Wreckless Engagement: The Russian Engagement Series

by K. Marie

  “I zoomed in on the image but was unable to get a clear enough view, but it was definitely a lone male. I went back only three days, but still have hours of footage to go through. It looks like he was parked there for quite a while that day. If I’m right in my thinking, it appears he didn’t have to be all that technologically savvy to track you. He simply used an old-school surveillance method,” Drakos concluded.

  I eyed him a moment, before directing my gaze at Viktor—who stood on the opposite side of him. “So, you’re saying he tracked me here, lied in wait for me to exit the building, then followed me home…where I led him straight to my family?” I asked, making sure I was following.

  Drakos looked uncomfortably hesitant before answering. “We haven’t yet confirmed it’s him, but I’m feeling almost certain that it was. Sloan’s searching the street cams along that route as we speak,” he said in answer, then hesitated again. “It makes perfect sense, sir. Your company is of public record, anyone looking to find you need only look here. It would be a waiting game from there; you’re likely to put in an appearance sooner or later,” he explained.

  Not that I wasn’t already aware of that. Through my company; I was easily accessible, and that had never been a concern for me. In fact, it wouldn’t be the first time an undesirable has had the nerve to track me down here. That’s what I pay security for. So then, how in the hell was he so easily able to follow me; to get as close to my home as he had?

  I seethed in silence.

  “Then, it seems I have a security problem; my security is fucking lacking. Something like this should never happen,” I said through gritted teeth.

  I wanted very badly to hit something—or more accurately, someone. I glared at Viktor.

  “Sir, Viktor and I have already called a meeting, everyone should be here within the hour,” Drakos said, perhaps in his or Viktor’s defense.

  As far as I’m concerned, there was no excuse for this level of incompetence.

  Drakos was responsible for the security of this building, and what went on inside and around it. Viktor was responsible for my personal safety, as well as that of my family. Both men failed.

  “How is it I could be followed home and it not be detected? What the fuck were you doing behind the wheel, sleeping?” I said to Viktor, knowing that I was being an asshole and beyond caring. Viktor’s a big boy, he can deal.

  But, not even my dear cousin would be going unscathed after this fuck-up. Viktor knew me better than anyone, so he wisely remained silent. He knew that nothing he said at this point would matter.

  So, Drakos answered for him. “My bet is, he didn’t follow you all the way home; he would’ve been detected eventually, there’s not much traffic on that stretch of the road. Once you entered your neighborhood, he would’ve known exactly where you were headed,” he offered.

  “And what, he just waited around and got lucky?” I questioned.

  “I don’t know that I’d call it luck, but if he was determined, all he had to do was lay low out on the main road where there’s more traffic. From there, it would only be a matter of waiting for your car to eventually make an appearance and follow it. There’s only one route you can take from your home, he would have been betting on the fact that you’d come his way eventually,” Drakos elaborated.

  I sat in silence, no longer feeling anything, a complete cold and numbness having taken over. It was a familiar feeling, one that used to be a constant companion, one that once fueled a murderous rage.

  When I next spoke, my voice sounded chilling even to my own ears. “I’m certain I don’t need to point out the implications of this colossal fuck-up. If that fool could get close so easily, then anyone can, and what happened yesterday could have gone a hell of a lot differently. Drakos, you’ve worked for me long enough to know I don’t tolerate incompetence on any level. This won’t happen again, are we clear on that?”

  “Absolutely, Sir,” he immediately agreed.

  I wasn’t in the habit of giving second chances for such gross failure, but some skill sets were just too invaluable to replace. At least for now.

  “When it comes to my family’s safety, I have a zero-tolerance policy. Get rid of the dead weight, and find that bastard and bring him to me,” I ordered.

  As Drakos walked out of my office, I turned my gaze on Viktor.

  “Yesterday, I came dangerously close to getting rid of a man who’s worked for me five years now, a man I’ve trusted with my life. Do you know why that is?” I asked, though we both knew the question to be purely rhetorical.

