Broken Wings (The Broken Series Book 3)

by Ruff, K. S.

  “Za vas” sounded around the room. Everyone raised his glass in our direction and took a drink before returning to his seat.

  Shae and I fidgeted nervously. Neither of us was comfortable with the attention. I was thankful we didn’t have to reciprocate with our own toast. Cory was not so lucky. Nonna had instructed him to offer a toast of thanks, directly following the dean’s toast.

  Cory rose from his seat. This time, everyone else in the room remained seated. He reached for his wine glass. “My colleagues and I would like to thank Dean Bykov and Dr. Nonna Tselikova for inviting us to Ukraine. We are honored to be here, and we are humbled by your hospitality. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. Za vas.”

  Oni placed her hand on mine as I reached for my water glass. “It is considered impolite to toast with water. You must toast with wine or champagne.”

  Heat flooded my cheeks as I reached for the champagne glass. I had hoped to avoid drinking alcohol. I pasted a smile on my face and tapped my champagne flute against Oni and Igor’s glasses before lightly tapping Shae’s glass. Nonna and Dean Bykov nodded politely. They weren’t drinking since Cory’s toast had mentioned them by name. “Za vas,” I repeated before taking a small sip of champagne.

  The waitresses began pouring vodka all along our table. A man dressed entirely in black stood from the table near the door. I shuddered when his eyes met mine. It was eerie how much the guy looked like Michael with his dark wavy hair, hooded brown eyes, and five o’clock shadow.

  I inventoried the differences as I continued studying him. This guy was a lot bigger than Michael, his entire body appeared harder, and there was a dangerous edge to his gaze that made me feel like a lamb being taken to slaughter. I turned my attention to the men seated around him. All six men seated at that table were dressed in black suits with black shirts and ties.

  The gentleman who was standing reached for his shot glass. Once again, everyone stood. Oni rested her hand on my shoulder when I attempted to stand, so I dropped back into my seat. Shae, Cory, and Sammi also remained seated.

  The man glanced at Shae and Sammi before shifting his attention to Cory. “I too would like to welcome our guests from America. Despite what the media might portray, we really are quite fond of your country and your people. We hope this event marks the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Za vas!”

  “Za vas!” sounded around the room again. The four of us nodded politely while everyone drank their shots. The waitresses poured another round of shots while everyone settled back into his seat.

  Once the drinks were poured, the gentleman who looked like Michael stood again. “I would like to propose another toast to honor my friend and our most gracious host Aleksandr Bykov, without whom we would not have had this opportunity to meet.”

  I had no interest in doing vodka shots my first night in Ukraine, especially when Rafael had warned me not to drink, but Oni shook her head when I attempted to set my vodka back on the table. She whispered in my ear. “You don’t decline a drink from the Russian mafia. Ever. You need to drink it now. He’s watching you.”

  I glanced worriedly at the man who had given the toast. He was watching me with a mildly amused look on his face. My hand shook as I lifted the shot glass and raised it in his direction. I vowed it would be my first and last shot in Ukraine. The vodka slid smoothly down my throat. Warmth flooded every inch of my body as the liquid hit my empty stomach.

  Shae reached for my hand. “You okay?”

  I giggled nervously, then whispered in her ear. “You do realize we’re doing shots with the Russian mafia?”

  Sammi scooted to the front of the table with a camera. “I want to get a picture of the three of you,” she announced a little too loudly.

  I thought it was an odd time for a picture, but I understood the point when Cory wrapped his arms around Shae and me and pulled our heads close to his. “Drink your water halfway down, conceal your shot glass with your hand, then pour it in the water glass before you bring the shot glass to your lips,” he instructed as we posed for the picture.

  Six more toasts ensued once Sammi and Cory returned to their seats. I couldn’t drink my water fast enough to avoid the next three shots, but I was able to dump the vodka into the water glass by the fifth shot. I soon realized the effort was futile. I was already feeling tipsy from the first four shots.

  Oni gave me a disapproving look when she caught me dumping the sixth shot into my water glass. “You are going to insult someone.”

