“Yes.”
“So why were you threatening me with a knife last night?”
“We planned it together.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “We are members of an anti-government rebellion group. She was screwing you for information, but when we realised you were thinking to fund Orlov’s soccer team, we wanted to scare you to stop the deal. He must not get his hands on Grafton Techs. So I hinted to Orlov that you and Natalia might be having an affair and he sent me to find out. It was all part of our plan. Unfortunately your wife hit me over the head. I don’t know why Natalia screamed like that – probably she wanted to seem authentic.” His body sagged with sadness. “But after that I never saw her again. Poor Natalia…”
Dylan stared into his eyes. So Natalia was a spy… it did explain a few things. But Mikhail was young – probably no older than Joseph. What the hell was he doing messing around with Russian rebels? “What’s your involvement in all this?”
“I am involved because it is wrong what Orlov is doing. I joined the cause back in Russia.”
“And now you’re a spy?”
“There are some who would call me that. But you shouldn’t be funding Orlov. He wants to use Grafton Techs for wrong. Natalia wanted to stop him.”
“I got a message from someone warning me not to tell the police anything – on pain of death of my family. Was that you?”
“No, no. I know nothing of that. I came here to warn you.”
Dylan’s fists gripped Mikhail’s shirt in frustration. “About what?”
Mikhail’s expression hardened. “Have you heard of a device that can create free and clean energy? It has been linked to your family. To your dead brother.”
Dread rattled in Dylan’s brain at the mention of the device, but he forced himself to act cool. “Maybe. What of it?”
“Before your Ivan died he arranged a meeting with a couple of potential manufacturers in California. It would’ve been, like, February time. Those people never showed up for the meeting. We believe they were intercepted by the Russian government… Natalia sacrificed her life for the good of humanity.”
“Humanity? Come on…”
Mikhail’s voice surged with anger. “She did not intend to die today, Mr Quinlan. The message she needed to give you was this: there is one final piece of the blueprint from your dead brother’s device in existence. It is now safe in Orlov’s house. It needs to be destroyed.”
Dylan frowned. “Ivan thought it was Saudis who wanted the device. You say it’s the Russians?”
“So you do know about it?”
“I’m not telling you anything. I don’t trust you – you could be spying on me.”
“I am spying on everyone, Mr Quinlan. That is my role; to find information and to report it. Now you are involved. You must find out who were those people who never showed up to see your dead brother. Your dead brother will tell you more information about the piece of the blueprint that is still in existence.”
Dylan’s chest rushed with tension. “My dead brother will tell me…? What the hell are you suggesting? That I hold a goddamn séance?”
Mikhail stared confidently into his eyes. “I can’t reveal my sources, but I know Ivan Quinlan might not be completely dead, okay?”
Dylan refused to confirm or deny this. “And what if he’s not?”
“You go to see him, yes? He will tell you about the blueprint – about what to look for. Then you must find it at Orlov’s home and destroy it.”
“Why don’t you?”
“This was to be Natalia’s mission, but of course she is not able… Please Mr Quinlan, you must get this out of the hands of the Russian government. Believe me when I tell you they have plans to harm the world. Now I must go – I have been foolish to come here and reveal these things, but without Natalia… You are our hope now, Mr Quinlan. Don’t let us down.”
“Wait, what if I need you?”
“If you need me, just whistle three times.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“I must go. If they’re watching us, they will kill me next. You mustn’t be surprised if you hear of my death.”
“Wait, what are you –?”
Mikhail broke free from Dylan’s arms and fled. As Dylan watched in him, he grappled to comprehend what he’d just been told… Mikhail squeezed through the iron gates and disappeared into the hot night, leaving Dylan standing there in the ringing silence, staring at nothing. How the hell did Mikhail know about Ivan? And what did he mean about a piece of the blueprint? And who had killed Natalia?
He tried to focus his mind, but the sound of Sarah calling his name pulled him out of his thoughts.
