Elimination

by Jackie D.

  Dylan took one last look at Emma before the door opened. “It’s going to be okay.”

  Emma smiled at her. Her eyes said that she trusted Dylan, believed everything would, in fact, be okay. Dylan was grateful for the vote of confidence but terrified by what it could mean to let her down.

  The door swung open; the house staff would need to know Emma’s name to introduce her to the rest of the people inside. She flashed back to the night Tony and Emma had come to her apartment. She hadn’t explicitly discussed with Emma that she’d use the same name from when she greeted her at the door, but she hoped she remembered and played along.

  “This is Nada,” Dylan said when the house staff studied Emma.

  Emma squeezed her hand as they followed the staff into the main dining hall. She hoped it meant that Emma approved. It was the only name that came to mind when she’d looked into Emma’s eyes. Nada. It meant hope in Russian, and Dylan thought they could use all the hope they could get.

  Nikolai stood and greeted them after the staff had announced their arrival. He shook Dylan’s hand and then looked Emma up and down as if he were going to devour her in one bite. Perfect.

  Nikolai slid his hands up and down Emma’s arms. “Sasha, you haven’t brought this one around before. I would’ve remembered this face.” He used the back of his hand to trace Emma’s jaw.

  Dylan flinched at their contact, but Emma handled it like a pro. She blushed appropriately and shyly smiled. She didn’t pull away or act disgusted. Dylan was disgusted on Emma’s behalf that she’d have to endure anything of this nature, but she was impressed by how she handled herself.

  Dylan pulled Emma a little closer, wanting to make it clear that she was off limits. “Everything smells wonderful, Nikolai. Thank you for having us over.”

  Nikolai looked Emma up and down one more time but took a step backward and then slid into his seat. “Come, sit. The food will be out in a minute.”

  Nikolai went back into conversation with the man to his left, a man Dylan didn’t recognize. That didn’t necessarily mean anything. Nikolai often brought businessmen around to give them the full mafia treatment. This night would include expensive alcohol, excellent food, and then as many women as he could ever hope for. Nikolai was a savvy businessman who always got what he wanted. Dylan wondered what business this stranger was in and where Nikolai was testing the waters now. Her internal reflections were cut short when Emma placed her hand on Dylan’s knee. There was no reason for them to still be in contact while sitting at the table, but Dylan figured Emma needed a little more security. Plus, it wasn’t a sensation that she necessarily disliked. Her skin tingled where Emma rested her palm.

  The waitstaff poured everyone at the table a glass of vodka and brought out the first course of dinner. Plates of oysters were passed to each of the table occupants, and Dylan felt her stomach roll. She’d never had much of a taste for oysters, but there was no avoiding them at these parties. She took every opportunity not to stand out, so she dutifully ate the shellfish. She spared a glance at Emma who was apparently enjoying the morsel and slyly listening to the conversation between the two men next to her even as she appeared to be engrossed in the food. Dylan made sure not to smile at her spy-like nature.

  “Sasha, how are things going with your new project?” Bogdan asked from across the table. He held a similar position to her own within the mafia, but he oversaw human trafficking. She hated him. She hated the way he looked, the way he smiled, the way his face turned red at the first sip of vodka, everything.

  “It’s going well, Bogdan. You?” She didn’t want to hear about the women smuggled in and out of the country for horny, disgusting men. Men who would do unspeakable acts to women, some children as young as seven years old, but it would be impolite not to ask.

  Bogdan laughed, and his belly shook, hitting his plate in front of him. “Couldn’t be better. We just shipped out a large order, lots of happy customers.”

  Egor leaned over Emma. “I hear your project may have some interference from America, Sasha.”

  If Dylan disliked Bogdan with everything in her, whatever was left over was reserved for Egor. She willed herself not to push him backward as his face lingered too close to Emma. “Nothing I can’t handle. We’re on the lookout for the trade inspectors, but no sign of them yet. If they show up, all the paperwork is in place.”

