Chapter 9 | Katia
Katia
Ispent the rest of the week thinking about Elena, keeping a close watch on all of Michael’s finances and, strangely, daydreaming about Leo.
Surprisingly, Leo ranked highest on the list of things that consumed my brain, which was really intriguing to me. I’d never been one of those women who craved relationships or marriage. The thought of giving up control of my life and tying myself to one man was daunting.
But for some reason, I couldn’t get Leo out of my damn mind.
He’d looked so handsome as he’d grinned and waited for me to go inside after visiting Elena, and I secretly loved his protective nature.
No one had ever taken care of me, except for Michael in some ways, but even then, I’d still accomplished everything on my own.
Leo called me on Thursday afternoon, and my heart fluttered like a damn teenager heading to her first prom.
“Hello, agent,” I said into the phone, putting it on speaker as I worked at my desk at the Gilded Cage. “Are you calling to take me up on that lap dance?”
He cleared his throat, causing my smile to deepen.
“I have the DNA results. Thought you’d want to hear them first.”
Sitting up in my chair, I lifted my chin as my tone turned serious. “I do. Thank you. What did you find?”
“The kid who tossed the cigarette butt shares DNA with several of the bratva members we’ve previously arrested. He’s a distant cousin to most of them, and a third cousin to the turncoat who told us about him a few months ago.”
“So that means...?”
“He’s most likely the hacker who’s trying to implicate you and Michael. He shares a blood connection with many of the top bratva members, so it only makes sense. Our best course of action is to try and catch him when he’s alone—preferably in public—and scare him into talking to us.”
“By telling him we’re onto him?” I asked.
“Exactly. Fear is a powerful motivator. I can threaten all sorts of things: arrest, deportation if he’s not a citizen, prison...you get the drift.”
“He looks so young,” I said, trailing my finger over the desk. “Somewhere near Elena’s age. I hate that he works for those bastards. I’d love to turn him.”
“You speak Russian, right? That could go a long way toward getting him to listen.”
“I do,” I said with a nod. “And Estonian too.”
Silence stretched over the phone, and my eyebrows drew together.
“Leo?”
“I can barely speak Spanish, and it’s pretty painful to anyone listening,” he said. “I’m just admiring you. A brilliant accountant and a proficient linguist. Maybe I should recruit you to the FBI.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “I’m afraid I’m too far down the morally-gray rabbit hole for them to take me, but I appreciate the sentiment.”
“We could go to the hacker’s neighborhood and try to catch him on Saturday.
I spoke briefly to Alexis, and she said there are a few coffee shops nearby where a young techy person might hang out to catch the free Wi-Fi.
Hopefully, he’ll head somewhere public, and we can tail him and see if there’s an opening to talk to him. ”
“That would be amazing,” I said, marveling at his willingness to help me. “I feel bad taking up your Saturday though. Maybe you have plans more exciting than trailing yet another bad guy.”
“I want to help,” he said softly. “And I’m not really a social butterfly, if you haven’t noticed.”
Biting my lip, I chuckled. “I’ve noticed, but I like the whole surly agent thing. It’s kind of hot.”
He cleared his throat again, and I felt bad for making him uncomfortable. Lord, this man really needed to learn how to tease and flirt at least some of the time.
“Sorry,” I said, letting him off the hook. “We’re definitely going to work on the teasing thing. But yes, I’d love to spend Saturday with you and track him down.”
“Hopefully, it won’t take too long, and then you can have your Saturday night to do...you know, whatever you need to do...”
Pursing my lips, I inwardly chuckled at his terrible attempt to see if I had other plans. “I can give you all day and all night on Saturday if you want, Leo. This is my priority. Thank you for helping me. You’ll never understand how much it means to me.”
“Of course. Why don’t I pick you up at nine a.m. on Saturday? I know it’s early, but we don’t want to miss him if he heads out.”
“That’s perfect. See you then and thanks, Leo.”