She halted in the dark exposed driveway beside him, looking worried. “What happened? Why did you run off like that?”
He grabbed her upper-arms and pulled her close, making her flinch. “We need to get back inside.”
Panic flashed over her face. “Why?”
“We’re being watched.”
“Who by?”
“I’m not sure. The police. The Russian mafia. But someone...”
Her voice came out as a whispered gasp. “Oh god. What do we do?”
He caressed her cheek, suddenly terrified to let her go. “We need to make a journey first thing in the morning.”
“What? Where to?”
“The Essex Coast.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just go back inside. There’s something I need to tell you about Ivan.”
Chapter Fourteen
Sarah held Dylan’s hand as he led her back into the house. They squeezed past the frivolous party-goers – who’d now spilled out into the hallway – and made their way upstairs to one of the spare bedrooms. It was brighter in here compared to Amy’s room, and it was warm. But maybe that was just because Dylan was in here. He warmed Sarah right through to her core. Always had.
Sarah glanced around the room and allowed herself to feel cozy, despite the bright white ambience. The laminate flooring was shiny, and the double-bed’s comforter was ivory. The white walls gave the place a spacious feel, and the minimalist furniture – which consisted of an ornate Queen Anne chair and a free-standing closet – made it feel uncluttered. It was like mint ice-cream. Refreshing and cool.
Sarah sat down on the double-bed and sank into the squishy comforter. Dylan sat with her and loosened his tie, then dropped it on the bed. “You okay?”
“I guess so. Still a bit shaken. Who is Orlov? What’s his role in the Russian government?”
“Well, as far as I’ve gathered, he started out as the mayor of Moscow a few years ago – the youngest ever mayor in Russian politics – and he quickly got a reputation for being corrupt. That’s how he got the money to buy Fenchurch United soccer club, they say.”
“It’s such a shame,” Sarah said. “My dad loved Fenchurch United – he lived and breathed that team. Never missed a game. He would’ve been devastated to learn what had happened to his beloved club.”
“I know. You always used to get so excited when they won – even when you were so far away from home.”
“Well, maybe they connected me to my home back then. To my dad.”
Dylan squeezed her hand. “It’s a pity the big clubs all seem to be about money – not grassroots anymore. Orlov and his equivalents don’t really care about the game, huh?”
“I get the feeling he only cares about money. So he was forced to leave Russia? Because of the corruption?”
Dylan laughed kindly. “No. The government are supportive of him, sweetheart. You must know what these Russian oligarchs are like, huh?”
She shrugged. “I don’t really know much about politics. I spend all my time trying to run the hotel.”
“Well, let’s just say he was taking backhanders and blackmailing businesses. He was exploiting all manner of loopholes in Russian law to line his own pockets – as well as those of his government.”
“So why were you doing business with him?”
“Good
question. It seemed like a great deal at the time. I guess I wasn’t using my morality head, but my business head.”
“You’ve always been pretty ruthless when it comes to getting what you want.”
“I didn’t know someone would end up murdered as part of this business deal, Sarah. You gotta believe that.”
“I know. So you’ll call it off with Orlov?”
“Definitely. I’ll contact our corporate lawyer in the morning and tell her to stop the proceedings. I can’t allow any of my family to be harmed because of this.”
Sarah leaned back against the headboard. Dylan held her hand. “But I still don’t understand,” she said. “Why’s Natalia dead?”
“Mikhail was saying that she was some sort of double-agent. She married Orlov so she could spy for a Russian anti-government group.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I guess Orlov found out her true identity and panicked. Apparently she was screwing me for information.”
Sarah chuckled. “God, it’s like James Bond.”
“I don’t feel much like James Bond.”
“So what were you going to tell me about Ivan?”
Dylan ran his fingers through his hair. Sarah could see he was trying to be strong and hold everything together. He gazed deeply into her eyes. “Brace yourself, Sarah… Ivan’s not really dead.”
Reality warped around her. “What?”
