Page 56 of Lethal Vows

“The mother may be an issue.”

“I don’t think Rya will take kindly to you killing her mother.”

“Maybe.”

“She won’t,” Dominic says and gets in the car.

Well, damn, there goes that idea.

CHAPTER30

Crue

Isit across from the collector.

More accurately, the both of them. The sister, Anya Ivanov, sits at her wooden desk. A few guards behind her watch us warily. She has rich porcelain skin with thick, glossy red hair. Her brother, Aleksandr, is posted at her right, watching intently, his red hair the same shade as Anya’s. Both look ageless, but I assume they are more or less around my age. Equal partners with different roles to play. Another family dynasty.

Dominic and Dawson stand behind me. My other two men were made to stand outside.

“I’m surprised to see you here today, Mr. Monti,” Anya says. “If my intel is correct, you’ve been living in New York for quite a few years now but have never shown interest in… our events. Why now?” Her smile is polite, but her eyes betray her as her gaze roams over my body.Desire.

“I will soon be coming into an inheritance, one might say. And I want to expand my reach and businesses here in New York.”

She side-eyes her brother. “I’m sure you’re aware that we have many powerful families who attend such events and auctions. I would hope that your intent is pure.”

I try not to scoff.Pure? That’s ironic, considering the business they run.

“Are you saying I don’t belong amongst these powerful families?” I question.

She kicks up a smile. “On the contrary. I just hope you don’t scare any of my patrons away.”

“You can understand why we might be hesitant in your sudden interest,” Aleksandr finally speaks. And his voice is as honeyed as his sister’s. Two individuals who are equally able to get their own way.

With most.

But I grow impatient, and the atmosphere in the room changes.

“Of course, we are more than happy to accept your entry,” Anya quickly says. “But new members often offer a donation of sorts.”

“A donation?”

She waves her hand. “Two million is the standard. But I imagine you are not the ordinary.” This time she leans forward, nothing but malice in her gaze. “And perhaps… dinner.”

Her brother scoffs. “When was the last time you actually dined with a man?”

“There are different types of delicacies.” She looks me up and down, biting her bottom lip.

“I’m married.” I shut her down.

I probably would have taken her up on her offer a few weeks ago because why not? She is, by definition, beautiful and poised. But she isnotRya.

She lifts a brow at my empty ring finger but says nothing about it. “And what will you be offering at the first auction? Aside from your generous donation,” she asks with another smile.

Dawson clears his throat. “That would be me.”

“Well, well, well…” She leans back with an appreciative glance. “Mr. Dawson in the flesh. What could you possibly get from being on auction when you can already fetch such a high price for your services?”

He shrugs casually. “A change of scenery, perhaps. It is, after all, foreplay, isn’t it?”

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