Andrei closed his eyes and fought for sanity. “Fine. I am going to shower the club off of me.” Andrei’s eyebrow raised as Devin got off the couch. “What are you doing now?”
“I’m going with you.”
“You are going to shower with me?”
“No, I’m going to stand in the bathroom while you do.”
Andrei put his hands on his hips. “You are insane.”
“So I’ve been told.” Devin walked to the bathroom and opened the door. “After you.”
Andrei’s eyes wandered over Lyons’ chest. A few scars peppered his torso; some looked like bullet scars and he had a scar on his stomach. “Appendix?”
“Yes, I had it out.”
“What is the other scar? The one on your left side?”
“Bullet.”
Andrei raised a brow. “Where did you get that one?”
“No clue.” Devin waved at Andrei. “Shower?”
“What do you mean you don’t know where the bullet scar came from?” Devin spoke in Russian and Andrei sighed in frustration. “Okay, let me rephrase. How do you not remember getting shot?”
“It happened before I lost my memory. I woke up and they told me that in addition to the injuries from the wreck, I had apparently had my appendix removed when I was about 18 and had this bullet scar that looked about the same age.” Devin leaned against the door. “The other ones I got over the years; I do remember how I got them, though.” Devin looked over Panchenko. “Don’t worry; I’ll close my eyes while you undress.”
“It is not necessary for you to be in the bathroom with me. I will not leave again.”
Devin peered into the bathroom. “There’s a window in the shower.”
“I am not going to crawl naked down the drainage pipe. I promise.” Andrei removed his shirt and stalked past Lyons.
Devin averted his eyes as Andrei removed his jeans, kicking them into the corner of the bathroom. Boxer briefs flew past him a second later. Devin closed his eyes and thought about anything but a naked, wet Andrei. Nuns came to mind. Devin kept his eyes closed as the bathroom started to steam up. His mind wandered again and he could almost see Andrei in the shower, his hands flowing over those taut muscles. Devin squeezed his eyes shut. Nuns, nuns, puppies…
“Agent Lyons?”
“What?”
“Could you hand me my towel, please?” Andrei peeked around the shower door.
Devin grabbed the towel and walked backwards to the shower. Holding it out, he waited for Andrei to take it from him. The towel still in his hand, Devin frowned.
“Hello? Here’s your towel.”
“I cannot reach it.”
Devin turned and his eyes widened. He could see every tiny, minute piece of flesh on Andrei Panchenko through the clear glass door. Shit, shit, shit! Devin turned back quickly and thrust the towel out again, this time in the right direction.
“You act like you have never seen a man naked, Lyons,” Andrei grinned, wiping the wetness from his face.
“I’m bi, so obviously I have. I just didn’t expect to have to see my mortal enemy in his birthday suit.”
Andrei stepped out of the shower, wrapping the towel around his waist.
“Why do you hate me so much, Lyons?”
Devin looked over his shoulder. “If I have to tell you, I’m going to shoot you right here.”
Andrei raised a brow and then shrugged. “It is of no consequence to me. Good night, Lyons.” Andrei brushed past him in the doorway and walked to his bed. Setting the alarm, he threw the wet towel from his body and crawled under the covers.
“Do you always sleep naked or is this just for my benefit?” Devin settled on the couch again.
“I’m not naked - I also sleep with my gun.”
“Yeah? So do I.”
~*~
Morning rays lit up the room and Devin stretched out - and promptly rolled right off the couch. The floor met with his shoulder and he grunted. He’d forgotten where he was for a second. Devin stood up and looked at Andrei’s made bed.
“Dammit!” Devin hissed. “This man is going to die and I won’t even get to do it!” Devin threw some jeans on and stuck his gun in the waistband. Stalking down the hall, he entered the kitchen to find Ivan with the paper, sipping his coffee. Again.
“Good morning, Agent Lyons. Did we sleep well?” Ivan held back a laugh as Devin leaned on the kitchen table staring at him.
“Where. Is. He?”
“Andrei?” Ivan sipped his coffee again, hiding the grin behind the cup.
