I curled my fingers into fists. My nails bit into the flesh of my palms. The pain helped center my thoughts. I forced aside the dismay to be processed at a later date. Right now, Roman was my only focus. “You’re pointing fingers at Roman, but you’re the dangerous one.”
“Not dangerous, Rourke. Committed. Because I’m the kind of man who gets the job done. You don’t think I got to this position without stepping on a few toes, do you?” He shook his head and paused for another sip of brandy. The soft, silky texture of his voice frightened me more than a knife to my throat. “You’re playing with fire.”
“I’m not playing, sir,” I replied. “I set those photographs to go out in a social media blast in an hour.” I glanced at the delicate silver watch Roman had given me on my birthday. “Make that fifty minutes.”
“Photographs don’t mean shit without corroborating evidence.” He tapped the thick gold band of his wedding ring against the glass in his hand. The sound, meshed with the ticking grandfather clock, set my frayed nerves on edge. After a few minutes of contemplation, he placed the snifter in the center of the coffee table, rested his elbows on the tops of his thighs, and clasped his hands between his knees. “You know, I like Roman. He’s smart, ambitious, and has a cutthroat approach to business—traits I can respect in a man. I’d hoped Ivan’s death would be enough to put him back on track, but he jumped ship and sided with Androvia. Needless to say, I’m very disappointed.”
The scope of his treachery sucked the wind from my lungs. I tried to inhale through my nose and remain outwardly calm. “I trusted you. You were like a father to me.”
“And I’ve always considered you to be a second daughter.” His weighted sigh floated on the air between us. “Here’s the thing. I don’t take kindly to blackmail. Not from you. Not from anyone. We both want something, so let’s get down to business, shall we? I want Roman to end his liaison with Androvia and Kitzeh. If you can get him to cut ties with those countries, I’ll have him cleared of all charges.”
“Oh, Daddy. No.” Everly’s voice floated from the doorway. I had no idea how much she’d heard, but the downturned corners of her mouth suggested enough. Or maybe she already knew? Betrayal sliced through my chest, sharp and deep, for a third time.
“What are you doing here?” Remorse flickered in his eyes as his head snapped up.
“Mom said I could borrow her red dress for a charity auction tomorrow night.” The vibrant-colored gown dangled over her arm. Her gaze met mine. Hurt and resignation mingled in the depths of her blue eyes.
“How much of that did you hear?” The rough edges of his voice scraped over my ears.
“Enough to know you’re not the man I thought you were.”
“Don’t be naive. Get in here.” He rose to his feet and motioned for Everly to join us. “I tried to protect the both of you from the ugliness of my business, but I can see that was a waste of time. You need to grow up. The world is a brutal place made up of leaders and sheep. Where you fall on the spectrum of power is completely up to you.”
“Everything you taught me was a lie,” Everly said, her voice high and thin with shock as she sank down beside me. “Kindness, honesty, loyalty—you don’t represent any of those things.”
“Those are noble ideas, but they don’t always get the job done. Don’t be ungrateful.” His voice rose to a thunderous shout. “I’ve made hard choices—not all of them pretty—to protect my family and country, and I’ll continue doing so as long as I’ve got breath in my body.”
“I’m so sorry, Rourke.” Everly’s face crumpled. “I’m not part of this. I swear.”
“I know.” I covered my hand with hers, grateful for her declaration.
“Daddy, you need to make this right.” The graceful line of her shoulders squared. “If you don’t fix this, I’ll never speak to you again.”
“Don’t be melodramatic.” The lines of his forehead deepened in a scowl. “We both know you’re not serious. Let’s see how far you get without an allowance from me.”
“I don’t give a fuck about your blood money.” The quiet fury in her voice caused my head to snap up. Mr. McElroy had always been her hero. I’d never heard her disrespect him.
“Don’t take that tone with me,” he roared. “Your loyalty lies with me and not her.”
