Page 43 of Between Us

Roman turned his head to the side to hide his reaction. His jaw tensed and a vein in his temple started to pulse furiously. The motherfucker was being provocative on purpose. He knew damn well the reason for Rossetti's decision wasn't a lack of affection for his daughter, but rather the fear of what the Armenians could unleash upon his Outfit with the help of the Russian Bratva. What exactly was the purpose of his goading, Roman couldn't tell.

The lines around Vitaly's eyes tightened. “Regardless, she is not to be touched.”

“I think we already agreed on that, no?” Davit pressed the edge of his cigar against side of the ashtray sitting in front of him. “Regarding this arrangement you have with Nero Rossetti... is there anything I could do to persuade you to sever all ties?”

“No, comrade. The deal I struck with the Italians has increased my profits by twenty-five percent in the last two months alone. So, you can see why I would like to keep my ties with them intact.” Vitaly smiled coldlybefore adding, “Well, at least for the time being.”

“Fair enough.”

“Can I count on you to keep this reunion from reaching their ears?”

“It goes without saying. But Iwillneed information on Rossetti so I can put together a course of action for what I have in mind. Thatsrikawill get what’s coming to him.”

Vitaly inclined his head, though Roman recognized the dangerous glint in his father’s eyes. The man was out for blood. Unfortunately for Davit, he was soon going to learn that Vitaly Leskov did not forget and he certainly did not forgive. “Of course. What are friends for?”

17

Monte Carlo was mesmerizingly beautiful in summertime. Tucked away at the base of the Maritime Alps, along the French Riviera, the small resort offered a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco's most iconic area, it drew its notoriety from its gambling center and luxe-filled streets alike, and there wasn't a single place in Europe the world's rich and famous loved more.

Opening the double glass doors leading to their 5th floor balcony, Alessandra stepped outside to admire the scenery. She took in a deep breath, smelling the saltiness permeating the air, and after a long night flight coupled with a two-hour layover in New York, it was pure Heaven. The harbor, with its luxury boats and super yachts, stood at her feet, blending beautifullywith the hotels built on the foothills of the surrounding mountains. She closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh. The sound of the sea washing over a nearby beach and the squawk of the seagulls circling the horizon filled her with a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time.

A moment later, strong arms encircled her waist from behind. Warm words brushed against her ear. “You enjoying the view?”

She smiled, leaning back into her husband's embrace. “I was actually listening to the sounds. They’re lovely.”

“You made a good choice.”

“An expensive choice,” she corrected, even though she agreed. Monte Carlo was the perfect escape from their complicated lives back in Chicago. It had taken Alessandra just a few days to organize everything—from finding a destination to booking the hotel and putting together a list of tourist attractions in the area.

“It will be worth it. This can be our honeymoon.”

“Hmm. Why did you let me pick the country?”

“Why not?” Roman murmured quietly. “You are my wife. I want you to enjoy yourself.”

Alessandra opened her eyes and turned around to face him. Gazing up at him through her lashes, she absentmindedly ran a palm across the soft fabric of his T-shirt, feeling the hard muscles underneath. She had never told him, but she was grateful for the way things had turned out between them. Even though their marriage hadn't been a choice for either of them, the effortless connection they shared made up for the fucked up way they had been brought together. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

Roman’s lips curved up, and he leaned down to kissthe corner of her mouth. “You are welcome. Room service or the restaurant for lunch?”

“The restaurant,” she said immediately, her excitement returning with renewed vigor. “They have a terrace overlooking the harbor.”

“Fine. You want to change?”

“Yeah, just give me ten minutes.”

Ten minutes turned to twenty, though Roman didn't comment on it. He busied himself with his laptop while Alessandra showered and applied some light makeup. When she exited the bathroom wearing only a white cotton thong, Roman's eyes followed her to her suitcase as she bent at the waist to look for a change of clothes. Her back to him, she smiled to herself because she couldfeelthe heat of his gaze on her ass almost like a physical touch.

She barely managed to grab a dress and stand up straight before he was pressed up against her with his face buried in her long hair. “You want to skip lunch?”

“Nope,” she answered with a grin. “I'm hungry.”

“Then stop shaking your ass at me.” He palmed said ass roughly, the heat of his skin sending a jolt of excitement straight between her legs.

“Mmm.” She let out a murmur of approval, placing her hand over his at her hip.

Roman chuckled, slapped her ass once then stepped back. “Get dressed before I decide to fuck you and we both go hungry.”

Although none too happy to be deprived of her husband’s attentions, Alessandrawashungry, so she did just that, grabbing a bra before shrugging into the dress she’d selected.

---