Devin fought for composure. “No. Santa Claus. Where is he?”
“He is probably in the gardens. Take the secret door in his room and follow it out.”
“Is that how he got past me last night?” Devin grabbed a cup and poured himself coffee.
“He will be there.” Ivan stood up and tucked the paper under his arm. “Try not to lose him again, Agent Lyons. We will be leaving in an hour. Be ready.”
“Wait, what?” Devin set the cup down.
“We have errands to run. Do not try to talk Andrei out of them. He will not listen.”
“Son of a bitch,” Devin muttered.
He grabbed his cup and went back down the hall to Andrei’s room. The secret door was cracked and Devin flipped the light on. The hall was narrow, probably a panic tunnel. He followed it for a good half mile before he came to another door. Pushing it open, he found himself in a garden. The cold was taking its toll on the roses; they wilted and drooped. Devin took a breath of fresh air and noticed the gazebo across from him, occupied by a dark haired man. Devin took the path around and mounted the steps. Andrei glanced over his shoulder and sighed. Devin looked out over a frozen pond. It was beautiful out here.
“I see you found me,” Andrei groused.
“This is the second time in twenty-four hours you have disappeared on me. Are you trying to die, Panchenko?” Devin sat on the railing regarding Andrei. He wore jeans and a thick grey sweater; snow boots wrapped around his muscular calves.
“I do not wish to live my life in fear, Lyons. I have not come this far in life because I was afraid of every little thing. Ivan raised me to be a strong man.”
“Speaking of Ivan, he said you have errands to run?”
“Yes, I do. I will not put them off either.” Andrei stood with his back to Lyons. “I made promises and I will keep them.”
“Well, let’s get going then.”
Andrei turned to look at Lyons. “You are not going to argue?”
Devin looked out over the pond. “What would be the point? You’re going to fight me on everything. I’m going to have to find a way to keep you alive. It’s a challenge,” Devin grinned.
Andrei shook his head smiling. “You are crazy, you do know that?”
“So they tell me.” Devin looked around. “I wouldn’t stand out in the open if I were you. Anyone with a high powered rifle and decent scope could take you out.”
“You always think of death, don’t you?”
Devin shrugged. “It’s what I would do.”
~~*~~
An hour later they were packed into the limo. Andrei sat between Ivan and Viktor. Devin sat opposite them watching the countryside. Russia had always left a bad taste in his mouth. Borkosky had put it there. The one thing he could give Andrei credit for was wiping that piece of shit off the planet. Devin watched as buildings started coming into view. His mind went back to his meeting with Andrei. The people he’d admitted to killing were material witnesses in various crimes. Although they had committed crimes themselves, the FBI had wanted them to give up the bigger fish.
Alphonse Rizzo had been the worst of the worst. When they had tried to bring him in, they’d hit a dead end. The man had vanished off the face of the Earth. Now he knew Andrei was responsible for that. The FBI would want that information. Devin gritted his teeth, Andrei had said it off the record. It didn’t matter; James Jacobs would never take Andrei in for that.
Devin didn’t think an
yone knew just how much power James had. He’d done his own research into the man and came up with zilch. Whoever was hiding James’ authority was doing one hell of a job. A large brick building came into view and the limo stopped in the parking lot. Devin shot Andrei a look.
“I will stay right here until you tell me to come out,” Andrei said pleasantly.
Devin raised a brow and exited the limo. Taking a look around, he noted every possible hiding spot. Opening the limo door, he put his hand out to Andrei.
“Come on. Stay behind me.”
Andrei put his hand in Lyons’ and felt a small shock shoot up his arm. His eyes met with Lyons’ and he dropped his hand. He got out of the limo and stayed behind the agent. Ivan and Viktor flanked them as they walked up to the massive brick building. The door opened and Devin looked right into the eyes of a nun.
“Andrei! The kids have been waiting for you!” she fairly squealed.
Devin ushered Andrei into the building. He looked down the long hallway and heard little voices.
“What is this place?” he asked.