“Yeah, I know… Look, he had these Saudis trailing him, because he and this other guy invented a device… Did you ever meet Tariq?”
Sarah’s memory raced back in time. “I’m not sure… I can’t think straight…”
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter. So, the only way they could shake off the bad guys was to fake their own deaths – which is what they did. But now it seems the Russians have managed to find a little piece of the blueprint for the device. I need Ivan’s guidance on this. I’m going to go see him first thing in the morning.”
“Where is he? In the UK?”
“Yeah, he’s staying in Essex. In hiding, obviously. You’ll come with me. And Joseph, too. You’re both involved in this and I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I can’t Dylan – I need to get back to work.”
“No, Sarah, you’re coming with me.”
She rankled. “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do.”
“Your life could be in danger here, sweetheart – I’m not trying to oppress you. Jesus.”
“Sorry, I know… But what about the hotel? I can’t just leave.”
“Surely you must have some annual leave? Call your boss and tell her that you urgently want some time off. Tell her the future of humanity depends on it.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “I’m sure she’ll believe that, won’t she?”
Dylan leaned over and kissed her. “The truth is, I need you by my side, Sarah. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too. But I don’t know… me and you? Maybe the past should be left there.”
“Well, at least you’re open to negotiations. I will win you, you know.”
“I’m not a business contract.”
“No. But it could be kinda cool if we gave it another shot... just think about my offer, okay?”
“Offer?” She smirked. “You’re so sentimental, aren’t you?”
He wrapped her up in his arms. “Sarah, everything you want will be provided for. But I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
She rested her head against his shoulder. “Okay, I’ll tell my boss I need a holiday. I’ll say I’m helping the police with their investigations after what happened to Natalia. The deputy manager can take over for a while. I guess that’ll have to do.”
“Alright, good. Now come here.”
He kissed her strongly and Sarah’s mind relented to the passion. She was confused about what was happening, but – truthfully – a good fuck right now was just what she needed, mentally and physically.
She reached out and frantically unbuttoned Dylan’s shirt, revealing his gorgeous toned torso, which she licked – relishing his masculine aroma, and making him gasp.
He caressed her face and lifted her chin. “I need to taste your pussy. Go and sit down in that chair. I’m gonna tie you up and tease you so hard that you’ll be begging me to finish you off!”
Sarah giggled with arousal, then she padded over and sat down on the ornamental chair by the closet. She placed her arms on the wooden armrests, gripping them hard to control her lust. Dylan strutted over, already unbuckling his belt. He looked so hot with his trousers undone and his shirt hanging off. He turned to grab his discarded tie from the bed. “This pleasure is all yours. But I want you naked.”
Sarah’s desire caught in her throat at the thought of him wearing his trousers and her wearing nothing – it was illicit and exciting. She stood up to undress. “Okay.”
“Turn around,” he instructed.
She turned her back on him, trying to control her yearning lust. He stood close behind her, then reached out to fondle the dress straps, kissing her neck, and rubbing his hard cock against her.
“Feel how turned on I am, sweetheart? You do that me…”
He suddenly stripped down her dress, making her gasp, then he unhooked her bra, and ran his strong hands over her quivering body.
He whispered in her ear. “You’re so soft. Soft and tight.”
He ran his fingers down the sides of her hips, easing them into her panties, which he peeled down. He dropped to his knees behind her and bit her ass cheek, sinking his teeth into the flesh. Sarah yelped in pain, but it was surprisingly pleasurable. She opened her mouth to speak, but he spanked her on the other cheek. She groaned and waited to see what was to come next, but he stood up and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight from behind.
“Now I’ve got you naked, what shall I do with you?”
Sarah leaned her head back and felt him strongly supporting her. She couldn’t speak now; she just needed to feel him thrusting her deep, taking her from behind, like earlier at the hotel…
But a quickie wasn’t on Dylan’s mind this evening; he was enjoying drawing this out.
