his fingers down the sides of my face and tucked my hair behind my ears.
“I was going to say that I love this side of you.”
“Oh…I thought I was in trouble.”
“You’re in trouble, but not because of that,” he said as heat pooled in my stomach. “Anyone else you’d like to dress down before the game starts? This is very amusing.”
“I should probably cap it at two for the night. I need to ease into this newfound me slowly.”
Liam chuckled and pressed his lips to mine in a quick kiss.
“Welcome, players. I’m Harrison, and I will take care of all your needs this evening,” an older gentleman said, and we all turned in his direction.
“The game tonight is Texas Hold ‘em. There will be two tables of five, and each will have a banker to ensure that the game is played fairly. Now, let’s go over the rules. Play will continue until only one person remains from each table. Those individuals will compete for the main pot. Withdrawal, once play is underway, is prohibited unless for an emergency, and your buy-in and winnings are forfeited. No weapons of any kind are allowed in the room. You and your guests passed through metal detectors and were searched on your way in. However, you will still be asked to raise your pant legs and undo your jackets to show us that you are not carrying before sitting down. If you have a weapon of any kind, it will then be placed in a numbered box. Cell phones are also prohibited.”
Harrison indicated a woman holding a decorative metal box.
“Sapphire will walk around and collect your phones in a lead box. There will be no communication in or out of this room once play begins. No earpieces or smartwatches. Only one guard per player may remain in the room. They must be unarmed and stay on the far side of the room until a break is called.”
Harrison gestured to the end of the penthouse that looked to be a mile away.
“Buy-ins are paid via wire transfer. The account information is located at your seat. Cheating will not be tolerated. If you are found cheating, you will—forfeit your buy-in, be escorted out, and be banned from any future games. Are there any questions?”
No one said anything.
“Very well. When I call your name, please come up, allow a visual weapons check, and then pick an envelope for a seating assignment.”
The room was so thick with testosterone that you could choke on it. The egos squeezed in here were larger than the entire state. I watched as Harrison placed ten envelopes down on a table.
“Dimitri.” My great uncle walked over and showed he was weaponless before picking up the first envelope. He opened it before going and sitting down.
“Nicolo. Romeo. Alessio.” Name after name was called out. “Liam.” I assumed Liam would walk up alone, but he held onto my arm as he followed protocol. I opened my purse for inspection before he picked up his envelope and handed it to me.
Tearing it open, I pulled out a piece of paper that said, Table 2 Seat 1 , which put him at the same table with Nicolo, Dimitri, and Romeo. Liam sat down and turned over the paper with the bank routing information. Using his cell, he transferred the money and shot Nash a message that said, We’re in before powering it off. Sapphire was waiting, and he placed the phone in the padded slot that corresponded with this seat number.
The measures taken to ensure a safe and fair game were impressive. In my head, I’d pictured some grungy factory with a rickety table, chairs falling apart, and smoke thick in the air. Apparently, I watched way too many movies.
Each player got settled into position and a feeling of dread washed over me that I couldn’t shake.
Harrison stepped up to the tables with a phone in his hand.
“Gentlemen, we have had a no-show but also a late buy-in. They have offered five million for a seat. Is there anyone opposed to adding a new player?”
“The more the merrier. Only means I win more,” Nicolo said, shooting Romeo a wink.
There was definitely tension between them, like two strutting peacocks. I smirked at the image of them sprouting colorful feathers and shaking their asses.
“I’m not opposed to extra money,” Dimitri said.
“You never are,” Romeo countered.
The contentiousness between Dimitri and Romeo was palpable. There was history there, of that, I was sure. Nash’s chessboard analogy was proving accurate. But it was more like one of the multi-tier versions with multiple games on the go. Every move included all the boards, and a wrong one could mean death.
“If there are no objections, I will allow the player to enter,” Harrison said.
He was like a priest officiating a wedding, waiting for someone to jump up and object…
I guess that’s more like a judge in a courtroom, but it still fits.
“Are you okay with this,” I whispered to Liam.
“I can refuse, but it will make me look weak. Part of tonight is to get my name out in these circles. I can’t afford to look like I’m young and scared.”
I nodded but didn’t like it one bit.
Harrison waved to someone outside the door.
I didn’t pay the newcomer any attention until a man paused right beside us. My heart stopped when I glanced up. No…it couldn’t be…could it? I grabbed Liam’s shoulder as the man continued to his seat at the end of our table and signaled for a drink.
“What is it? Who is that?”
Failing miserably, I tried to hide the terror.
“I think that’s my real father,” I whispered, shaking.
“What?”
“Christov Ivankov, well, isn’t this a surprise. What brings you to my state? I don’t remember issuing you a pardon to step foot on California soil,” Dimitri growled as he slowly stood and confirmed my suspicion. A nervous vibrating started under my skin.
The tension in the room tripled as everyone watched the exchange.
Liam’s head snapped to Christov.
“How is this possible? I thought he was dead.”
“So did I.”
Liam wrapped his arm around my waist, soothing me with his touch. But I wouldn’t be able to stand like this all night. I sucked in a deep breath to avoid passing out.
Christov unbuttoned his suit jacket and hit Dimitri with a shit-eating grin.
“Oh, come now, old man. We’re all here for the same reason.”
“Are we,” Dimitri asked.
My fingers dug into Liam’s shoulder as Christov’s gaze found mine.
“We are. Those old quarrels are just that, old. Let’s play.” He held his hand out toward the table. “You always did have an affinity for taking what belonged to me,” Christov said.
It felt like he was talking about a lot more than money.
Dimitri eyed the table, his jaw muscles twitching before he looked at Liam and then me.
I had no idea what he was thinking or what he would do, but I prayed that he would throw Christov out. I didn’t need or want to meet him, even if he did resurrect himself from a coffin.
“Fine, but this is a clean game of poker. You so much as make this about anything else, and you’ll be thrown out,” Dimitri said, and my heart sank.
Christov smirked, and there was a malevolence to him that made my skin crawl. I never thought I’d meet anyone creepier than Lawrence or Owen, but I was wrong. As I stared into his cold, calculating blue eyes, all I saw was the monster my mum had fled from, and he was here for me. I just knew it.
Oh God…this couldn’t be happening.