Persuasion

by Stone, Piper

  As far as Pavel’s soldiers, he’d brought only a few with him on the plane ride from Russia, confident of his ruse and ability to take it to the end. They’d been rounded up by my counterparts within the Specialists and were being questioned. I didn’t care to ask any details.

  A message had been sent to the Baranov family. Their leader was dead. They wouldn’t be a significant problem, at least for a while, even with Mikhail’s possible leadership. While the Armenians had learned of Pavel’s treachery, there hadn’t been any overtures of war.

  So far.

  Only time would tell but everyone within the ranks of the Specialists were on high alert. Identities were anonymous within the organization, which would allow for swift handling of any uprising as necessary.

  I snickered at the thought.

  Dante had assured me that Pavel had never been a part of the organization, but I had my doubts, which would guide me in decisions for the future. Trust. That would remain difficult.

  As the car pulled to a stop, Giliana tipped her head in my direction, her eyes imploring.

  “What are we doing here?” she asked, although I honestly knew she suspected. She was no longer incensed by violence, accepting its need.

  “Stay in the car. This is only a break in our journey,” I answered, pulling her hand to my lips and brushing them across her knuckles.

  “Journey. You say that like we’re going on an adventure, maybe a vacation.” Her words were laced with a wistful tone.

  I growled slightly. “You never know.” When I released her hand, she cupped my cheek, giving me a stern look.

  “I know you have a job to do, but please be careful.”

  Careful wasn’t in my vocabulary. I nodded before easing out of the car, studying the façade of the house I’d called home for a few weeks. New Orleans was a fabulous city, but it would never be home.

  What was the other saying? ‘Home is where the heart is.’ Well, that could be true.

  I’d quietly dispatched protection for Mr. Worthington. There were still several of Pavel’s solders in town. Wyland had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt and I’d easily learned who the shooter had been, the very man I was prepared to deal with. The city would be swept clean of anyone associated with the Baranov family within two days, allowing Wyland to resume a normal life.

  Whatever that meant.

  We’d flown into the city under the quiet of night, the selected hotel our respite for a few precious hours. I’d simply held Giliana in my arms, keeping her safe. My arrival would be at least a slight surprise.

  I’d learned that the bombs used in the attack had been strategically positioned, their detonation causing little damage. They’d simply been a smokescreen of sorts, another part of the game.

  After I was out of her eyesight, I pulled the Glock into my hand, prepared for anything. While notification had been sent through the various agencies of my ‘death,’ there was always a chance the news hadn’t been believed. I disengaged the security system so there would be no change in appearance on the various consoles. I entered through one of the side doors.

  The sound of a Rachmaninoff concerto pulled anger to the surface, an emotion I quickly pushed away. Another betrayal. Perhaps I needed to find another selection of music. As I walked toward my office, I simply allowed my training to take over. I pushed on the partially open door, walking inside without making a sound.

  The sight of the treacherous beast quieted my demons.

  “Hello, Sergei.”

  Sergei dropped the glass in his hand, jerking around to face me, his face twisting in horror. He quickly attempted recovery, offering a plastic smile even as his eyes registered the weapon in my hand. “Oh, my God. You’re alive. I heard you were killed by Baranov.”

  “Well, you heard wrong.” I studied him intently, allowing a sly smile to appear on my face. Then I scanned the surroundings, taking a deep breath. “It would appear you’ve made yourself at home.”

  “I was just taking care of business,” he croaked, moving around the edge of the desk. I was able to see the outline of his gun and I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to use it. “I’m glad you’re back, boss.”

  “Both you and I know better.”

  “Boss?”

  I pulled the silencer from my jacket, taking exaggerated seconds to secure it on the barrel. “It’s time for you to cut the crap, Sergei. I know exactly what you did. Your loyalty to Pavel should have tipped me off. What I am curious about is how you managed to take a picture of Katina and me all those years ago and why wait to use it? I’m certain you were paid handsomely for betraying me.”

  He sputtered several times as he gripped the edge of the desk. “You don’t understand.”

  “I think I do. You hated the fact I was close to Baranov, attempting any means at discrediting me. When you were assigned to follow me anywhere, you were angry. Incensed. You never wanted to leave the Baranov organization. You figured that the only way to gain favor with Pavel was to make certain I was taken out of the picture. I must say that your acting was brilliant.”

  “That’s not what happened. Pavel had a suspicion before I said anything.” As soon as he issued the words, he groaned. I couldn’t help but notice the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “I’m sorry, Kostya. I really am. He forced me to talk to him, to tell him everything I knew about the time you spent with his daughter.”

  “Why?” While I didn’t give a shit, my curiosity got the better of me.

  “He was taunted by the Armenian bastard after they got into a recent turf war.”

  “Drakoff? He’s no real threat any longer.”

  He held up his hands. “That’s where you are wrong. I swear to God, Pavel threatened me, Kostya. I had no other choice but to tell him everything I knew. I never meant to hurt you.”

  “Except you relayed every scrap of information about Giliana and my whereabouts to him. Didn’t you?”

  He wiped his face, his breath ragged.

  “Didn’t. You?”