  Egor nodded and sat back in his seat. Dylan almost rolled her eyes at the ridiculousness of it all. They spoke in code, but it wasn’t a complicated one. They used this coded language not to hide from their own government but from hidden eyes and ears of other countries. The Russian government all but officially sanctioned their actions, their behavior, their malicious intent. It was other countries they concerned themselves with. The irony was never lost on Dylan.

  Emma removed her hand from Dylan’s leg, and she had to force herself not to grab it and put it back where it was. She was enjoying the casual contact, the connection. It had been so long since she felt anything like it, and it surprised her when she missed it immediately.

  Emma was sipping her vodka and working on the second course of dinner. Soup accompanied by bread, olives, and celery. Dinners like this would last for hours. They were events Dylan would slog her way through. She’d force herself to listen to men discuss the most heinous crimes humans could commit to one another, and all with a sense of pride in their voice. Emma was making it slightly more tolerable, and she didn’t think that was possible. She reached under the table and took Emma’s hand. She was pleasantly surprised when Emma squeezed her fingers. Dylan even smiled this time when she felt the tingling in her hand.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Emma had never eaten this much food in her entire life. It seemed to just keep coming out, cart after cart. She’d been researching Russia long enough to understand how their formal dinners worked, but nothing could have prepared her for the experience itself. When the coffee was finally served, she almost wept with relief.

  She’d been listening to every conversation she could manage. Luckily, the men were arrogant, loud, and demanding. They wanted to ensure everyone heard about their accomplishments. Dylan was such a contrast to their brazen behavior. She didn’t seek out approval, nor did she commend the others for their truly vile deeds. At first, Emma thought the difference might create distrust between her and Nikolai, but he seemed to appreciate her stoic behavior and took it at face value. Emma thought it might even act as a way to build trust between Dylan and Nikolai. If Dylan wasn’t willing to boast about her endeavors in front of confidants, she absolutely wouldn’t outside the safety of these walls.

  Nikolai finished his coffee, stood, and motioned for the others to follow him. Emma let Dylan gently pull her from her seat. She immediately looked down and adjusted her skirt, worried she might inadvertently reveal too much and draw more unwanted attention. But unwanted attention wasn’t what Dylan was giving her. The way Emma felt under Dylan’s gaze was hypnotic. It felt as if Dylan was caressing her body with her eyes. Emma had never known a feeling like that was possible. She wasn’t sure what to make of any of it, but she knew she wanted more.

  She followed Dylan to a large parlor, separate from the main dining area of the house. When the doors slid open, Emma had to steel herself against Dylan from the surprise. A dozen half-naked women were lying in various positions across the long couches. There were bottles of alcohol and an assortment of powdery white drugs. The thumping of the music made Emma’s heartbeat increase; it was like being in a club. Albeit, not a club Emma would ever want to visit. Nikolai and his men treated women as toys, something designed purely for their enjoyment and pleasure. It made Emma sick to think about what these women had to endure, especially after these men had indulged in their various party favors.

  Dylan turned, pulled Emma against her body, and whispered, “Stay close and let me know when it’s too much.”

  It was already too much. Emma had never so much as gone to a frat party much less something like this. S
he grabbed Dylan’s hand tighter. “I will.”

  Dylan and Emma followed Nikolai to one of the couches farther from the commotion. He indicated that they should sit. “Sasha, tell me more about your new project. Is there anything I should be concerned about?”

  Emma made herself look busy, staring around the room and letting her body sway to the music. She hoped she was giving off a sense of aloofness, to not draw any suspicion to her or Dylan. Dylan sat on the couch, and Emma made sure to stand behind her, not wanting anyone to think she was listening.

  Dylan picked up a shot of vodka from the table and drank it without flinching. “It’s an interesting project. She gave me the list of inspectors who should be coming to check on the goods, but they don’t seem high enough in their department to be taking on something like this.”

  Nikolai pulled down one of the women walking by and kissed her. He ran his hand over her breast and released her. “Our manager is playing this one close to the chest. I know that she’s critical to him and the company.”

