Obsession: (Billionaire Venture Capitalist #5) A Billionaire Russian Mob Romance

by Ainsley St Claire

“Sounds like a fabulous idea.” She follows me, as do four men from our security detail—two of them in front of us and two behind.

  So much for making this a moment just between the two of us. Though I get it, and I’m happy they’re here to protect my woman.

  “Are you having fun?” she asks.

  “I am. How about you?”

  “I won’t lie, it would be nice to lose our entourage.” I nod. “But I’m just glad you’re here with me.” My heart is pounding. I take a deep breath and then take the leap. “I’ve wanted to say this for some time, but given everything going on, I didn’t want it to cause you any more stress than you’re dealing with already. Ever since I met you, I haven’t wanted to see anybody else. I think about you constantly. I don’t want to do anything to mess this up, but I want you to know that I’m without a doubt absolutely over a cliff in love with you.”

  She looks up at me and smiles. “I love you too. I have since the night you came downstairs with your Stone Temple Pilots album.”

  “So what you’re really telling me is that you only love me for my record collection,” I tease.

  “Well, there’s that.” She reaches for my cock. “And that.” Then she kisses me softly on the lips. “And those.” She steps back and continues, “And for being my rock in this terrible storm. I feel like with you by my side, I can do anything.”

  Our lips come together, softly kissing on the beach with the waves lapping against the shore just a short distance away. As we turn to head back to the beach house, we can see they started the bonfire.

  Cynthia’s shivering beside me. “Let’s go by the fire to get you warm,” I suggest.

  “I guess that’ll have to do for now, but I can think of a lot of other ways I’d prefer to get warm with you.”

  “We have a lot of time for that.”

  Chapter THIRTY

  Cynthia

  Last night was a lot of fun. Not only did my friends make me feel normal again, but when Todd professed his feelings for me, my heart beat ten times faster. It was a surprise because he’s all over the place. One minute he’s holding back, and the next he’s telling everyone we’re serious and living together. His honesty was exciting and yet a surprise. He’s been so wonderful during this entire ordeal, but he can be a bit closed off with his feelings. I’m over the moon that he feels the same about me as I do about him.

  It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Todd’s friends as they head back into the city. I did get the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with Elizabeth, and I like her. I do think she’s way out of Thomas’s league, but as long as they’re happy, that’s all I care about. He’s a real delight, and I’m thrilled for them both.

  Charles and Margo have arrived, and it’s time for our partners’ meeting. We all walk to the neighboring house and take our places around a large living room. They’ve asked Todd to join us tonight as well, and he holds my hand as we sit together.

  Agents Baron and Woods, along with Jim, start our meeting off.

  “Thank you for inviting us. We have some sad news. Donald Jergen, a former partner and whistleblower at BrightStar, was murdered last night,” Agent Woods shares.

  The hair on the back of my next stands up straight. Donald was our CFO; he knew where all the money came from and where all the money went. Everyone stops and stares at me with eyes wide and their jaws open.

  “Oh my God,” I exclaim. “What happened?”

  “We’ve captured who we believe are the perpetrators.”

  “But you told us you had someone on the inside and you could prevent things like this from happening,” Todd interjects.

  “I understand your concern—” Agent Woods starts, but Todd cuts him off.

  “I don’t think you do. Every single one of us in this room may be at risk.”

  “That’s why you’re all here. If you can give us a minute, we’ll go through what happened and how we suggest to move forward.”

  Todd sits back, his grip on my hand so tight that mine is cramping.

  “First, it’s important to note that Mr. Jergen refused any kind of protection. He thought he didn’t have anything to fear, and as we’ve pressed with Miss Hathaway, these are not people worth messing with. Second, Mr. Jergen thought he could play both sides. While he was talking to us, he was telling Mr. Kuznetsov what he was sharing, and that wasn’t going over well.”

  “What an idiot,” Dillon breathes.

  “Our thoughts too,” Agent Baron agrees. “Which brings us to our next thought. We believe Jeffery Bratva’s behind the killing.”