“You lost my respect when you cheated on Mother with Lavender, but you lost my loyalty when you threatened Rourke.” She squeezed my hand. My heart ached for her. I knew how hard those words were for her. At the same time, I admired her spunk. “Come on, Rourke. We need to go.”
I wanted to go with her, but I had my own battles to wage. Roman’s fate depended on whatever happened in this room.
“Everly can leave,” he said, jerking his chin toward the door. “I’ll have Lance drive you home. But Rourke, you and I have business to finish.”
“If I walk out that door without Rourke, you’ve lost me forever,” she said.
I sat on the sofa, biting the inside of my cheek, and struggled to contain my surprise.
Mr. McElroy paced the length of the room twice, his expression calm but his agitation belied in the fists curled at his sides.
Lance stepped into the study, a smirk on his clean-shaven face. His eyes met mine at once. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Menshikov.”
“I’m disappointed in you,” I said quietly. “I liked you.”
“And I liked you, too. But Mr. McElroy made me an offer I couldn’t resist. I don’t intend to be a rich woman’s bodyguard for the rest of my life.”
“I’m sure.” I smiled pleasantly, my sweet tone dripping with acid. The longer I played their game, the easier it became to follow their rules.
“Lance has been invaluable to me. He kept tabs on you and was able to obtain Roman’s DNA from your penthouse,” McElroy said and shifted to face me. “Take a lesson, Rourke. It’s always good to have an insider on your payroll.”
“I’ll remember that,” I replied. My stomach churned.
“Lance, drive Everly home, would you?”
“No.” Everly’s tone reeked of obstinance. “I meant what I said. I want nothing more from you.”
He shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
“Call me when you leave, Rourke, and let me know you’re okay,” Everly said. Lines of worry bracketed her mouth. “And don’t worry. I’ll make this right.”
“I know you will,” I replied.
Mr. McElroy waited until she left the room, Lance trailing behind her, before he spoke. “She’s always been a handful, but she’ll come around.”
“I think you’re underestimating her. You always have.”
He shrugged. “She’ll make a fuss for a short time, but eventually, she’ll do as she’s told.” He steepled his fingers in front of him, his cool gaze locking onto mine. “You know, now that I’ve had some time to think, I believe I’m done with negotiations. Things will be much simpler for me without you and your husband around.” He shook his head. The sinister smirk on his lips made my heart lurch in fear. “You may walk out of here today, but never stop looking over your shoulder. It might be a car wreck. A plane accident. Or, my personal favorite, an active shooter at a restaurant. The options are endless.”
I swallowed past the lump in my throat. For the first time, it occurred to me that I might not leave the townhouse alive. Why hadn’t I listened to Spitz?
I glanced at the window. Graves was outside with the car but too far away to hear me if I screamed. On instinct, I pressed a hand to my belly and my unborn child. In an instant, my dreams became crystal clear. I wanted to use the power Roman had offered to make a difference in the world. I wanted to be a wife to him and a mother to his children. The revelation bolstered my courage. I tapped the face of my watch. “Do I need to remind you that the photographs will go viral in thirty minutes?” The inside of my mouth felt dry as cotton. I licked my cracked lips, trying to remain calm.
“Idle threats.” His flat gaze met mine, completely devoid of warmth or emotion. “You’re too
nice, Rourke. You’d never hurt Judy or Everly that way.”
“Try me,” I replied.
24
Roman
After a healthy contribution to the non-profit organization of the judge’s nephew, my bail was set at a million dollars and I was free to go until the preliminary trail. Spitz and Kellie met me at the front of the jail. A throng of reporters, journalists, and TV cameras jostled for positions at the street, eager to sensationalize my story.
“We’re going to step outside, and I’m going to make a statement for you.” She glanced over me with a critical eye. “The media is on the fence—half of them are screaming for your blood and the other half, the female half, is rooting for you.” She straightened my tie and collar with business-like intensity. “Don’t speak to anyone. I’ll do all the talking. Try to look engaged and confident.”
