Chapter 39
AMALIE
The cold evening air is the exact kind of refresher I need after almost two hours of shaking hands and making acquaintances.
For a second, it’s just Roman and me, the low thrum of Chicago traffic a story below. The stone terrace glows softly under recessed lights, the city stretching out in front of us.
Roman turns to me, looking at me the way he does when he has something important he wants to say but isn’t quite sure how to say it.
Finally he speaks. “You were fearless in there. Most people wouldn’t have had the nerve to speak to a man like Callahan that way.
He’s one of the richest men in the city.
But you didn’t hesitate, didn’t even blink. ”
I shrug, suddenly a little bashful about it. “I wasn’t trying to be brave. I actually think it’s a really good idea. Kids need places like that. Kids like Sasha. What I’m doing with him is working, right?”
“Beyond all of my wildest expectations.”
“So imagine what Sasha is getting, but at scale. Amazing teachers with great resources, helping children express themselves who might not otherwise be able to. It could change so many lives.”
His mouth curves into the closest thing Roman gets to a warm smile. “It is a wonderful plan. And that is why Callahan was so interested. Men like him cannot resist ideas like that, especially when you add in the little bonus of his name being front and center.”
I laugh. “Thought he’d like that. But I don’t want to take that from you. I mean, it is your foundation, after all.”
He shakes his head. “Two things already have my last name—my son and my organization. I don’t need it in neon lights.”
We stand shoulder to shoulder, the stone balustrade cool beneath my palms.
“If this project actually moves forward,” he says, “I want you involved as one of the key architects of the vision.”
Giddiness invades my whole body. “You’re serious?”
“Of course I am. You said it yourself, you want to do what you’re doing with Sasha, but at scale. I would be a fool to not have you involved. And not pro bono, either. There would be a title, a salary.”
I laugh breathlessly. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes. That is, if you want the job. And if Callahan actually wants to go through with it. Though, it’s such a good idea that I might just do it anyway.” He glances away for a moment, as if he can already envision it. “I would be a fool to let your genius go to waste.”
“Genius?” I’m genuinely stunned by his choice of words. “That might be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
He dips his head, his eyes darkening in that sexy way I can’t get enough of. “Wait until we get home.”
My pussy clenches, my heart beating faster.
He leans in and kisses me, slow, deep, and reverent. His hand slides up my back, holding me there like he’s got all the time in the world. When he pulls back, his mouth brushes my ear.
“You are a vision in this dress,” he says. “But it doesn’t compare to the sight of you in nothing at all. Tonight, I’m going to make you mine. And I’m going to take my time with it.”
Heat coils low in my stomach, and all I can do is lean into him, resting my head against his chest.
Suddenly, a voice cuts through the moment. “Well, isn’t this cozy.”
I stiffen, sucking in a sharp breath. Roman stays cool and calm as he turns slowly in the direction of the voice.
Nikolai Garin steps out from the shadow of a column, drink in hand. “Roman,” he says. “You clean up well. I almost forget how long it’s been since we’ve had such a soiree.”
Roman’s expression immediately hardens, his eyes locked on Garin. “What do you want?” he asks. “Say whatever it is you came to say.”
Garin’s grin widens. “Who said I have anything to say? The view is lovely, after all. And I heard about your idea with Callahan. Very cute.”
Roman looks like he’s on the verge of pitching Garin over the balcony.
“Anyway,” he says, looking at me. “Perhaps a word of prudence is in store. You know that old cliché about mixing business with pleasure.”
Roman takes a step forward. “Do not speak of her like that, or in any other way.”
Garin raises an eyebrow. “Oh? That sounded like a threat, Roman.”
“It was a promise.”
Garin clears his throat. “Well, be careful about who or what you get attached to, my friend. It could—”
He doesn’t get a chance to finish.
Gunfire cracks through the air, sharp and deafening, like firecrackers from hell. Glass shatters somewhere behind us. Someone screams.
“Down!” Roman shields me with his body, forcing me to the ground. I turn, watching chunks of marble burst from the wall behind where we were standing less than a second ago. He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a gun, clicking the safety off.
I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
Another shot rings out, then another. More tiny explosions of marble erupt from the wall nearby.
He turns to me, looking me over. “Are you hurt?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Stay down. I’ll get you out of here safe.”
I pray he’s right.