  My heart stops. “How’s that possible?”

  Ignoring my question, Agent Woods passes around a photo of Jeffery. He’s shirtless, and on each shoulder are tattoos of seven-pointed stars. A double-headed eagle sits over his heart, and he has several skulls with crossbones on his stomach and swastikas on his arms, like he’s wearing Nazi armbands. “These are Russian Mob tattoos,” Agent Baron points out.

  I think I’m going to throw up. I start to hyperventilate, and Todd puts his arm around me and whispers, “It’s going to be okay.”

  Taking a deep breath, I share, “I met this Jeffery guy twice. It was a matchme.com date. In fact, it was the day Greer returned from Fashion Week to the mess with her ex. I only remember because it was a second date, and I was thrilled when Greer texted and invited everyone over because it got me away from the guy.”

  “Holy shit,” Mason exclaims.

  “Yes, they were targeting Cynthia for some time. We believe he’s the leak with the San Francisco Chronicle, and the run at your security system was done by Kuznetsov himself to flush you out,” Agent Woods shares.

  “Okay, now what?” Emerson ponders.

  “We sit back and wait.” Agent Woods takes the time to look at each of us. “I’m sharing this with all of you because I want you to be aware of your surroundings.”

  “We’ll have someone posted in the lobby, and we’ll train Constance in reception on how to deal with unwanted arrivals. We’re changing the access to the floor. It’ll require a fob, which we’ll give to each person in the office. Each one will have its own access number and instructions on what to do if it’s lost,” Jim says.

  “That’s an awful lot for our staff,” Sara sighs.

  Jim nods. “I understand, but I’ve been talking to Mason about this for some time. You guys are getting pretty big, and we need a little more protection for you. Not only from these slugs, but also from the riffraff you chose not to do business with. The mole is a prime example.”

  The meeting continues, but I can’t help staring at the picture. He’s so unattractive with all the hate tattoos. Yet another bad decision. I’m blaming my mom for this one. Not everyone’s deserving of a second date.

  Finally the conversation dies down and we move on to the next topic.

  Mason stands and looks our way. “Todd and I have been having some interesting conversations regarding our investment strategies. We see a nice synergy in how we do business, and he’s also spent some time with Dillon talking about some intriguing ideas. Todd, I ran it by Cynthia, and we were curious if you’d be interested in joining us in an advisory capacity. Obviously, that may preclude you from getting involved in the purchase of some of our assets before they go public, so that’s something to consider.”

  Todd looks at me with a goofy grin. “Wow, guys, this is an amazing opportunity for Morgan Wealth Management and for me. I do need to talk about it with Angus Morgan, of course.”

  Greer sits up straight. “I’ve worked it through his wife, my cousin Vanessa. He’s good with it, but he’d still like to discuss it with you beforehand.”

  “Sounds like you’ve figured it all out already.” Todd’s grinning from ear to ear.

  Cynthia turns to me and scoffs. “I know I have a lot going on with me personally, but please don’t feel pressured into this.”

  “I’m happy to stay, or if you’d like, I’ll leave until we have the confidentiality agreement and any
noncompetes set up,” Todd says earnestly.

  “I think that, given our goal is to come to an agreement, you can stay.” Mason hands Todd a manila envelope. “Have Angus and your lawyer review these and let us know.”

  We walk through numbers next, and the meeting goes on without issue.

  “It’s getting dark, and it can get dicey driving through Mt. Tamalpais State Park, so let’s call this meeting to an end. I’ll see you all in the morning,” Mason says.

  We all stand, and Greer walks over to give me a hug. “You didn’t do anything wrong. And, as you learned, we all have bad pickers until we find the right one.” Nodding at Todd, she murmurs, “And maybe your picker worked this time.”

  “It was all CeCe.”

  “Did I hear my name?” CeCe comes over and hugs me.

  “I was saying you fixed me up with Todd.”

  “And I was just about to share that you fixed me up with Andy.” Greer preens, holding on to CeCe.

  “I also had to push Cameron and Hadlee together. When will you people learn that I have this thing figured out?” CeCe laughs.