Spitz opened the door. My security team converged on us, shielding me from the wall of onlookers. I winced at the bright sunlight. With cool poise, Kellie stepped up to the microphone. All of the major television stations were present. They shouted questions until she tapped the microphone, requesting silence. I stood behind her, making a point to meet the eyes of each person, hands clasped in front of me, grateful for the fresh air. I searched the crowd for Rourke’s blond head. Where was she? In the car?
“Mr. Menshikov will not be making a statement this morning.” At the ensuing groans, she lifted a hand. “As his attorney, I’m confident our legal system will acquit him of all charges, and justice will be served. Thank you. There will be no questions.”
My men formed a wall around us, herding us to the waiting Maybach. When we slipped into the cool interior of the car, I exhaled a long and heavy sigh. Relief blanketed me, releasing a tension I’d been unaware of before now. Rourke was nowhere to be found. My spirits plummeted.
“Where’s my wife?” I asked.
“She went to see McElroy,” Spitz replied, his mouth thinning into a line of displeasure.
“And you let her go? What the fuck?” Blood roared through my ears as my blood pressure rocketed. I tapped out a quick text to her: Where are you? Call me ASAP.
“For the record, she went without my consent. She’s as stubborn as you are.” He scratched his freshly shaved chin. “Graves is with her, and her driver. She didn’t want to alarm McElroy with an entourage of security.”
I gripped my forehead. Pain bounced between my temples.
Kellie studied us, her dark eyes teeming with respect. “Your wife is quite the spitfire, Mr. Menshikov. Not every woman has the balls to show up at my office then throw a fit in my reception area until I agreed to meet her.”
“She’s one of a kind,” I said. My wife had taken control of the situation in a fashion worthy of a war queen. Pride expanded my chest. “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Kellie nodded. “I’m impressed.” Her voice lowered. “I’m not sure what you’re involved in, Mr. Menshikov, but you’re playing a dangerous game with dangerous people. You need to be very careful.”
“Your candor is appreciated.” I nodded. “And duly noted.”
The Maybach drew to a halt in a nearby parking garage. Kellie hesitated before opening the door. “I’m leaving town for a few days, but my aides are working on your case as we speak. Give me a call if you need me. You’ve got my cell.” We shook hands, and she exited the car.
The moment the door closed, I shifted into business mode. “Take me to Rourke.” If anything happened to her, I’d never forgive myself. She meant more to me than all the money, cars, and homes in my possession. I’d sacrifice everything to have her in my arms and safe.
“I texted her as soon as you were released, but she hasn’t answered. Graves says she’s still with McElroy.” He studied his phone, brows drawn together over his nose.
“Get me over there. Now.”
The drive to McElroy’s townhouse took forever. When the driver announced my name at the gate, the guard nodded, as if he’d been expecting me. On the front steps of the house, I rang the doorbell.
A woman, dressed in a black uniform, answered the door. “Good afternoon, Mr. Menshikov. Mr. McElroy would like you to join him and your wife in the study.”
I followed her down a wide hall. Generations of McElroys stared down at us from portraits in heavy gold frames. She opened a set of double doors and stepped to one side for me to pass. Rourke sat on one of the twin leather sofas in front of the fireplace, her complexion pale. Her eyes met mine. Relief, joy, and fear greeted me in their soft blue depths. I ignored McElroy, who stood as I entered, and went straight to her side. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m fine. Are you?” She steadied my face between her palms for inspection.
“Absolutely, thanks to you.” I pulled her into my embrace and squeezed until she squirmed. The scent of her hair and the softness of her body melted my heart in a thousand different ways. “What are you doing here?”
“She came to negotiate on your behalf.” McElroy interrupted our reunion. “And she’s doing a damn fine job of it, I have to say.”
“Of course she is.” I stroked a fingertip along the curve of her cheek.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to come to an agreement.” He studied us from his position on the sofa. “I’m forgetting my manners. Can I offer you a cigar, Roman, or a brandy?”
“We’re not staying,” I said. “Time for us to leave, Rourke.”