  I sighed irritably. “I can’t drink any more alcohol. It will make me sick.”

  The waitress delivered our food while three women dressed as belly dancers walked to the center of the room. They began dancing with their scarves when the music began to play. The music sounded Moroccan. I glanced at Oni. “What kind of restaurant is this?”

  She smiled. “This is a traditional Tatar restaurant. Do you like the dancers?”

  I studied the women who were dancing rather provocatively. “The women are quite beautiful. Is this costume traditional for Tatar women?”

  Oni shook her head. “No, but this is how men prefer to see them dress.”

  My eyes narrowed as I continued studying the women. “Is this a traditional dance?”

  Oni shook her head again. “No. This dance is strictly for entertainment purposes.”

  An ominous chill ran down my spine. I smiled politely at the dancers as I picked at my food. I was purposely avoiding the salad.

  One of the waitresses knelt next to me. “You do not like your wine, Ms. Stone?”

  I stared at her, shocked that a waitress who had never met me would address me by name. “The wine is lovely,” I replied cautiously.

  She looked confused. “But you are not drinking it. Perhaps I can find another wine that is more suitable for you.”

  Shae and I exchanged glances. “No, thank you. I’m happy with this wine.”

  She nodded politely before leaving the table. I watched as she crossed the room to speak to the gentleman who had given the toast with the vodka I had attempted to decline.

  His eyes locked on mine as she whispered in his ear.

  My heart stalled.

  “Don’t drink the wine. They refill it when you’re not looking. You’ll have no way to gauge how much you drink,” Shae warned in a hushed tone.

  I broke the man’s gaze as I pressed my lips to Shae’s ear. “Someone has taken notice of the fact that we’re not drinking. Oni said it’s insulting not to drink.”

  Shae shook her head. “Just pretend or take the smallest of sips.”

  I sighed as I lifted the wine glass to my lips. I took a small sip. The red liquid that slid through my lips tasted of honey. My stomach turned at the sickeningly sweet taste.

  Oni stood and reached for my arm. “Would you come with me, please?”

  I glanced up at her in surprise. “Where are we going?”

  She smiled tightly as she nodded toward Shae. “Mr. Markov has requested the two of you join him at his table.”

  I stood and all four vodka shots rocketed to my head. I steadied myself against the table as the room tilted. “Who’s Mr. Markov?”

  She nodded toward the table where the Russian mafia was seated. “He’s the gentleman whose drink you tried to refuse.”

  I tried not to panic, although I was quite certain that an invitation to join the Russian mafia warranted a full scale panic attack. The vodka helped.

  Oni linked her arm in mine. Igor reached for Shae’s elbow as they escorted us across the room.

  Mr. Markov stood as we approached his table. He immediately reached for my hand. “Ms. Stone, we were hoping you would join us.” He kissed the top of my hand rather gallantly before turning to greet Shae. “Ms. Garlington, it is a pleasure to meet you.” His English was every bit as good as the dean’s, but his accent was more pronounced.

  A waitress brought two additional chairs to the table and placed them next to Mr. Markov’s seat. He motioned toward the chair he had previously
been sitting in. “Ms. Garlington, please sit.”

  Igor nudged Shae forward as discreetly as he could. The gentleman sitting next to the empty seat rose as she approached. He reached for her hand. “Ms. Garlington, I am Konstantin Noskov. Thank you for joining us.” He kissed Shae’s hand before introducing her to the other men at the table.

  Mr. Markov still hadn’t released my hand. He sat in the chair next to Shae. Then he gently pulled me into the seat next to him, effectively ensuring that Shae and I were separated. He waved at Oni and Igor dismissively.

  I turned to address him. “Mr. Markov…”

  He practically purred. “Maxim, please.”

  I stilled as my body responded to the seductive tone. I fought for my composure while motioning toward the table where Nonna and Dean Bykov were still seated. “Won’t we offend our sponsors if we sit here instead of our designated seats?”

  He draped his arm over my shoulders. He wound one of the curls in my hair around his finger before gently releasing it. “You are precisely where you need to be, kotyonok.”

