Page 41 of Sinful Union

“She’s a secret.”

Now, thatisinteresting.

“As in, he’s hiding her from everyone, even his family?”

Piotr doesn’t hide his women. He flaunts them. Parades them around like trophies as proof of his status, his power. The fact that this woman has been kept in the dark, away from prying eyes, means there’s something more going on.

“She’s not just a random girl he’s fucking when he’s bored?”

Nikolai shakes his head. “Could be. But if that’s the case, why keep her hidden?”

I lean back in my chair, running my tongue over my teeth, considering.

“She must know something.”

Nikolai leans forward. “I’ve been tailing Piotr for some time. That’s how I found out about this woman. He only meets with her at expensive hotels throughout the city. They enter separately, leave separately.”

I nod, indicating for him to go on.

“I followed her after one of their recent trysts. She treated herself to a little spending spree after they had their fun, bought herself some designer clothes and shoes, a new Chanel handbag.”

“So she’s a kept woman, not just a fling.”

“That’s what I’m thinking. Anyway, I approached her when she stopped for a post-shopping cocktail.”

“You actually spoke with her?” I can’t help but grin at his audacity.

“It took a little bit of smooth talk, but I managed to find out more about her and Piotr’s relationship. Nothing specific, just broad details.”

“Don’t keep me in suspense. Does she know about his business?”

Nikolai nods. “She does. And not just about his current business either. She claims to have information about what happened six years ago.”

My stomach tightens. That sounds too convenient.

“Seems odd for her to share that kind of information.”

He shrugs. “All I had to do was mention the family name, and her eyes lit up. She tried to play it off, but it was too late. A little prying, a veiled threat, and she was ready to chat.”

I take a deep breath, thinking it over.

“You believe her?”

“I believe she knows something,” he replies, “whether it’s the truth or not is what we need to find out.”

I don’t like it. The timing is too perfect, too easy. “Is she willing to talk?”

Nikolai nods. “She’s willing to talk. But she wants something in return.”

I scoff. “Of course, she does.” I’m not the least bit surprised. Instead of just doing the right thing without any expectation, people always want something in return, be it money, protection, or power.

One thing I’ve learned in this role is just how reprehensible people can be. A small amount of money, an empty promise of status, and you can get them to do whatever you want. The number of people who’d sell out everyone they claim to care about for some pocket change is enough to make one more than a little cynical.

“How do we know she won’t sell us out the same way?” I question. “This could be a plot spun by Piotr.”

Nikolai smirks. “We’re her best shot at survival. If Piotr finds out she’s been talking, she’s dead. I don’t think he’s got the brains to pull something like this off.”

There are far too many unknowns here. Too many what-ifs circling in my head. Finally, I ask the one question I should have asked first. “Does he care about her?”

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