  “Figure it out for yourself already,” I tell her.

  “Oh I have. He just hasn’t figured it out yet.”

  “Who do I have to speak to? He’ll figure it out if I have to shake him into submission,” I persist.

  We all laugh, but I would hurt this guy if he doesn’t figure it out soon. CeCe has an outside persona of having it all—she’s CEO of a successful company, she’s generous not only with her personal wealth but with her friends and family, and she’s drop-dead gorgeous. She deserves a great guy.

  We walk back to Sara and Trey’s place as a group. Jim signals that he wants to talk to me, and I break off and walk over with him.

  “Cynthia, our inside guy has Jeffery in his sights. He has it bad for you, so you need to be careful. Donald was dumb. He was playing both sides against the middle and lost. You’re doing it all right, so just keep your head down and keep doing what you’re doing.”

  “I promise. I don’t want to end up like Donald. I always thought he was a good guy. I’m sad for his passing, and more importantly for his family.”

  “It’s certainly tragic.”

  We walk into the other house, which is in a state of chaos with everyone trying to get on the road before it’s too dark. Mt. Tamalpais has some tight switchbacks with no guard rails or streetlights, so it’s extremely hazardous to navigate at night.

  It’s bittersweet to watch everyone leave, as I enjoy spending time with my friends. I had no idea that working for SHN meant I’d get a dozen new friends, but I’m glad it did.

  Walking back to the bedroom, I work on packing my toiletries. Todd steps in and surveys the room. “Are you ready?”

  “I guess it’s time to go back to my prison cell.”

  “Is it that bad?”

  “When you’re used to being able to go wherever you want, whenever you want, it can be tough.”

  He puts his bag down, crosses the room, and pulls me into his arms. “This won’t be forever.”

  “I know. I want to continue showing you around the city neighborhoods.”

  “We’ll get that chance. Promise.”

  On the drive back to the city, I fall asleep, only waking when Todd tells me we’re home. Our four guards walk us back up to Todd’s apartment, which is no different from the last time we were here.

  A subtle reminder that the weekend is over and now it’s back to reality.

  Chapter THIRTY-ONE

  Cynthia

  It’s already been a long Monday back at work, and it isn’t even lunchtime yet. My phone rings, and I see it’s Jon Carter from Caring. I don’t have the patience to flirt with him today, but I need to get a meeting set up with Cameron. We know he’s talking to several of our competitors, and we want him, but he’s stringing us along.

  “Cynthia Hathaway,” I answer.

  “Hello, Cynthia. It’s Jon Carter.”

  “Hi, Jon. Are you ready to meet with Cameron?”

  “Only if you’re coming along.”

  “Jon, these days I’m tethered to four bodyguards. I’m no fun. I think you’d be better served by meeting with Cameron and maybe Dillon.”

  “Now why would you need bodyguards with me? I promise to take good care of you.”

  Ick!

  “Well, given the Russian mob’s killing former BrightStar partners, hanging with me could have consequences.”

  He scoffs. “Are you fucking with me?”

  “Not at all. Google BrightStar and the Chronicle. See for yourself.”

  I hear him click away in the background. While I wait, I send an instant message to Cameron and Dillon, telling them Jon’s on the line and asking them to come to my office. They both arrive in time to hear Jon say, “Holy shit! Are you going to be okay?”

  “Jon, this is Dillon Healy. Cynthia has twenty-four seven coverage, but SHN’s absolutely committed to your business.”

  “This is Cameron Newhouse. I’d love to take you to lunch and talk about what you’re looking to do if you haven’t committed to Benchmark.”

  “Sure, sounds good,” Jon replies. “I haven’t committed to Benchmark. I was hoping for another conversation with Cynthia before we got that far, but given I value my life, if you don’t mind, Cynthia, can we take a rain check?”

  “I understand. How about Thursday for lunch at Birddog?” Cameron inquires.

  “Cameron, I’m not sure I’m ready for you to look at my code.”