  The room remained silent with tension as I rolled back my chair and got to my feet, walking over to stand at the large floor to ceiling windows. I stared down into the vastness of the Atlantic; though not really seeing it at all, its usual appeal barely registering.

  “I can’t abide even the slightest infraction where my wife and daughter’s safety are concerned, there’s absolutely no wiggle room for a misstep. The one and only reason Joe still remains in my employ, is because it would have devastated my wife to know that she’d been the cause of his disappearing,” I said, turning back to Viktor.

  After him, Joe was my most trusted employee. I would even go so far to say that I considered him a friend. So, my next words aren’t easy to say, but true.

  “Camry’s learned her lesson; as I’m certain Joe has, as well. But, I’m an unreasonable man when it comes to my family, so, I won’t hesitate to put him down myself if something like that ever happens again. Does that give you any indication as to my feelings on the matter?” I asked.

  I was confident my hot-headed wife wouldn’t be providing me with such an opportunity. Camry liked Joe, she’d behave from now on. She understood that her actions would affect more than just her.

  Viktor regarded me with understanding eyes, knowing that I’d gone to my dark place, a place I hadn’t been in quite some time. “Tell me, dvoyurodniy brat, have you grown tired of your position, am I no longer able to count on you?” I asked, this time expecting an answer.

  Viktor is my blood, the closest thing to a brother I would ever have. I could never harm him, but I’d damn sure toss his ass out if he failed to perform as expected. He was free to do whatever he wanted, but if he intended to remain in his position, there was no room for error.

  “I make no excuses, dvoyurodniy brat, I failed you. I can only promise you’ll never have reason to be concerned for your family’s safety ever again. You can always count on me, nothing’s changed,” he told me.

  I didn’t doubt his words for a second. Viktor has always had my back; as I’ve had his. He’s risked his life for me, had even killed for me. His loyalty is not what’s in question. He was off his game, and it could have cost me what I loved most.

  Stepping closer, I looked him in the eye. “I don’t question your loyalty or your ability, you were sloppy, and this is me reminding you of that fact. You of all people need no reminder as to what happened before,” I told him.

  Viktor had been there to witness my devastation and unraveling.

  Satisfied that I’d sufficiently made my point, I moved back to my desk. “I want security doubled from this point on. And, I’ll be attending that meeting today; perhaps the men need a bit more motivation,” I informed him.

  I listened in amusement as I stood in the doorway of the conference room a short while later; my reputation having obviously preceded me.

  “I hear someone’s fucked-up and we’re all about to have our own asses handed to us,” said the man standing with his back to me.

  Must be new, I didn’t recognize him.

  “That’s not at all a comforting thought, considering the things I’ve heard. I’m telling you, don’t let those five-thousand-dollar suits fool you, I heard rumors that in Russia, they call him ‘The Reaper’. Now how do you suppose he’s earned a nickname like that?” asked the other man, Mack.

  How indeed.

  “Come on, you’re just fucking with me, right? You’ve heard no such thing,” the ne
wbie challenged.

  “I’m not bullshitting, he’s a big deal in Russia. And the only thing in Russia bigger than its corrupt government, is the Bratva,” Mack said matter-of-factly.

  What is this, a goddamn breeding ground for gossip?

  “Now I know you’re fucking pulling my leg. I’ve seen the man, he looks more the Royal Prince than Gangster,” new guy snorted.

  He couldn’t see me as I stepped up behind him. “I can arrange to have both your fucking legs pulled, permanently,” I told him, voice low and menacing for maximum effect.

  I felt a brief satisfaction when the man spun around to face me, eyes widening with fear. “Oh, uh, Sir—we were only kidding around!” he stammered like a buffoon.

  Jesus, no wonder my security sucks if this is the kind of idiots we’re hiring.

  “This isn’t a goddamn playground,” I told him, holding his gaze to let him know that I wasn’t kidding around.

  I didn’t get-off on being a dick, but the quickest way to get men to fall in line was by making them fear you. If they feared you, they would respect you.