The phone cut off and I relaxed in my chair, glancing toward the ceiling.
Inhaling a few deep breaths, I finally acknowledged the truth that I’d been toying with: I wanted Leo Stabler.
I wanted to spend time with him, and get to know him, and feel those firm lips against mine.
..and lord help me, I wanted to sleep with him.
I sat with the admission for a few moments, allowing myself to digest it. And then, I made a vow to myself that I wouldn’t let him continue to push me away. Next time we were together, if I felt the timing was right, I was going to ask him to kiss me...
And maybe a bit more...
Clutching onto my inner confidence, I made peace with my choice.
One day soon, I was going to seduce the sexy, stoic Agent Stabler, no matter how hard he tried to resist...
On Friday night, I showed up at Michael’s huge Brooklyn home with a nice bottle of cabernet. Burns ushered me inside, and a beaming Alexis rushed toward me. Throwing her arms around me, she squeezed tight.
“I just need to hug you,” she said, her voice filled with concern. “I can’t believe that guy jumped you. Thank God you’re okay.”
Drawing back, I rubbed her arms. “I’m fine, and it’s sweet of you to be concerned.”
Bianca entered the foyer and drew me into a hug as well.
“Jesus, Katia, you really scared us,” she said, releasing me and gripping my hand. “Please don’t be like Alexis and go searching for trouble. Nothing good ever happens in that scenario.”
“Well, I found the bomb, didn’t I?” Alexis asked, lifting her hands in a frustrated shrug. “And Chris got some amazing dinners out of you, so he’s fine too.”
Chris stood at the end of the hallway, his hands resting on his belt. I saw his nostrils flare before he muttered. “Yep, just great. You Rossi women are just great.”
Alexis rolled her eyes and placed her hand to her mouth, as if she were telling me a secret. “He loves us. He just pretends not to so Mom will keep cooking for him.”
Chris’s lips twitched, and I laughed, realizing she was probably half-right.
“Well, I’m glad we’re all okay,” I said. “And I’m safe thanks to Leo, who really saved my ass.”
“Yes, that’s something we’re very interested in,” Bianca said, clutching my hand as she drew me toward the kitchen. “You and Alexis have a seat at the island and pour a glass of wine while I finish up.”
I sat on one of the tall island chairs beside Alexis and said hello to Carmen and Leticia, both of whom were helping Bianca cook.
“We’re having lasagna, broiled potatoes, garlic bread and green beans,” Bianca said.
“Wow, I feel spoiled,” I said, swirling the wine Alexis poured in my glass before taking a sip. “And this wine is fantastic.”
“Michael loves that one,” Bianca said. “It’s almost three hundred dollars a bottle, so I’ll have to be extra nice to him tonight after everyone leaves. We have a deal that I’m very agreeable on nights I open his expensive bottles.”
“Um, okay, good for you, but gross, Mom,” Alexis said, sipping a glass of what I assumed was non-alcoholic sparkling wine. “TMI.”
“Well, honey, you’re pregnant, so I assume you understand what happens between a husband and wife.”
“Anyway,” Alexis droned, turning to face me. “We’ve got the invites ready. The wedding will be here in the back yard on September twelfth. I didn’t want to wait that long because I didn’t want to look like a whale, but the summer is too hot, so that’s what we’re going with.”
“You’ll look absolutely beautiful,” I said, resting my chin on my fist. “And I’m honored to be invited.”
“You and a plus one,” she said, excitement entering her dark green eyes. “Maybe Leo? I’d like to have him come, but if he’s your plus one, I’ll save the invite.”
“Wow, so we’re going there,” I said, gliding a hand through my hair.
“Oh, we’re going there,” Bianca said, leaning on the other side of the island and grinning. “Spill. We need details.”
“Well, I don’t know if there are any details yet, but I’m leaning toward...” I pursed my lips. “I think I might try and seduce him. And that sounds really weird to say out loud.”
Alexis and Bianca both squealed, and I shook my head.