  “Who asked you to bring code? Let’s talk about what you’re looking to achieve. If we like what we hear, we’ll have Sara, our attorney, put together a letter of intent with a binding confidentiality agreement. Then we can look at the code.”

  “All right.” The phone is silent for few moments, but then he finally agrees, “Thursday at Birddog. See you at noon.”

  I’m grinning from ear to ear. “Thank you, Jon. I wish I could join you, but I promise I’ll be there when you sign for your million-dollar check from us.”

  He hangs up and we all high-five. “Finally!” I exclaim.

  “You’ve had three lunches. Does he know about Todd?” Dillon smirks.

  “Not by name, but he knows I have a boyfriend.”

  “We’ll let Jon down gently.” Dillon has a devious smile, and I can’t help but laugh.

  “Thank you. I wish I could go on Thursday,” I admit.

  “We’ve got you covered,” Cameron assures me. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Since you guys are here, should we try Fredric at DribbleDrabble?” I ask.

  “Why not?” Cameron says.

  Ten minutes later, they have lunch plans for Friday with Fredric.

  I feel like I’m passing my job off to Dillon and Cameron, but they seem to agree that in the end, we’re all ahead. “If you both can seal these, it’ll more than make up for Pineapple Technologies.”

  “From the prospectus you provided us, they both could eclipse Pineapple. Great job today,” Dillon contends.

  I want to make sure they understand how much I appreciate their help. “Thanks. It does make up for being stuck in the office. I need to chase some sunshine this weekend.”

  “I know someone with a beach house in Malibu. You nail this, and I’ll set you up with Todd for a week there,” Cameron volunteers.

  “Well, don’t sink this, then,” I rib him.

  The guys leave my office, and I pick up my phone and text Todd.

  Me: Despite being chained to my desk, I’m having a great day. How about you?

  Todd: I was thinking about you. Good day here too. Angus gave me the thumbs-up.

  Me: The partners will all be thrilled.

  Me: I was thinking about cooking tonight. Up for some home-cooked food and maybe a night of music?

  Todd: You cook?

  Me: Did I say it would be boiled water and day-old bread? You better be hungry. I have big plans.

  Todd: I’ll be home by 6.


  Me: I may be naked by then.

  Todd: Okay then, I’ll be home by 5.

  Me: I’ll be waiting with bated breath.

  Todd: God, woman. What you do to me. I’ll be sitting at my desk for at least five minutes before I can stand and do anything.

  I can’t help but grin from ear to ear.

  Walking into Mason’s office, I share Todd’s good news.

  “That’s great!” he says. “I’ll send out an announcement to the whole team. I got the impression that your relationship with Todd has changed since we talked about this. Is this going to be okay for you?”

  “Yes, I think so. Right now he’s up to date with all that’s going on with Kuznetsov and BrightStar.”

  “I’m glad. This is a tricky situation.”

  “Well, two good things came from it.” Mason raises his eyebrows, and I tell him about the calls with Caring and DribbleDrabble.

  “I’d say you’ve had a good day.”

  “I think so too. I’m going to notify my protection detail that I’m going to head home early. I promised Todd I would cook tonight so we can eat something other than takeout.”

  “Go and have a good night.”

  I let Jim’s team know that I’ll be ready in thirty minutes. I’ve decided to bake chicken breasts and make a balsamic vinegar reduction, so I order some groceries to be delivered to the apartment.

  Packing up, I wave goodbye to Sara as she sits in her office, then meet the security team in reception so they can escort me to the garage. The waiting car whisks me across town, and the little bit of sunshine coming through the windows is perfect.

  “Do you think I can sit on the patio this afternoon for a while and maybe read a book?” I ask.

  Jack, one of my bodyguards, talks into his mic. “Princess would like to sit on the patio when she returns home. Can we get a sweep of the patio along with the neighboring roofs?”

  “Princess?” I challenge.

  “It’s your code name.” He says it so matter-of-fact I’m a little offended.

  “Why didn’t you go with prima donna?”

  “Already taken.” He smirks at me, and for the first time I realize my detail has a sense of humor.