  I don’t bother addressing the comments, let the rumors abound, it’ll make my job easier.

  I headed towards the far end of the room where Drakos and Viktor stood with several other men. I never come to these kind of meetings; Drakos and Viktor handled their men as they saw fit. But, my purpose here today was to remind them all of whom they worked for. And to remind them, that I was holding each and every one of them personally accountable for ever failing me.

  Forty-Four

  C A M R Y

  We got the all-clear to leave the hotel the following day after our little scare. The security cameras hadn’t revealed any unauthorized persons entering or exiting the neighborhood; nor our property. And the car that followed us had been reported as stolen, so that lead was a dead-end too.

  Today is New Year’s Eve, and our previous plans are surprisingly still in effect. However, I was betting on security being over-the-top for the occasion. Though, after the morose vibe of the past two days, I was looking forward to a more festive atmosphere.

  “Can you zip me up?” I asked Garland, as soon as he stepped into the large walk-in closet.

  He gave a low whistle. “I’d rather be zipping you down. The things pregnancy has done to your ass have me thinking constant dirty thoughts,” the perv said.

  I choked out a laugh. “Your thoughts were dirty long before my ass transformation,” I told him, stepping into my dress.

  I had my back turned to him, giving him a full view of his obsession. Garland was definitely an ass man.

  “You are the sexiest pregnant woman I’ve ever seen,” he murmured next to my ear while zipping me.

  I threw an incredulous look over my shoulder. “Well, enjoy the back view, because you obviously haven’t seen the front,” I said.

  I wore a long, emerald-green formal gown, with Swarovski Crystal encrusted straps that crisscrossed in the back; leaving a good amount of skin exposed. The dress fell gracefully; flattering my pregnant figure, and the hidden elastic at the sides allowed for stretching and a comfortable fit over my boobs. Which were barely contained in the sweetheart neckline.

  Who knew such sexily elegant looking things existed for pregnant women?

  “I like your front view just fine. You’re beautiful, Camry, pregnancy agrees with you,” Garland said, chuckling at my comment.

  He was sweet; and saying what a loving husband should to his pregnant wife.

  Turning to fully face him, I stepped back to give Garland an appreciative once-over. He had a monochromatic theme of black going on, with a nicely tailored tuxedo, black dress shirt, and a black velvet bow tie. It was untraditional formal, but it worked for him. His dark hair still gleamed from the shower—and was tamed into submission with the styling gel I’d put in it about ten minutes ago. He looked all sorts of yummy and gorgeous.

  I considered attacking him right here in the closet. But, my lustful thoughts are brought to a halt when I hear him ask, “See something you like, wife?”

  My eyes snapped to his, to see the green orbs shining with smug satisfaction, smile knowing. My husband stood there looking like the most tempting of forbidden sins, what’s not to like?

  “Absolutely…” I told him.

  The mansion is huge and imposing, and mindbogglingly extraordinary. I stood taking it all in, admiring the huge foyer with its double staircases and gold railings. The soaring ceilings were painted with Gods and Angels, the marble floors gleamed, and the stoned columns stood regal and stately.

  “Wow,” Marie muttered next to me, voicing my own sentiments.

  We’re promptly led from the foyer by a butler of sorts—escorted halfway down a brightly lit hallway, and into an actual ballroom.

  “Get the hell out of here!” Marie exclaimed in a hushed voice.

  I simply nodded my consensus. Everything in the room was golden gilded and sparkling.

  The large, rectangular room had three arched doorways, glossy stoned columns like in the foyer, and huge, sparkling, candelabra looking chandeliers hanging from its high ornate ceiling. A gallery overlooked the ballroom on the opposite side of the room, where I glimpsed several French doors, that undoubtedly led to a terrace. It felt as if I’d just stepped into a historical romance novel.

  The party itself looked to be in full-swing already, with people both seated and milling about; everyone formally dressed. The women wore both long and short festive gowns, and the men sported mostly black suits or tuxedos. But despite the formal wear, the celebratory atmosphere was evident in the “Happy New Year!” tiaras and sashes some of the women wore, and the top-hats and crowns that sat atop some of the men’s heads.