McElroy stood, blocking our path. “Not until we settle this. You owe me seven shipments of weapons, Menshikov.”
“I don’t owe you shit,” I replied, keeping my voice as even as possible. I wanted to crush him beneath the heel of my boot like an insignificant insect, and I would, but not until Rourke was safely out of his reach.
“We both know that’s not how this works.” He continued to stare at me from beneath his lowered brows. “I give you the payment. You deliver the goods.”
“Then you’ll be waiting a very long time.” I wrapped an arm around Rourke’s waist. “Come on. Let’s go home.”
McElroy remained seated, but called out when we reached the door to the study. “Rourke, remember what I said. It could happen anywhere.”
“What did that mean?” I asked as we scrambled toward Spitz and the car.
“He threatened me—us.” A tremor wracked her body. I pulled her closer. “He basically said he was ordering a hit on our lives.”
“I’ll never let that happen.” The muscles in my jaw tensed.
“He’s too powerful. We’ll never be safe.” The terror in her eyes filled me with rage. “He was involved in your parents’ deaths, Roman. He killed Ivan.” She shivered again. “He’s pure evil.”
The last pieces of the puzzle snapped into place. Hot bile burned my throat. Don McElroy had been the mastermind behind the wars and skirmishes plaguing smaller countries in the Middle East and surrounding Kitzeh. He’d made a fortune by stirring up hatred and dissent among radical factions. My guns had facilitated his wars and made me rich in the process.
Rourke’s bare knee brushed mine as she crossed her legs and tugged down the hem of her dress. A surge of need traveled up my thigh and settled in my groin. Her nearness kickstarted my starving libido. Her fingers found mine on the car seat between us and curled around my hand, her touch tentative and warm. “Hey,” she said, softy. It was only one word, but it held unlimited implications. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I tugged her closer into my side. Her heart beat steadily against my ribcage. It was the best feeling in the world.
“Roman, I’m scared.”
I mustered a smile. “Don’t be. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m the war king, and you’re my queen. No one fucks with us and gets away with it.”
25
Rourke
I wrapped my arms around Roman’s neck and held him tight. Waves of emotion wracked my body. Love. Warmth. Desire. I rained kisses on his face and neck. “I love you. I love you.” I murmured the words over and over.
“I had to do something.”
“You’re amazing.” The warm, softness of his lips dipped to my throat. “Kellie Laghari is the best of the best. How in hell did you pull that off?”
“I practically laid down in her office and threw a tantrum,” I said, biting back a smile of embarrassment. “And I offered her two invitations to the Masquerade de Marquis.”
“Ah, very nice, Mrs. Menshikov.” He sucked on the tip of my earlobe. Waves of pleasure skittered along my nerve endings, settling in my nipples and between my thighs. His tongue flicked over the shell of my ear. “All this talk of blackmail and payoffs is making me hard.”
I dropped a hand to his crotch and palmed the steely length of his erection. “Do we have time for a quickie?”
He wrapped my fingers around the outline of his cock and pushed into my hand. “We have all the time in the world.”
Spitz’s voice floated over the intercom from the front seat. “Hey, boss?”
“No,” Roman said tersely. His eyes darkened to midnight blue. “Whatever it is, it can wait.”
“I just received a text from Mr. Tarnovsky. He said there’s a media shit storm going on right now. You need to turn on your television.”
Roman sighed. “Fuck.” He released me and scrubbed both hands over his face with a male growl that sent a pulse of electricity into my core. “Alright.”
I handed the remote control to him, and he flicked on the TV to a local news station.
The camera panned to a reporter stationed in front of McElroy’s gated community. “––photographs showing former Vice President Don McElroy in intimate proximity to murder victim Lavender Cunningham. A source close to the Vice President has confirmed that the decorated war veteran was in a long-term relationship with Ms. Cunningham at the time of her death. Mr. McElroy has not responded to our attempts to obtain a statement.”
The Exiled Prince Trilogy Page 49