  “Yes. Okay. Yes. I had to.” He lowered his head, his entire body shaking.

  He was genuinely scared, as he should be.

  “And the diamond?”

  Swallowing, he gave me a timid look before walking toward one of the half dozen safes that had been put into position in the house, Sergei knowing every code. I shook my head as I watched him fumbling to press in the combination, finally retrieving a box. As he walked toward me, he held it out, blinking several times.

  “I was under orders to take it back from Worthington. I should have killed the asshole then.”

  “I’m sure you were under orders. You can put the box on the table,” I directed.

  He did as I asked, taking two long strides away from it. “I can still be helpful to you, Kostya. You don’t have to kill me.”

  I took a deep breath, holding it in for a few seconds. When I exhaled, I knew what I wanted to do. “You are fully aware that the members of the Specialists who perform the very same operation that I do are all very dangerous in their fields of expertise. Correct?”

  “Yes. Of course.”

  “You must know that the Armenians are pissed at being blamed for something they had no part of and are looking for revenge. Correct?”

  His mouth twisted and this time, he only nodded.

  “Well, as you might imagine, I’ve made certain to let both parties know where they can begin... let’s just say reclaiming their territory.” I locked eyes with his, offering a genuine smile. I held the gun in position for a full minute before walking toward the table, retrieving the box. “I’m going to leave you with certain choices, Sergei. You have your fate in your hands. Either you can run and try and hide from the mercenaries and monsters who will be coming for you.”

  I left the words hanging.

  “Or?” he asked, choking on the single word.

  “Or you can make another choice. That’s the beauty of being in America. Freedom of choice.” I gave him a nod of respect before walki
ng out of the room.

  Maybe I was turning a corner, allowing change.

  The thought brought me yet another smile.

  As I walked out of the house, I took the time to remove the silencer, placing the weapon in my pocket. Today was a new day, the start of a new life. While I almost allowed myself to hope and dream, I was no fool.

  Giliana had her own life.

  Her choice.

  Her decision.

  Even if I would forever own her in my mind.

  I took a quick glance at the diamond, marveling at its beauty, although nothing would compare to Giliana’s stunning eyes or bright smile, both of which I hoped to see again.

  As I walked down the driveway, I removed an envelope. The information inside would either give Giliana peace of mind or further push her away. And there was nothing I could do to change that fact.

  Seconds later, I stopped long enough to take a quick glance at the house. No, I wasn’t sorry to leave.

  The single gunshot broke the silence of the lovely day. Any other man, a good man, would be horrified at the realization of what had just occurred.

  But I wasn’t that kind of man. In fact, I was elated.

  One more loose end gone.

  Change.

  * * *

  Giliana

  Love.

  The word was easier to think about than before, even to say out loud. I was in love with a dangerous man, one capable of doing heinous deeds. He was also capable of great gentleness. I would never forget the way he held me after I’d been shot, cradling me in his arms and rocking me tenderly. I would also never forget the words he’d said to me for the first time.

  I love you.

  They’d brought me out of the darkness, keeping me conscious until the ambulance had arrived. While the next several hours had been a blur, including the surgery to remove the bullet, I would never forget every word Kostya had said to me during the last week. Even his visits to the hospital had been so welcoming. What surprised me the most is that he’d brought me home, at least for a little while. I had no idea what that would mean, or even if I wanted to live in New Orleans any longer, but time would tell just like it would continue healing my body.

  The doctors had called me lucky, the bullet nicking a single major artery before going through cleanly. What they didn’t know is that I’d seen a flash, my instinct telling me to duck. Maybe Kostya had rubbed off on me. I smiled at the thought, taking a quick glance out the window as Kostya approached the SUV.

  Kostya seemed pensive, his eyes as cold as they’d been when we first met. As he’d told me, he had unfinished business in New Orleans. Sadly, I knew exactly what that meant, even if he refused to explain.

  As he climbed into the car, he sighed then planted a smile on his face. “That didn’t take too long. Did it?”

  “No. Everything okay?” I asked, studying his face.

  “Everything is... perfect,” Kostya answered.

  “Where to, boss?” the driver asked as he peered into the rearview mirror.

  Kostya reached forward, handing him a folded note. “I have an address for you, Tony. Take your time getting there.”

  “You got it, boss. I’ll take the scenic route,” Tony answered.

  “Where are we going?” I asked, fearful of the answer.

  He sensed my tension, reaching over and taking my hand into his. The small gesture was enough to bring the usual desire to the surface, my nipples aching to have his mouth on them. That would have to wait.

  Business had to come first.

  “I need to talk to you,” he said in such a quiet manner, as if he had no idea how I’d react.

  “Okay.”

  I’d been told very few details, other than the man who’d shot me had been a vile criminal who’d escaped from some Russian prison. The single bullet he’d shot through the window had been long range, his specialty. From what I’d heard mostly from the Italian news, he’d been found shot to death two days later.

  Ironically, the murder had occurred during the few hours that Kostya hadn’t been by my side. I’d learned not to ask questions I didn’t want to know the answer to and at this point, I was content with not knowing. I wasn’t a stupid girl, completely aware that life with my beautiful, brooding Russian wouldn’t be easy or even safe, but I wasn’t certain my heart had any other choice.

