Page 110 of Between Us

She looked surprised that he was offering to take her. “Really?”

“You'll have to keep yourself entertained for about an hour, but maybe we can have lunch atTsarafter that.”

It was the least he could do after the week they'd had. It was also a good opportunity to test the men's reaction to her presence.

He tucked his shirt into his pants and told her, “Come on; get dressed.”

Alessandra didn't need to be told twice. Brushing past him, she grabbed a pair of skinny jeans and a white sweater, making quick work of pulling them on.

As Roman held open the car’s passenger door for her, he realized that she’d even managed to put on light makeup in record time. Amusement filled him, though he kept any comments to himself.

“It's so good to see the sun again,” she said as he pulled into the light morning traffic. Vladik and Vladimir followed them in a separate car.

Roman's lips curved up marginally. After nearly twoweeks of constant rain and wind, the slightly warmer weather was indeed a welcome change. Placing his palm on her thigh, he gave her a light squeeze. “I know I’ve neglected you lately. We'll do something for the holidays if everything is settled within the organization by then.”

She shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly. “Don't worry about it; I know you have a lot on your plate right now.”

“I do,” he agreed. “But that doesn't mean I don't want to spend more time with you. How do you feel about Aspen?”

Her eyes lit up. “I love Aspen. I haven't been in years.”

Roman nodded. A trip would do both of them good, and if he officially becamePakhanby then, he could take the time off. Even if it meant leaving Stepan in charge of everything for a little while. “It's a plan then.”

When they reached the club’s parking lot, Roman noticed most of the men's cars were already there. He pulled Alessandra along as they made their way inside through the back door.

Before he could debate who to leave Alessandra with while he attended the meeting, Laney exited her office, looking casual in jeans and a red blouse. She usually didn’t start work until early afternoon on the weekends, but he wasn’t going to question her being there since it served him just fine.

“Morning,” she greeted, glancing from him to Alessandra curiously.

“Morning,” Roman said, nodding toward his wife. “She needs some company for a little while.”

“Yeah, no problem. I was actually on my way to get coffee from across the street.”

“Take Vladik or Vladimir with you,” he said, just asthe two men in question entered the club behind them.

Alessandra looked like she wanted to argue, but ultimately decided to keep quiet.

Not having more time to linger, Roman left the girls and headed into his own office.

???

“I don't know, Roman,” Igor said from across the room, pale-blue eyes watching him with concern. “What proof do we have that Kasparov was behind the attack? Some of us heard something different.”

Roman tried not to let the accusation in the man's voice distract him from the purpose of the meeting. “What you heard is partially true. The car was stolen from Rossetti a few days before the attack.”

“Says who?” Nikolai interjected.

Roman's gaze darkened as it zeroed in on the man. “Says me and my sources.”

“I would never doubt your word, Roman,” Igor was quick to clarify. “But the Italians hate our guts—they always have. One can only assume that—”

Roman stopped him with a raised hand. “There’s strong evidence to indicate the Armenians were behind the stealing of our cargo a few months ago. Anatoly’s uncle was murdered by them in an attempt to frame the Italians. When our own brothers kidnapped my wife, they took her into Armenian territory, which means they were somehow involved. Don't be mistaken, Igor. They are not our friends. Not anymore.”

“I get that, but still...”

“Still,what?” Roman challenged, feeling his patience run thin.

The room quieted.

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