“An orphanage.” Andrei turned to Ivan and Viktor. “Would you please grab the packages from the limo?” Andrei turned to the woman he’d known since he was a small boy. “Valya, how good it is to see you.”
“Andrei!”
Devin turned quickly to see a little girl, maybe ten, running down the hall, arms spread wide.
“Please do not shoot her,” Andrei deadpanned.
“Shut up,” Devin grumbled.
Andrei opened his arms. “Marina! Look how you have grown!” Marina ran into him, almost knocking him over and he held her tight. Andrei pulled back from the hug with a smile. “Look at you! You have grown at least a foot!”
“Where have you been?” Marina pouted. “You were gone for so long!”
“I am truly sorry. I have brought gifts for all of you. Am I forgiven?” Andrei grinned. “Your hair has grown.” Andrei pulled on one of the curls cascading from Marina’s head. It coiled back up as Andrei released it.
Marina looked up at the man with Andrei. “Who are you?”
“That is a good friend of mine. You may call him Mr. Lyons,” Andrei said, narrowing his eyes at Lyons.
“He looks mean.” Marina eyed the man.
“Well, it’s his job to be mean. He protects me from bad men.”
Marina stepped around Andrei and looked up at the man currently scowling.
“You will take good care of Andrei, right?”
Devin crouched down and tried to smile. “I’ll make sure he’s safe.”
“Good!” Marina grinned and threw herself into the man’s arms.
Devin looked up in shock. Ivan was grinning, holding a dozen or so bags. He pulled out of the hug and stood up, clearing his throat. “Well, looks as if someone has brought you presents.”
Marina squealed and jumped up and down in front of Ivan and Viktor. “Is it the doll? Tell me! Is it?”
Andrei chuckled. “Yes, Marina. It is the doll you wanted so much.”
“Thank you!” Marina flew into Andrei’s arms.
Andrei cradled the young girl and smiled. “You are most welcome.”
Devin stood, arms crossed. More kids ran down the hall and surrounded Panchenko, hugging him and taking turns squealing as he revealed the presents he had brought with him. Devin glanced sideways and saw Ivan’s huge smile as the kids crawled all over Andrei. The nun who had opened the door clapped her hands looking at the children.
“Children! Let Andrei sit down and have some coffee. He will read you a story after he has had cookies.”
“Thank you, Andrei.” Marina kissed his cheek and hugged him again.
Andrei palmed her face and kissed her cheek. “It is my pleasure.” He smiled as Marina ran down the hall giggling. He turned his attention to Valya. “How have you been? Have you gotten everything you needed?”
Valya smiled and ushered them into the sitting room. “Yes, thank you, Andrei. The children have gotten more clothing and warm blankets.”
“Should I call her ‘sister’ or something?” Devin whispered into Ivan’s ear.
“No, Valya does not like the formality of it all,” Ivan said.
“So, introduce me to the bodyguard.” Valya smiled at the look of shock on the man’s face.
“Valya, this is Special Agent Devin Lyons of the FBI.” Andrei motioned to Lyons.
“Special agent, eh?” Valya raised a brow. “FBI? What have you done Andrei?” Valya snickered.
“He was almost killed, Valya,” Ivan sat back in the chair as Valya handed him a cup of coffee. “Leonid is dead.”
“Oh, no,” Valya shook her head and turned to look at Andrei. “You blame yourself. I see the sadness in your eyes.”
“It would not have happened if I had not offered him my limo. Leonid would be here with his family,” Andrei sighed.
“And you would be dead,” Devin sat forward accepting the coffee from Valya. “I’m guessing that Mr. Panchenko gives a lot of money to the orphanage?”
Valya nodded.
“Well then, what would the kids have to look forward to if you’d died?” Devin sat back and sipped his coffee and raised a brow at Panchenko.
Andrei scowled.
Devin sat quietly as Andrei, Ivan and Viktor laughed and talked with Valya. He looked around the room and saw that it had been recently painted. Old furniture was in the corner while newer desks sat against the wall ready to be placed in whatever room needed them. Devin was getting the idea that Panchenko gave quite a bit of money to the orphanage. After coffee and cookies - really good cookies - they made their way to another room. A large area rug sat in the middle of the floor and the kids were all sitting around it, talking quietly. They all looked up as Andrei walked in and their grins were infectious. Devin couldn’t help but smile as all the kids raced to Andrei, enveloping him in their arms.
