Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83221 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Interesting. What did you say your name was?"
“Linda Rogue.”
I just have to get into Mikhail Romanov’s office. By the time I get in there, they might’ve already realized this is a front, but I’ll have my audience.
"What time is your appointment?"
I glance at my watch and frown. "Five minutes ago?" I say, hoping that they'll believe it. "I'm sorry, but I can't wait much longer. I'm happy to schedule another appointment, though unfortunately I’m booking six months out.” I pull out my phone and pretend to open up the calendar app.
I feel the heat of his glare across the room. “Fine. Take her in. I’ll get our database back up.”
My heart thumps. I swallow. I can almost audibly hear the clicking of an imaginary clock on how much time I have before I’m discovered.
I may have done my research before I came in here. I may know that the man I’m about to face is Mikhail Romanov, eldest of the Bratva brotherhood here in The Cove, and the man that works with him here is either Aleksandr or Lev. Likely Aleksandr, because he’s closer in age to Mikhail.
The Romanovs are widely known in these parts for ruthless extortion outside The Cove, but here, they run things at a quieter pace. Most suspect their businesses are a front for extortion and money laundering, but a perusal of the Dark Web reveals contractual assassinations and elite levels of espionage. They maintain respect from those outside their family by exacting revenge on those that betray them and making no effort at hiding the discipline they require within their own family.
The local papers are notably quiet about their presence here, but the Dark Web tells another story – violent turf wars, brutal public punishments for crimes against them, high-profile assassinations to eliminate anyone who stands in their way.
I’ve made a terrible mistake.
Their assistant’s heels click on the marble floor as she walks away from me. “Miss Rogue? This way, please.”
I have to do this.
When she opens the door to his office, I have to force myself not to gape. If I didn’t already know Mikhail Romanov was a former military officer and billionaire with a cutthroat reputation, his office would tell me. It screams power, efficiency, and ruthless determination.
Dominated by dark yet simple mahogany furniture, the space is immaculate. The largest leather chair I’ve ever seen sits behind an imposing executive-style desk positioned to command immediate attention.
I nearly salivate at the state-of-the-art computer setup — multiple screens, a custom keyboard you can’t find in any shop, complete with an ergonomic wireless mouse. Not a cable’s in sight, hidden from view, a wireless charging pad to the right.
“Please, make yourself at home. He’ll be right with you. May I get you a cup of coffee? Water?”
“I — water would be great, thank you.” I’d kill for a hot cup of coffee, but I don’t need to add to my jitters. A shot of whiskey would be heaven.
I take the bottle of water gratefully and give her a smile. With shaking hands, I twist the top off and take a swig.
Heavy footsteps sound behind me. I nearly choke on my water.
“Mr. Romanov! The woman I called about is here, sir. Your brother is looking into the scheduling software now.”
Your brother. Of course.
I sit nervously on my seat, my fingers wrapped around my water bottle. I did my research before I came here. I know who he is, and what he looks like. His background.
Mikhail Romanov was a soldier who suffered PTSD after witnessing undisclosed “war crimes.” He was born in Russia and is skilled in combat. He’s ten years my senior and the eldest in his family.
But one thing you realize about reading details online? Nothing is what it seems.
For example, you can read a person’s height is 6’2”, but when a man who's actually 6'2" tall and 250 pounds of solid muscle enters the room? It's a completely different experience. You can read “covered in tattoos, Russian heritage, pierced ears, scarred upper cheek,” but you don't know how terrifying that looks when you see those details in person. And even the Dark Web was eerily absent of any pictures.
And nothing I read said…dangerously sexy.
Mikhail Romanov enters — no, prowls — into the room with a scowl I feel in my very bones.
It takes everything in me not to run.
CHAPTER FIVE
Aria
I’m unprepared for the way he towers over both of us. For the piercing coldness of his gaze. For the heat that emanates from him as if he’s stepped straight out of the fiery depths of hell.
But worst of all? I’m unprepared for the way my body responds to his utter perfection.
Deep-set dark brown eyes beneath heavy brows. Golden, tanned skin, and dark brown hair tinged with flecks of gold. A square, clean-shaven jawline. All his features make him arrestingly masculine and undeniably attractive. He carries his large frame effortlessly, corded muscle and strength barely hidden under a crisp white shirt.