“Take a seat, babe,” he said.
She obeyed and sat down, consciously aware that she’d be leaving a wet patch on the cushion. But nothing mattered other than the overwhelming lust that he was controlling her with right now. She watched as he grabbed his belt and necktie, then he fastened one of Sarah’s wrists to the arm of the chair with his necktie.
“Now you’re in my power.”
Sarah breathed hard. “I trust you, Dylan.”
He smiled coolly, using his belt to bind her other wrist. Sarah wriggled and realised she was securely fastened, but she felt completely safe.
Dylan stood in front of her and unzipped his trousers, tugging out his straining erection. “I’ve been fantasising all day about those luscious lips sucking my cock.”
He held his cock towards her. Sarah grinned and leaned forward to wrap her lips around the head of his hard-on, licking up the pre-cum. She moaned, making her lips vibrate on his cock, which she knew would enhance his pleasure. He reached out and ran his fingers through her hair, pulling her towards him. She felt totally at his mercy – if he wanted to finish himself off and come in her face, there was nothing stopping him. But she knew Dylan better than that. This was all part of the warm-up.
He eased himself out of her mouth. “You can finish me off later. But chivalry always states ‘ladies first’. And I’m nothing but a gentleman.”
He dropped to his knees and bent forward to kiss her on the lips, running his fingers roughly up her naked thighs. Hungry lust zoomed through Sarah’s body. She watched as Dylan licked his thumb seductively, then he lowered it to delicately rub her throbbing clit, which she ground against him, desperate for him to go faster and harder.
Still rubbing her clit, he knelt up and sucked one of her breasts, tonguing her nipple, and making her gasp. The sensation of having her nipple and clit attend
ed to simultaneously caused her pussy to contract with desire – aching to be filled by Dylan.
He moved his hand to her thigh. “Silken…” he muttered, still licking her breasts. Then he eased a finger between her legs, running it along her labia – teasing her and making her shudder with yearning.
Sarah gazed down at Dylan as he leaned away from her tits and lowered his head to her thighs. His eyes were closed and he was smiling contentedly, as if he was enjoying feeling his way around Sarah’s pussy as much as she was.
Nibbling her thigh like a wild animal, he circled a fingertip gently around the opening, making her groan with frustrated delight. She thrust her pelvis, trying to fuck his finger.
“Want me inside you?” he whispered. “Huh?”
She ground her hips. “Yes, Dylan, please!”
He suddenly plunged his fingers deep inside her, making Sarah gasp and groan. He buried his face in her thighs, pressing his tongue-tip against her throbbing clit, which pulsed powerful waves of ecstasy over her body – as he thrust his fingers rapidly against her pleasure zone, encouraging her to lose herself in joy.
Hardly aware of anything now but the honey-like bliss between her legs, she let her head drop back, welcoming the massive waves of dazzling delight as the orgasm possessed her. Sarah pushed herself into Dylan’s hand, grinding against him to ensure she absorbed total pleasure – one wave, then two, then three, then four… her pussy gripped his fingers, holding him in place until the last few tremors of passion swept through her.
Dylan raised his head – his mouth was smeared in her wetness and he looked pleased with himself. He treated her to the dazzling grin that he saved for occasions like this. Sarah giggled. She was still bound by the wrists to the chair, but she felt as if she was flying. Dylan gave her one last shudder of pleasure, fingering her deeply. She gasped and grinned, scrunching up her eyes with delight. Then he slowly reclaimed his fingers. They gazed into each other’s eyes, losing themselves in each other; floating together in the post-orgasm contentment that Dylan had created for her. The only sound that Sarah could hear now was the faint noise of the party downstairs. She focused her attention on the most handsome man she’d even met – who was in turn gazing at her with adulation. His tongue-tip was still sticking out absent-mindedly, which made Sarah laugh.
The Billionaire's Affair: Billionaire Brothers (Tycoon Billionaires Book 2) Page 8