“Okay, I’m not granting world peace. Everybody chill. I just...” I trailed my finger over the marble as I contemplated. “I like him. Really like him, and that’s very rare for me. And your husband thinks he has a thing for me.”
“Yes, he’s told me,” Bianca said, her honey-flecked eyes shining. “And I really hope it happens, Katia. Leo used to piss the hell out of me, because I always knew he informed for Victor and for Michael, but he’s really grown on me lately.”
“I’m glad to hear it. He can be a bit grumpy, so I get it.”
“Um, grumpy-growly men are the best,” Alexis said. “I have one myself, and I assure you, it’s extremely hot.”
Laughing, I nodded. “Truth, sister. So, we’ll see where it takes us, but I have a feeling he’s never going to make a move, so the ball’s in my court.”
“Uggh, why are men so daft?” Alexis asked.
“They can’t help it, dear,” Bianca said, putting on mitts and opening the oven to pull out the lasagna. She set it on the stove and shrugged. “They’re all well-meaning idiots who try their best.”
“Ah, just in time to hear another one of my wife’s glowing compliments,” Michael’s deep voice muttered as he and Nick entered the room. They both approached their partners and planted firm kisses on their lips.
“I’m being very complimentary,” Bianca said, rising to her toes to give him another peck on the lips. “I’m going to be on my best behavior tonight.”
“And that means she opened a fantastic bottle of wine,” Michael teased, nipping her lips. “Is there any left for me?”
Bianca winked and trailed to the corner of the island, pouring two glasses for Michael and Nick. Michael gave a quick toast before we all clanked our glasses.
“How are you feeling, princess?” Nick asked, his tone filled with concern as he touched her belly. He placed his palm on the cute bump, love evident in his expression as he gazed at her.
“Fine if you don’t mind swollen ankles. I hate being puffy.”
Nick’s lips twitched. “You’re gorgeous, and I like your swollen ankles.”
Alexis glanced at me. “He’s a keeper. See? Grumpy can work out just fine.”
Nick frowned. “I’m not grumpy. I just told you you’re beautiful, woman.”
Patting his face, she flashed a cheeky grin. “Okay, you win.”
“Were we fighting? I can’t keep track half the time.”
I snickered, loving their interplay.
Eventually, we moved into the dining room and had a fantastic dinner filled with wine, laughter and great food.
When the hour turned late, I hugged everyone, feeling full and sated as Michael walked me outside.
“Are you okay after visiting Elena?” he asked, stopping beside one of his cars as Chris waited behind the wheel. I’d wanted to call an Uber, but Michael had insisted that Chris drive me home.
“I’m fine. Leo really helped me through it. He’s amazingly supportive. I never realized how deep he was.”
“Alexis told me you and he are going to surveil the hacker tomorrow,” Michael said, disapproval in his tone.
“I don’t like it, Katia. I know Leo can protect you, but I don’t want you getting hurt because of me.
We have some intel on where several of the high-ranking bratva members will be tomorrow, and all of my men are assigned to surveil them.
Otherwise, I’d send Joaquin and Enzo to help you. ”
“You’re right that Leo will protect me,” I said, cupping his arm. “And I know it was dumb of me to go to the apartment building by myself. That’s why I’ve agreed to let Leo help me.”
Michael arched a brow. “Is that the only reason why?”
Breathing a laugh, I shook my head. “You’re worse than Alexis and Bianca. See you at the club on Monday.”
He crossed his arms, silently watching me as I opened the door.
Turning back to face him, I lifted a finger. “And no, it’s not the only reason. I like him, okay? Don’t make it a bigger deal than it is. I mean it, Michael. Good night.”
A slow smile crept across his face as Chris began to drive away, and I could tell he was happy for me. Now, I just needed to see if Leo was as on-board with moving to the next level as I was.
Unable to control my grin, I felt the tiny pricks of anticipation on my skin as we drove down the darkened Brooklyn streets.