Page 80 of Savage Enemy

“For someone else, she would be a fantastic wife. For me, marrying her would only make for a cold, lonely life. And she would always know she was second best. I know you don’t like her, but that’s a cruel fate to wish on anyone.”

“She’d be easier.”

“Easy is the way of lazy men and cowards. I’m neither.”

“It’s just?—”

I cupped her cheek, keeping my touch soft.

“I’m here for you. Only you. I will only ever be satisfied with you. Now are you going to help me or not?”

“Help you?”

She stepped around me to pick up her dress before slipping into it. When she turned, I drew the tiny zipper up and smoothed the fabric in place to conceal it.

“Yes, I need information.”

She spun to look at me. “About?”

Damn, she looked beautiful in that dress. Knowing my cum ran down her thighs under that silk made it even sexier.

I grabbed my shirt, then shrugged it on.

“What are the Russians offering your father? I’ve heard rumors, but I want to know what you know.”

I didn’t plan to tell her about my conversation with Marco because I didn’t trust him. It seemed too easy. All smoke and mirrors. Why did he take her just to tell me how to get her back?

Maybe he cared about her and had to play a role to keep his father in the dark. Or maybe that was what he wanted me to believe. I didn’t buy it. Not yet.

He could just as easily have been setting me up, which is a risk I’d take, but if Val could give me something that helped me make a better move, I’d take that too.

She shrugged. “I don’t know much. Only that the original deal would’ve allowed Saul’s empire to grow into Europe without violating the treaty.”

I finished buttoning my shirt, then reached for my mask and jacket on the floor.

“Through Canada?”

Val nodded.

“Okay, that’s useful.”

I finished dressing, then turned back to her.

“Take a few minutes to clean up. I’ll see you soon.”

I placed a kiss on her cheek and unlocked the stall, stopping long enough to straighten my tie, mask, and jacket, so I didn’t look like I’d just had incredible sex in the ladies’ room.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“We’ve been over this, kitten. You belong to me. One way or another, I’m taking you home to our son. You’ll marry me—no one else. That’s where I’m going. To make it happen.”

After one final searing kiss, I left my girl alone in the restroom to freshen up, taking a moment to check myself in the mirror and wipe the red lipstick off my face.

Saul Moscatelli would see me and consider my offer.

I didn’t care what I had to do to make that happen. If I had to murder people in the fucking ballroom, I would do it.

He would listen to me, and we would make our deal.

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