“What should we read today?” Andrei sat in a rocking chair and grinned at the kids.
“We should finish ‘Cinderella’!” Marina giggled.
Devin held back a laugh as the boys in the circle moaned.
“Oh come now,” Andrei sat forward. “Even little boys look for the one true love! Bring me the book please, Marina.”
Devin sat in the back of the room with Ivan and Viktor as Panchenko read the book to the children. He even made the voices for the stepsisters. Devin couldn’t stop looking at the man as he read. His smile brightened the whole room. Even after years of surveillance on the mob boss, this was a side he’d never seen. It was hard to believe that the man who was reading ‘Cinderella’ to orphaned kids – and talking like a chubby mouse might - could kill another human being so easily.
He’d never wanted kids, not with the lifestyle he led. But sitting in the room filled with children, Devin felt a foreign feeling developing in his heart. They were all cast aside for one reason or another. Devin looked up to see Panchenko looking at him. He averted his eyes and looked over at the bookshelf full of books. Probably another gift from Panchenko. Devin was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of a book slamming shut.
“I don’t want it to be over!” Marina pouted.
Andrei leaned forward and caressed Marina’s face. “That is not the end, Marina. It is only the beginning. You must make them a happy ever after in here.” Andrei tapped Marina’s heart.
“Then they will always be happy and in love!” Marina crawled in Andrei’s lap. “You need a happy ending.” Marina smiled, looking up at Andrei. “Someone to love.”
Andrei looked up to see Lyons looking at him. “Maybe someday.”
Devin averted his eyes and found something on the floor to look at. What the fuck was going on with him? Panchenko was a murdering bastard. He needed to keep that thought in the front of his mind always.
They said goodbye to the kids and loaded back into the limo. The ride back to the mansion was quiet. As soon as they arrived, Devin followed Panchenko back to his room and stood by the door as the
man started to undress.
“What are you doing?”
Andrei sighed in frustration. “I am mowing the lawn.”
“You don’t have a lawn to mow. The grass is dead.”
“I am undressing!” Andrei snarled. “I need to change. I have a meeting in an hour.”
“What meeting? Ivan didn’t say anything about a meeting.”
Andrei grabbed jeans from his closet and threw on a T-shirt. “I am meeting with people from town.”
“In jeans?” Devin arched a brow.
“It helps them to feel comfortable with me. I am less intimidating in jeans. Christophe suggested it and it has worked.”
“Yes, where is Chris?” Devin looked around the room. “I’m surprised he’s not waiting in your bed naked.”
Andrei turned slowly. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“I saw you guys dancing last night,” Devin snorted. “If that’s what you want to call it.”
Andrei took a deep breath and glared at Agent Lyons. “What I do or who I do is none of your business.” Andrei crossed the room and stopped in front of Lyons. “For someone who has watched me for years, you have no idea who I really am. I would never bed a married man, I would never cheat and I love with my whole heart.”
“It helps if the person you love loves you back, huh?” Devin didn’t even see the slap to his face coming. His skin prickled at the force of it. His hand went to his cheek as Andrei stalked past him out the door. Devin stepped out into the hall. “Too soon?”
Panchenko flipped him off as he continued down the hall.
“Nice.”
Devin turned to find Chris frowning at him.
“You are such an ass.” Chris stalked past Lyons, running to catch up with Andrei.
Devin straightened his tie and followed Chris down the hall. As he turned down the corridor, he saw a line of people waiting outside Panchenko’s library. He found Ivan at the door and pulled him aside.
“Who are these people?”
“They have come to ask Andrei for help.”
“With what?” Devin’s eyes darted from person to person, assessing them. Most of them wore older, seasoned clothing. Big, bulky jackets and snow boots that had seen better days. “Did you check them for weapons?”
Into the Lyons Den Page 6