  That is, if he wanted me.

  In one hand was an oversized envelope. In the other he held a box.

  “The diamond?” I asked, actually eager to see what had caused such a fury.

  His lifted his eyebrow, a mischievous look crossing his face. “Would you like to see it?”

  “Absolutely.” I leaned over and as he opened the lid, I couldn’t help but be in awe. The diamond sparkled even in the dim lighting of the SUV, the facets mesmerizing. Sadly, I wasn’t certain I ever wanted to own something so precious.

  “At least it’s over,” I said, although I knew there was more to the time in the city.

  “Almost. The diamond will be returned to its rightful owner.” He eased the box onto the floor then fingered the envelope several times before handing it to me. “There is information inside, Giliana, that you need to see. While I can’t tell you much about the people I work with, I can allow you to know that they have contacts all over the world. Through their extensive systems, they can find any information no matter the level of security.”

  “You’re scaring me.”

  He placed his hand on mine, squeezing. “Please take a look inside.”

  I hesitated, my nerves on edge. I didn’t like surprises but knew that whatever he wanted me to see was important to him. As I peeled away the lip, pulling out the papers inside, I gave him another glance. I’d never seen his expression so hopeful.

  After unfolding the documents and studying the first page, I was perplexed even as my skin tingled. I shifted to the second then third page, picking up speed as I shuffled through them, taking a quick glance at the others. “I don’t understand.” Even though the written words were clear, the meaning sent a shiver dancing down my spine.

  “Your mother did indeed die of cancer. It started out in her lymph nodes, spreading quickly to her brain. Your father had nothing to do with what happened. From everything I’ve been able to find, he doted on her during her brief illness.” Kostya said the words in such a tender manner that I found myself crowding closer to him.

  “And the rest?” I was thrown into a vacuum, unable to think clearly.

  “Your mother did hire an attorney the day after she was diagnosed. She managed to redirect several thousand dollars into a separate fund your father wasn’t aware of. Before she died, she left explicit instructions of how she wanted the monies distributed as well as an indication of how they should be invested. Both you and your brother will have a hefty sum coming to you this year.”

  I blinked several times, taking another look at the information. While I wanted tears to form, to be able to release the years of guilt and pain I’d felt, they didn’t seem to come. Perhaps I was merely in shock.

  “Your mother loved you dearly, Giliana, but I also believe your father does as well,” Kostya whispered, easing my head against his arm.

  I allowed the comfort, my heart racing. All the years I’d hated my father had been... A lump formed in my throat. We sat quietly for several minutes as Tony negotiated the long way through the downtown streets, as if we were nothing but tourists enjoying our time together, but I realized where Kostya was taking me.

  Turning, I offered a slight smile. “Thank you.”

  “I hope you don’t think I was interfering, but you had the right to learn the truth.”

  “I’m grateful, but I’m not certain I want to see my father.”

  “That’s your choice.”

  I thought about the opportunity and knew that if I didn’t face my own personal demons, they would haunt me forever. “You know what? You’re right. I will see him. Is he expecting me?”

  “No. He has no idea
that you’re in town, but he is in his office. That much I know.” Kostya’s voice still held such sadness.

  “I’m ready.”

  Whether or not that was the truth I couldn’t seem to admit to myself. I’d hated my father for several reasons, including his criminal activities. I wanted no part of his life, at least in that regard, but he was still my father. And I loved him.

  Just like I loved the man who’d found the courage to allow me to see the truth.

  There was some irony in that fact, even though I wasn’t entirely certain what it would mean for the future.

  When Tony finally pulled into the parking lot of my father’s office, I tensed, even if I was armed with the truth. “Will you come upstairs with me?”

  “If you’d like.”

  “Yes. You give me strength.”

  He squeezed my hand before opening the door, guiding me into the sunshine. The day was beautiful, the humidity almost refreshing. While I’d loved the time spent in Italy, being here was more peaceful than I could have dreamed of.

  There was no one in the elevator on the ride to the top floor. I held my head high, the envelope in my hand as I walked into the lobby. Fortunately, the receptionist was on the phone, allowing me to walk past without hesitation.

  “I’ll remain here,” Kostya said.

  I gave him a longing look as well as a smile before I walked down the hallway.

  I knocked once on my father’s door, entering without being acknowledged.

  “Giliana. You’re okay!” He jumped up from behind his desk, moving immediately closer.

  “Yes, I’m fine, Father.”

  “You disappeared. I tried to get in touch with you, even contacting the police.”

  “There were reasons, including the fact you stole the Mandalorian diamond.”

  His face clouded and he slumped against his desk. “I was... forced to do so.”

  “I think you can cut the charade. I know all about your gambling and what you were required to do. I can’t imagine what you had to endure; however, that doesn’t release you from the criminal activity you’ve been involved with for years. You worked hard to build this company. What happened, Father? Why did you lose your soul?”

  It felt good to confront him, even if I felt the familiar clenching of fingers around my throat.