Page 3 of Demitri

Demitri Pavlov. Well, he goes by John Smith now, has been hiding in plain sight for over a year, working in a garage that restores custom cars and bikes. He goes up to Boulder Canyon quite a bit working with some guys up there who run a garage, trading parts and talking shop. I’ve been with him a few times, but only because no one forty minutes up the mountain range will have any idea who I am. I’m nobody. And whatever this thing between Demitri—or John—and me is, it’s not for public consumption. It’s a secret. And something about that makes it even more exciting.

I carry the food to the table. “Here you are, round one of food.” I smile, placing the appetizer plates on the table. “Will there be more joining you tonight, or is it just you six? Also, you’re new?” I point to a good-looking man sitting with the regulars.

“I’m Sam Carmichael, ma’am.” He dips his head in greeting.

“Well, I’m Mia, not ma’am,” I sass to the laughter of the guys. “This is my place, so let me formally welcome you to City Brews.”

“Thanks, it’s a nice place.”

“Sammy here is PD over in Briar Mountain.” Victoria smiles. “And we have a few more meeting us here tonight.”

“Yeah? Other women? These guys look like they could use the company.” I hitch my thumb at the other three guys. “Sam,I don’t know you well enough to know if you need company yet, but I know they’re always here alone. Unless it’s some odd relationship where you’re all with her?”

The comment gets the reaction I’m hoping for, the new guy, Sam, laughing until there are tears in his eyes, the other three guys unconsciously covering their dicks, and Daniel looking like he’s ready to go scorched earth if someone even looks at his woman too long.

“Oh, that’s funny,” she laughs. “But honestly, they couldn’t handle me. Even if they tried at the same time.”

I fist bump Victoria while the guys get their shit together. The door opens, and a woman comes in. Daniel stands from the table, walking over to her. They share a very platonic hug and he brings her to the table, where everyone seems to know her. So, not a naked partner for the lonely boys.

“Welcome to City Brews,” I greet her. “What can I get you?”

“Just a beer. I’ll share their pitcher.” She looks at everyone, daring them to argue.

“I’ll grab a mug and an extra plate.” I wink at her and make my way back to the bar.

Not twenty minutes later, the door opens again and two more people walk in, sharing a very indecent kiss at the entrance. Makes me sad that I’ll never have that, but I get over it quickly. I don’twantthat. Never will. That’s not what my life has in store for me. And I know the line. If I keep telling myself the lie, maybe one day even I’ll believe it.

I keep an eye on the group, giving them time to say their hellos before I take the new pair’s order, and smile to myself when they start congratulating the couple and passing hugs around.

I make my way back to the table, smiling when I genuinely welcome them. “Couldn’t help but overhear. Congratulations,lovebirds. I’m Mia, this is my place. Welcome. What can I get you to drink?”

“Thank you.” The new woman smiles in return. “How about something fruity and frozen?”

“Oh, that sounds good,” Victoria adds. “Make it two.”

“Beer’s good,” the man says.

“And more food,” another adds. “Whatever we can all share.”

“That would be amazing,” the first guy replies. “Need to keep my strength up, you know.”

I laugh, leaving the table to put in the orders to their groans and laughter. I get to work mixing up a pineapple concoction I know Victoria likes, hoping the new girl likes it too, and tell Brodie the food order. They look deep in conversation, so I give them a few minutes before I carry the tray their way. When I get closer, I can’t help but overhear the conversation, and it makes my blood run cold.

“Ivan Pavlov. Katya Sokolova is his illegitimate daughter. And chatter on the street is she’s looking to take her place as heir and ruler of the Pavlov Family. She wants to revive the Bratva.”

All the men sit in silence, Victoria looking like she wants to throw up. Another looks like she wants to rip apart the building. What I don’t plan for is my own body freezing up, the tray slipping from my hands as the glass, liquid, and ice all land on the floor. Nine sets of eyes turn to me with various degrees of shock. I stare back, knowing I look like a deer in headlights, willing my brain to work.

The first thing I think is what comes out of my mouth. “You have to tell Demitri.”

“How do you know Demitri?” Daniel asks.

“He’s a customer,” I reply quickly. Too quickly.

“I’m going to call bullshit on that,” the new guy says.

“I’m sorry, but who the fuck are you? You’re sitting in my bar and accusing me of lying?”Shut up, Mia! Now they all know you’re full of shit!

“Official introductions.” Victoria stands, making her way around the table. “My husband, who you know, Daniel.” She pats the top of his head, and he gives her an indulgent smile. “He owns ANON, a security company with these smartasses—Aiden, Grady, and Nate.” She pats each head respectively as she moves around the table. “This is Sammy, who you met earlier, a cop over in Briar Mountain. This is Mary, an old friend of ours who works in an agency I’m not sure you’re supposed to know about, so I’ll leave that up to her to tell you. This is Joker, who works with those yahoos, and this is his new wife, Ginny, who plays the cello like you wouldn’t believe. Guys, this is Mia. Now, how do you know Dem?”

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