  The same woman walked past Dylan and dragged her finger over Dylan’s shoulder. Emma, not wanting to lose her position, or at least that’s what she told herself, ran her hands down Dylan’s arms, and kissed her cheek. She let her face linger against Dylan’s for a moment. Dylan was flushed, warm to the touch. Emma wasn’t sure if it was from their closeness, the alcohol, or the room itself. This whole situation was out of Emma’s comfort zone. Maybe that was the reason she did nothing to stop her hands from sliding up Dylan’s neck. She didn’t stop herself from letting her fingers enjoy the softness behind her ear or the goose bumps she felt erupt underneath.

  Emma was startled out of her trance by a possessive hand around her waist. She almost fell over in surprise but was held in place by Bogdan. He smelled of vodka, sweat, and cigars. If toxic masculinity had a smell, this was it.

  “How about if you come and talk to me for a bit? Sasha won’t mind.” He spoke directly into her face, not even bothering to shield her senses from his grotesque nature.

  Emma wanted to gouge his eyes and run away, but she just stared. She was unsure how she was expected to behave in this situation. She didn’t want to do anything wrong or put them both in danger. A much softer hand slid into hers, and she knew it belonged to Dylan by the quick squeeze.

  “Don’t be an asshole, Bogdan. She’s with me.” Dylan pulled Emma from his grasp and put herself between them.

  “Sasha, the night is still so young. Surely you wouldn’t mind sharing with an old friend.” Bogdan was talking to Dylan, but he kept his eyes focused on Emma.

  Dylan motioned for two other women to come over. She put her arms around their shoulders and kissed their cheeks. “You’ll be much happier with these two.”

  Bogdan squinted his eyes at Dylan. “I’ll take what I want.”

  Dylan took a step closer to Bogdan, and Emma held her breath. She was grateful for Dylan’s interference, but she was sure that toll would be paid with violence. She wanted to grab Dylan and get out of this horrible place.

  “Bogdan, go somewhere else. Sasha and I are busy,” Nikolai said with so much finality in his voice, Emma knew Bogdan wouldn’t argue.

  She’d been right. Bogdan raised a fist at Dylan like he was going to strike her, but walked away, women in tow.

  “Come sit.” Nikolai motioned to Emma and Dylan to rejoin him on the couch. “Ignore him. He only thinks with his dick.” He lit a cigar and studied Emma. “Tell me, how did you meet Sasha?”

  Emma felt her heart rate pick up. Then she steadied herself, ready to give the vaguest response she could muster. Dylan is here with you; she’ll help you through this.

  Nikolai’s phone rang, and he pulled it from his pocket. He checked the screen, put his finger up, and answered.

  Dylan was rubbing her thumb over Emma’s hand. She was sure it was intended to calm her and bring her some reassurance, and to some degree, it did. Emma took a deep breath, preparing to answer questions. Luckily, it was all for naught. Nikolai hung up the phone and motioned for Egor to come over to him. Nikolai whispered something in his ear, and then stood to leave.

  “I’ll have to hear the story later.” He took Emma’s hand and kissed it. “I have to go, but please stay, enjoy.” He leaned over and spoke into Dylan’s ear, then patted her shoulder and walked away.

  Dylan sat there, looking like a deer in headlights. Emma was immediately panic-stricken. Were they in danger? Was the team discovered? Did O’Brien escape? She had more questions than she knew what to do with. She rubbed Dylan’s back, hoping for an answer that wouldn’t mean complete upheaval for their team.

  Dylan turned and looked at her. She leaned closer and whispered, “The pakhan is dead. Nikolai is now in charge, and I’m second in command.” She brushed her lips closer to Emma’s ear. “We need to get out of here. I have to regroup. This changes everything.” She glanced around. “If I leave now, it will be too obvious. Bogdan has been watching us, and he’ll have questions.”

  Emma pulled Dylan out of her seat and walked her over near the entrance. She slowly and as seductively as possible pushed Dylan up against the wall next to the door. She had no idea what she was doing. She had little previous sexual experience to help her navigate her actions. She let her instincts take over. She let herself touch Dylan the way her body screamed it wanted her to. She ran her hands up Dylan’s arms and through her short hair. Her body felt like it was on overdrive. The only indicator of Dylan’s surprise at Emma’s behavior was the look in her eyes. The look of disbelief was quickly replaced by a flash of desire.