  I glanced at him, confused. “Kotyonok?”

  He inhaled deeply as he pressed his lips to my ear. His warm breath caressed my neck as he spoke. “Da, kotyonok… kitten.”

  My breath caught. I scrambled for some sort of retort but found I was completely incapable of thought.

  A waitress approached the table with a dark brown bottle. She handed the bottle to Maxim while another waitress lined up nine shot glasses.

  A creamy liquid splashed into the shot glasses as Maxim poured the drinks.

  Konstantin handed a shot glass to Shae before distributing drinks to the other men.

  Maxim reached for two shot glasses. He handed one to me before he rose to his feet. He nodded and smiled at the men who were sitting at the other end of the table before turning to face me. “To beautiful women, besotted men, and the passions that bind them.” Boisterous cheers sounded all around the table as the men clinked their shot glasses together.

  My heart pounded as his eyes captured and held mine. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being seduced by a darker, more dangerous version of Michael. I raised the shot glass to my lips. I knew there was no way I was getting out of this one. “Budmo,” I responded softly.

  He watched the liquid spill through my lips before tossing back his shot. His eyes fell on my lips before his finger did. He swiped his finger across my bottom lip, then lifted it to his mouth as he sat beside me. “Heavenly,” he murmured. “Do you like the taste?”

  The creamy liquid tasted vaguely familiar. I tried to pinpoint why. Hints of vanilla and coffee still lingered on my tongue. “It tastes like a White Russian,” I exclaimed softly. I gasped as my brain fled the room.

  His eyes darkened with desire. A wicked smile spread slowly across his face. Alarms sounded at the dangerous combination, then completely disappeared as he lowered his lips to mine. His tongue danced across my lips, then swept deep inside my mouth as he pulled me into a provocative kiss.

  I blinked when he finally released me. My eyebrows furrowed as my fingers rose to my lips. I stared at Maxim, thoroughly confused. “What just happened?”

  A deep throaty laugh rose from Maxim’s chest. “You tasted a white Russian.”

  I tried to steady myself in the chair as the room spun. I knew I was in serious trouble. I just couldn’t figure out how to flee the room without causing a scene. I tried to make eye contact with Shae, but Maxim held me in place as he refilled our shot glasses. Fear slid through me before the sixth shot did.

  I sat stiffly as Konstantin made a toast. I didn’t understand a single word he said although it seemed he was speaking English. I got the distinct impression the toast was an attempt at one-upmanship.

  Cory’s eyes locked worriedly on mine.

  “Help,” I breathed.

  “Kristine,” Maxim purred. He nodded toward my drink.

  I looked dazedly at the shot glass in my hand. “Za vas,” I responded as his hooded eyes met mine. My heart took a serious blow when I briefly mistook him for Michael.

  Maxim smiled as I threw back the shot. He removed the shot glass from my hand and set it on the table before grasping my thigh. He tangled his other hand in my hair as he pulled me in for another scorching kiss. His tongue was warm and seductive as it slid through my lips.

  I whimpered softly as fear collided with desire.

  Maxim tightened his hold on my hair as he deepened the kiss. His hand slid under the soft silk lining of my dress.

  I clenched my legs together, then groaned when it heightened my desire.

  “Delicious,” he breathed as he continued ravishing me with his lips.

  I tried to pull away as my body registered the alarms echoing through my brain, but Maxim tightened his hold on me.

  He looked mildly amused by my attempt to get away. His voice was low and seductive when he spoke. “Do you have a boyfriend, Kristine?”

  “Yes,” I breathed, grateful for the reprieve. “I have a boyfriend.”

  He looked around the room, then raised a single eyebrow mockingly. “Where is he?”

  I glanced around the room, confused. My eyes skimmed over Cory, Igor, Oni, and Nonna. They appeared to be arguing about something. My eyes locked on them as I responded absently. “He’s in DC.”

  Maxim hooked his finger under my chin. He forced me to look at him as his other hand slid a little further up my leg. “What kind of man would allow his woman to travel to Ukraine alone?”

  My eyes dilated, then sparked with fire. “Allow?”