  “Vidov!” boomed a male voice from nearby.

  I looked to see a man approaching from our right. He was of average height and slender build; and once he’d drawn to a stop in front of us, I saw that his twinkling eyes were as blue as the Caribbean Sea.

  Garland embraced him in one of those man-hugs, giving him a friendly clap on the back. “Marcel, this is my wife, Camry, and her cousin, Marie. You already know this ugly guy,” my husband said in reference to Viktor.

  “Ah, the woman who brought Vidov to his knees; quite literally. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Camry, now I see why my friend here never stood a chance,” the man said with a charming French accent, bringing my hand to his mouth and kissing the back of it.

  “Marie, the name of a queen, and quite fitting. I’m honored to have such a belle femme grace me with her presence tonight,” he told her, repeating the same kiss on the back of the hand routine.

  I smiled in delight, recognizing a smooth operator when I saw one.

  “Ladies, this charmer is, Marcel Girard, an old friend and our esteemed host for tonight,” Garland told us.

  “Perhaps there could be less emphasis on the old part,” Marcel objected good-naturedly.

  Though his dark hair was lightly sprinkled throughout with flecks of gray, looking at his face, Marcel appeared younger than the gray indicated. But, now having met him, l got it. The beautiful architecture of the mansion, the grand ballroom, painted towering ceilings and whole golden gilded theme, were all fashioned in the classic French mansion style. Marcel had either found or built, a little piece of his native country right here in Southern Florida.

  Dinner is a lavish affair; with every known seafood, prime rib, and delicacy ever heard of, flowing freely. As was the alcohol. Marcel proves quite the charming host, as well as a consummate flirt. Though, he soon realized he’d met his match in Marie.

  “Yes, I travel abroad quite frequently, perhaps more so than not. In fact, I just returned from Prague two days ago; I would love to show you some of the treasures I brought back with me,” Marcel said in answer to Marie’s question, eyes sparkling mischievously.

  “I’m sensing those treasures are buried somewhere deep inside your bedroom,” Marie returned cynically.

  The two of them
weren’t loud enough for everyone at the table to hear, but I was sitting close enough to hear it all. I listened as they bantered back and forth, and suspected that even Marcel was surprised by some of the stuff that came out of Marie’s mouth. Though judging by the look in his eyes, I could tell he also welcomed the challenge. I wondered why he didn’t have a date here tonight; it seemed strange that he wouldn’t. Then again, he was an utter flirt, perhaps he simply liked keeping his options open.

  As we sat at the hosts table, several men stopped by—some Garland seemed to know, others he didn’t. But the men seemed hell-bent on discussing business with them, so both Garland and Marcel eventually excused themselves from the table.

  While Marie chatted with Viktor; I grew bored, and my attention eventually started to wander. I perused the room, people-watching, until I eventually caught sight of my husband. I admired him from afar, as his tall frame standing out like a shiny new penny amongst the group of distinguished men.

  While I sat watching, two men approached his group; one tall and blonde, and the other a bit shorter with dark spiky hair. Whoever they were, I saw Garland’s face instantly transform into a decidedly unfriendly expression. The shift might have gone unnoticed by the others, but not me, I knew that look.

  Blondie shook hands with Marcel, apparently saying something that made the Frenchman laugh, before turning his gaze on Garland. My husband stood with one hand casually tucked into the pocket of his pants, and with a hard look in his eyes. The man said something to him; presumably in greeting, and my husband simply nodded. It was evident from where I sat, Garland didn’t much care for Blondie.

  I sat up a bit straighter in interest; but gave a start a second later, when Viktor rose suddenly from his chair, gaze glued to where the men were gathered.

  I watched with rapt attention as he made his way over towards them. But, instead of joining the group, he took up position against a stoned column about ten feet away. His presence didn’t go unnoticed by Blondie or Short, which seemed to have been the whole point.