  Emma pressed her body more thoroughly against Dylan. She enjoyed the way Dylan’s breath changed at their contact and the way her breasts felt pressed against her own. Dylan slid her hands under Emma’s jacket and up her back. Emma closed her eyes when Dylan’s thumbs ran along the outside of her breasts. Emma could feel her heart pounding through every nerve ending in her body. The sensation was both electrifying and intoxicating. Emma felt like she was drunk, as if she were right on the brink of losing control. Her body and mind were teetering on the edge, and she didn’t know where the bottom would be. Dylan put her lips to Emma’s neck and her skin felt like it was on fire. Dylan moved her way up her jaw and then her chin. Dylan’s lips were so close, there to take if Emma wanted. Wanted. Emma thought she knew what she wanted, what she needed, and it wasn’t Dylan—it couldn’t be.

  Emma pulled away slightly. “I think we’ve given everyone here reason to believe you’ll be occupied for the evening. Let’s get out of here,” she whispered.

  Dylan stared at her, her eyes still a bit hazy with lust. “Okay.” Emma stepped back, and Dylan pulled her close again to whisper against her lips. “I’m sorry if I overstepped. I didn’t mean to offend you. I thought we were doing a bit.”

  A bit. Emma smiled. She could feel the sadness but hoped Dylan didn’t notice. “We were, and you didn’t.” She kissed Dylan’s cheek and allowed her mouth to linger next to her lips. “We should go.”

  Dylan moved away from the wall and looked across to Bogdan. He made a crude hand gesture and Dylan gave him a quick nod before pulling Emma out of the room with her. Emma let Dylan lead her out of the room and to the car. Her brain was cluttered with the conversations she’d heard that evening, the people she’d met, and Dylan. She wasn’t sure what to make of her behavior around Dylan. She made choices and acted in ways she never had before. It’d be easy to chalk it up to being undercover and playing a part, but was that true? Dylan shot her a smile over the roof of the car before they opened their doors. Emma felt the heat rise through her chest and ears. I’m in trouble.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Dylan turned in a circle inside her apartment, feeling more nervous than she ever had inside her own space. It could’ve been because she rarely, if ever, brought women back to her apartment. Her nerves could also be attributed to the fact that Nikolai would now be the pakhan and she’d be second in command. It would be career altering. Even as she th
ought it, she knew it wasn’t any of those things. She was nervous because the woman in her apartment was Emma.

  She ran a hand through her hair and motioned to the kitchen. “Do you want anything to drink?”

  Emma pulled her jacket off and laid it on the couch. “Wine would be great. Then, I’d like to go through everything we each saw and heard tonight. I need to get it into the system.”

  Dylan stared at the wine in her fridge. What is the right variety to serve to the coworker you almost made out with and definitely shouldn’t have? “White or red?”

  “Whatever,” Emma said as she sat at the table and pulled her tablet from the bag.

  Dylan pulled her favorite pinot noir from its place on the shelf and busied herself with opening it. “What did you see tonight? Anything that wasn’t in the files?”

  Their fingers touched when Emma took the glass, and Dylan swore she saw Emma blush. “It’s more what I heard.” She took the glass and quickly went back to her tablet. “Nikolai isn’t like the rest of them. He is controlled, savvy, and focused.” She took a sip of her wine. “Do you think he had anything to do with the pakhan being killed?”

  Dylan took a large sip of wine and walked toward her bedroom. “It’s definitely possible. I wouldn’t put it past him. I’m going to go change, but please, keep talking.”

  There was a long pause before Emma spoke again. “I pulled up everything I have on Nikolai Orlav. He was removed from the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list since the US doesn’t maintain an extradition treaty with Russia.”

  Dylan laughed. “Yet, here I am.” She pulled on a pair of running shorts and a tank top and then pulled out some of the same variety for Emma.