  Maxim roared with laughter as he tucked me back under his arm. He turned toward Konstantin. “I do so love American women.”

  Maxim frowned as Cory and Sammi approached the table. Nonna, Oni, and Igor stood nervously behind them. Cory’s eyes hardened. “Please remove your hands from my girlfriend.”

  Maxim started toying with my hair again. “Kristine is not your girlfriend.” He nodded toward Sammi. “She is.”

  Cory’s jaw clenched. “Her boyfriend is a very good friend of mine. Please take your hands off of her.”

  Maxim laughed as he nodded at the waitress. She was approaching the table with another bottle of alcohol. “Then call him,” he suggested flatly.

  Cory’s jaw fell open. He quickly snapped it closed. “My cell phone doesn’t work here.”

  Maxim’s voice held a warning. “The SIM card you purchased this afternoon doesn’t work?”

  Cory’s face fell as Nonna gasped.

  Maxim narrowed his eyes at Cory. “Lie to me again and you will spend the rest of your life regretting it. Apparently, Kristine’s boyfriend is too busy to join her in Ukraine. Clearly, he has entrusted her to my care.” He turned toward Konstantin. “Odny noch'yu so mnoy, i ona zabudet shto etot chelovek sushestvoval.”

  Every man at the table laughed.

  Cory’s eyes met mine. “Do you understand what he just said?”

  I shook my head.

  Cory sighed. “He said, ‘One night with me and she will forget that man ever existed.’”

  A sudden wave of nausea hit me. My hand flew to my mouth as I stood. “Um, I need to find a bathroom. Now.”

  Oni reached for me. “I’ll take her.”

  Maxim rose to his feet. He pulled me into his chest and kissed me roughly before releasing me.

  My legs threatened to collapse. My breathing grew erratic as I stumbled toward the bathroom. I leaned against the wall in the hallway and tried to catch my breath.

  “Not here,” Oni hissed. “Keep walking.” She pushed me toward the bathroom, then followed me inside.

  I fell back against the cold wall. I slid down the wall until I was crouching with my chin resting on my knees. “What the hell is going on out there?”

  Oni crouched beside me. “Mr. Markov has a thing for blonds… and American women. Nonna knew he would be here tonight. He attends all of our government functions. She was worried he might hit on you after she saw your picture. That�
��s why I’m dressed like this.”

  I shook my head. I was trying to dispel the alcohol numbing my brain. “What picture? Why does everyone seem to know who we are?”

  Oni smiled encouragingly. “Your picture is on the Seeds for Peace website. Besides, no one enters this country without being thoroughly investigated.”

  I looked at her in surprise. “My picture is posted on our website?”

  She laughed softly. “You didn’t know that?”

  I shook my head. “No. They took my picture for my work ID. I didn’t know they were going to post it to the website.” I shook my head at my stupidity. I should have known my picture would be on the website. I had seen everyone else’s photograph when I researched the organization before my job interview. “Wait. What does that have to do with the way you’re dressed?”

  Oni blushed as she helped me to my feet. “Nonna thought I could divert attention from you if I wore this dress.”

  A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. “That is a pretty compelling dress.”

  Oni laughed but quickly grew serious. “Look, I wasn’t kidding. No one tells the Russian mafia no… especially where Mr. Markov is involved. He ranks pretty high in our region. If Mr. Markov insisted you go home with him, you would be forced to go. You can’t go back in there. We need to get you out of here.”

  My heart beat furiously against my chest. “I think I’m going to be sick.” I lunged for one of the stalls, then froze. “Where’s the toilet?”

  Oni’s head tilted curiously as she poked her head through the door. She pointed to a porcelain framed hole in the floor. “Right there.”

  “That’s a toilet?” I gasped. “You can’t be serious.”

  Oni nodded. “Aren’t they like this at your hotel?”

  I shook my head. “No.”

  She shrugged. “They are the same at the university.”

  I stepped back and looked at her shoes. “How in the world do you manage that…” I pointed to the hole in the floor, “with those?” I pointed to her five inch heels.