Chapter 35
Owen didn’t take his eyes off the two Russian guards who were eyeing them. It was time for them to put their plan into action.
“Our fun is up, Nat.”
She released a small sigh. “Let’s get this over with.”
He turned them until he spotted their target. “Dvorak is to your right and surrounded by women doing very outrageous things to get his attention.”
“Stupid women,” she grumbled.
He hid his smile. “Get him out to the hallway, and I’ll do the rest.”
Natalie gave him another kiss before they walked from the dance floor. He led her directly in front of Dvorak, who frowned as they passed.
Owen situated them behind a large group of people to hide them from the guards. “It’s all up to you.”
“We’re here. We’re going to do this.” Natalie squared her shoulders before walking away.
He wanted to call her back, to toss her over his shoulder and leave. So much could go wrong, and they had no backup. He’d never second-guessed himself before. Frankly, he didn’t like it.
But that’s what Natalie did to him.
He moved to watch his woman. Men ogled her.
And why wouldn’t they? The sleeveless black dress that clung to her exceptional curves made his mouth water.
The dress dipped low enough to teasingly show off her breasts that were covered with black lace, which rose to encase the slim column of her neck.
The short skirt showed off her gorgeous legs. She was a sight to behold.
Luck was on their side when the two guards who had been watching them had their attentions diverted by someone else. Natalie saw it as well and made her move.
Owen shifted closer to her because Dvorak had two bodyguards standing just feet away. The two straightened when Natalie stopped in front of Dvorak.
The consulate halted talking and simply stared at her. She moved closer to whisper in his ear. At that moment, Owen shoved a man into one of the bodyguards. The second one he kicked in the side of the knee, taking him down.
In all the commotion, no one saw Dvorak leave with Natalie but him. He kept his eyes on the other guards and managed to slip out after Natalie.
“Where is it?” Dvorak demanded.
She motioned with her hand, leading him. “This way.”
Owen came up behind Dvorak and knocked him on the back of the head so he was out cold. Then he hurriedly threw Dvorak over his shoulder as Natalie took off her heels and ran down the hall to the room.
As soon as he was inside, Natalie shut and locked the door. Owen dumped Dvorak in the chair and tied his wrists behind the backrest.
“Stay behind him. I don’t want him to know you’re here,” Owen told her.
Natalie did as he requested, setting her shoes down beside her. “Do you think he’ll talk?”
“We’ve got to make him. We don’t have much time either. His guards will be looking for him.”
“Perhaps you shouldn’t have knocked him out,” she said with a grin.
He slapped Dvorak twice—hard. Dvorak gave a shake of his head and blinked open his eyes. The consulate glared at Owen before he smirked.
“For a man held captive, you’re awfully confident,” Owen said.
“You will pay for this,” Dvorak stated testily.
“I honestly don’t care.”
“Do you know who I am? I am an ambassador from Russia!”
He studied Dvorak as he spoke. “We know exactly who you are. Despite retiring from the Russian military, you still seem to have quite a hand in maneuvering men—especially here in the States.”
“I know nothing of what you speak,” Egor replied. His disdain faded to that of tediousness. “My men will be looking for me.”
“They won’t find you until I want them to.” Owen pulled up another chair before Dvorak. He sat, and then said, “Where is Orrin Loughman?”
“I do not know that name.” It was the subtle tightening of Dvorak’s mouth that gave away the lie.
Owen nodded as he leaned forward and placed his forearms on his knees. “You have to say that, but I know you’re lying. You can leave here just as you are, or you can hold out and get the beating of your life.”
Dvorak began to laugh, his cocky smile large. “I have diplomatic immunity. You cannot touch me.”
“I know just where to hit that will leave no evidence. I was trained to bring the hardiest to their knees, Ambassador. And I’ve got all the time in the world.”
“You will get nothing from me.” Dvorak spat after delivering that statement. “The ranch will be gone when you return.”
Owen stood slowly and shoved back the chair with his foot. “You just confirmed you’re commanding the Russians in Texas.”
“In the entire US,” Dvorak declared triumphantly. “If something happens to me, there is another ready to take my place. The instant I go missing, he steps in.”
“Then they won’t care if you’re dead.”
That caused Dvorak to pause, the truth sinking in. “They will come for me.”
Owen chuckled. “You don’t sound quite so confident. Tell me, Ambassador, did you get a thrill out of killing my aunt and uncle?”
Dvorak lifted his chin, his smile cold. “Yes.”
Owen relished the sound of Dvorak’s grunt of pain when he landed the first hit.