Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
ARMAN
I t’s been one hell of a day and heading to this party is the last thing I want to do, but its importance isn’t lost on me. Everything I did today to secure our investments rests on making a good impression tonight.
It may also be because I’m interested in seeing my captive once again. For some reason, I have thought of her all day, resisting the urge to spy on her because the last thing I need is to become obsessed with the woman. No. Tonight I will use her to gather information and then fuck her out of my system.
I have done my homework and know that many of the women accompanying the men tonight come from the same agency. Burning Roses. The creation of Gabrielle’s mom.
I wonder if she will be there. If anything, the game has just got interesting because if she is and I walk in with her daughter, I’m interested to see if she recognizes her because I’ve been told she last saw her when Gabrielle was five years old.
I dress for the occasion. My usual black suit paired with a black shirt. The jacket concealing my weapon that I never leave home without. It’s doubtful I will use it, but I never take chances because tonight we go there alone. It’s one of the rules. Only the invited get to stay and any drivers, bodyguards or staff are required to wait outside.
These men are the most powerful in the country and it’s a closed environment. Their main aim is to cement their alliance and engage in acts that remain inside the establishment.
I make my way into the living area and reach for my customary shot of vodka to set my mood according to the situation.
Business.
Romanov business and my thoughts turn to my father and his reasons for these same visits. Was he having an affair for my entire life and did my mother know about it? Four times a year, he traveled to these parties with only one woman on his arm. An employee of Burning Roses. Veronica Scott-Stanley.
When Mikhail discovered her identity and Valentin sought out her niece for answers, all it did was raise many more questions.
Will I be the one to find the answers? I’ll certainly give it my best shot.
Luka heads into the room and says abruptly, “Your escort has arrived.”
I raise my eyes and his arrogant smirk causes me to roll my eyes.
“What?”
“Enjoy your evening.”
He laughs softly. “She may not be as cooperative as the one from the agency.”
“What’s she done now?” I’m resigned to my spirited captive fighting me every step of the way and he shrugs.
“Nothing. Yet.”
I drain the glass and say with resignation. “Let’s get this over with.”
The first moment I see Gabrielle, she takes my breath away.
She is waiting by the revolving doors watching my approach, wearing a blank expression along with the outfit I requested. A short black dress that clings to her curves revealing nothing is underneath, standing on killer heels that cause her to tower over six feet tall. She is a stunning woman and her eyes draw me in as she stares at me with curiosity rather than anger and I wonder what Luka was insinuating because this woman is playing her part to the letter.
Her chestnut hair is bound in one long braid that swings behind her, and her make-up is classy and subtle, just the way I like it. She oozes class and is definitely not the stereotypical escort. In fact, she is almost regal as she glares at me through stormy eyes.
“Gabrielle.”
I nod my approval and she says tightly, “Arman.”
Our gazes lock and I note the challenge in hers and my anticipation builds as I sense a battle forming between us.
I offer her my arm. “Shall we? ”
Her eyes flash as she deliberately ignores the gesture and nods toward the exit.
“After you.”
I catch Luka’s eye and can tell he’s really enjoying this exchange and so I lean forward and whisper in her ear. “Take my fucking arm, Gabrielle, and don’t make a scene. Tonight you are playing a part and I expect your best performance.”
Her eyes glitter with rage but she does as I say and as we move toward the exit, I have a feeling that was one of many more battles that lie head tonight.