Page 23 of Legacy Of Ashes
"Your territory boundaries fascinate me," Petrov says, lifting wine to his lips. "The Murphy agreement last month - three dead, I heard. Efficient work."
My blood chills. That information cost lives to keep secret.
"Business requires firm negotiations," I reply, crossing my legs. The movement makes my dress ride higher, and I don't adjust it. In the window's reflection, Conall's gaze drops to my exposed thigh.
"Indeed. Your shipping routes through the harbor are particularly impressive. Direct Atlantic access, minimal authority interference." Petrov leans forward, voice dropping intimate. "I find capable women intoxicating."
Conall's chair scrapes against marble. The sound sends liquid heat rushing through my core.
"Careful," I tell Petrov softly, letting my tongue dart out to wet my lips. "Some men don't share well."
"Some men don't deserve what they're protecting." His fingers brush mine across the table. "Your eyes are extraordinary. Like emeralds touched by wildfire."
Behind me, Conall's breathing changes - rougher, harder. I squeeze my thighs together, already slick with want.
"You're very bold for someone in enemy territory," I say, though my attention stays fixed on Conall's reflection. His hand hovers near his gun, muscles coiled for violence.
"I prefer to think of it as opportunity." Petrov's thumb traces across my knuckles, and I let him, knowing it's driving Conall insane. "My organization seeks expansion into New England. Your family's cooperation would benefit everyone involved."
"Cooperation takes many forms." I shift in my seat, pressing my thighs together as arousal builds. Twenty years of wanting Conall, and all it takes is another man's touch to shatter his control.
"The most successful alliances in our world tend to be... traditional." His meaning couldn't be clearer. Marriage. Breeding rights. Ownership wrapped in ceremony.
I should pull my hand away. Instead, I let my fingers curl around his, watching Conall's face in the window glass. His jaw clenches so hard I can see the muscle jumping. My clit throbs in response.
"Traditional alliances require careful consideration," I breathe, my voice huskier than intended.
"Of course. Though meeting you makes the prospect far more appealing." Petrov lifts my hand to his mouth again, pressing lips to my palm. His tongue darts out, tasting my skin. "I'd very much like to show you proper Russian hospitality. Somewhere private. Somewhere I can properly... appreciate your assets."
The invitation makes my breath catch. Behind me, Conall goes statue-still, but I hear his harsh breathing.
I lean closer to Petrov, letting my dress gape just enough to show the swell of my breasts. "How private?"
"My penthouse overlooks the harbor. The view rivals anything in Europe." His thumb strokes the inside of my wrist while his eyes drop to my cleavage. "We could discuss terms more... intimately. I could show you exactly what a Russian alliance would feel like."
My panties are soaked. Not from his words, but from the barely contained violence radiating from Conall. I can practically feel him unraveling.
I stand abruptly, pulling my hand free. "I should go. This conversation requires more thought."
Petrov rises with fluid grace. "Of course. Though I hope you won't keep me waiting long. I'm not a patient man when I want something." His gaze rakes over my body. "And I want you very much."
"Neither is my security," I reply, gathering my purse. "You might want to remember that."
His laugh follows us across the restaurant. "Until next time, beautiful Saoirse. I'll be dreaming of those emerald eyes."
The elevator doors close, trapping us in steel and silence. My skin burns everywhere Petrov touched me, but not from desire for him. From the knowledge that Conall watched every second, every caress, every heated look.
"Interesting evening," I say casually, though my voice shakes.
He doesn't answer. His hands clench and unclench at his sides.
"He seems very... attentive."
Still nothing. But his breathing grows rougher.
"The penthouse invitation was bold. Harbor views, he said. Very romantic." I press my thighs together, so wet I'm afraid it'llshow through my dress. "He wants to show me what a Russian alliance would feel like."
Conall spins toward me so fast I gasp. His hands slam against the elevator wall on either side of my head, caging me in heat and fury. His body presses close enough that I feel his hardness against my hip.
