Stuart stopped and turned, tipping his head and staring into Jax’s eyes, his timbre dropping to a hoarse whisper. “He has a waiting list of the tastiest men willing to work with him and to enjoy certain pleasures and Aleksandr has particular tastes if you will.” As the young man returned and handed him a tall glass of champagne, the crystal frosted black, Stuart allowed his fingers to dance across his arm, shifting the glass into his other hand. Guiding the boy’s fingers to his mouth, Stuart pressed a single kiss across his tips while keeping his eyes locked onto Jax’s.
A sudden chill rushed though Jax’s body from the blatant suggestion. At least he had just gained a better understanding of Aleksandr Vasiliev and while killing his own clients was certainly a stretch, the mysterious Russian had just made it into the suspect list. “Fascinating.”
“Tell me, have you ever considered doing some modeling?” Stuart cooed.
“No. I don’t have the look for it.” Swallowing hard, Jax realized his leg was shaking. There was something about the man’s look that was about more than wanting to strip off his clothes and suck his cock. Damn if the man didn’t make him nervous.
“Ah, but you do. You are very sensual and I believe Aleksandr would find you delicious.”
“Why, thank you but I’m not experienced and I believe an artist as fine as Mr. Vasiliev would find me cumbersome.”
Stuart chuckled as he sipped his champagne slowly, a tiny bead falling from his lip. “Very well but I may ask you the same question at another time. You’re far too beautiful not to be in front of a camera. Come and allow me to show you his passion.”
Jax nodded and started to follow until he noticed Amanda out of the corner of his eye, cell phone in her hand walking quickly toward them. “Something wrong darling?”
“Hey. I’m sorry Jax but I have to go to work. There’s been an emergency. A huge wreck just occurred on the interstate and there are a lot of injured people. I have no choice.”
“We only just arrived my darling. Stuart was going to show me the artist’s finest work.” Jax could easily tell she was nervous.
Amanda eyed the man, the disdain sliding across her flushed face. “Please enjoy as I hate to miss this event but I must go to the hospital. You know that, Jax.”
“Stuart, oh Stuart.” A shrill voice came from the other side of the gallery. Beckoning to the owner, the overweight woman had a contingency of others waiting.
“I’m being called and those are some of Aleks’ best customers. I’ll leave you both. Please look around and if you have any questions, come and find me. I’ll certainly show you his exclusive pieces whenever you like.” Stuart nodded to Amanda and bowed his head, a slight curl of his lips hiding the saucy little desire.
“Thank you.” Jax turned toward Amanda, the deep sigh rattling his chest. “Are you really going to work, Amanda?”
She cocked her jaw and smirked. “Yes, Jax I am. The fact that I don’t like porn doesn’t mean that I suddenly turned into a liar. Please stay and enjoy as I see you have been already.” Amanda cut her eyes toward the closest picture, drawing Jax’s attention. The stunning chiseled man was masked in silk and hanging completely naked from a steel bar. Rich shadows cast a haze around his cock, yet there was no mistaking the slash marks from the riding crop lying in close proximity by his feet.
Mesmerized by the entire scene, Jax leaned in to stare at his face and the look of intense rapture that could be seen even with the mask tied firmly in place. Licking his lips, he wiped his wet mouth with the back of his hand.
“Jesus Jax, I gotta go. I’ll call you tomorrow.” She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and walked away quickly, her head down.
Startled by her actions as well as his reaction to the shameless act, Jax moved toward the window to stand quietly, forcing his ragged emotions away as he closed his eyes. Why did he suddenly feel so damn light-headed? He calmed his nerves as he thought about the evidence of the case and knew damn well there was more information that could be obtained. Of that he had no doubt. And while he needed to confirm the two had been models, his gut told him there was a direct connection to the brutal slayings.
***
Jax grabbed a glass of champagne and moved through the crowd stopping at every piece, admiring the art and listening in on the myriad of conversations. The majority of patrons were intensely passionate about his work showering him with praise as they inched toward the next explicit photo. The conversations were sensual and thought provoking and with each passing moment the realization that he was turned on by the stunning pieces forced little tingles of apprehension fluttering down his spine. The grip on the glass increased as a single bead of perspiration trickled down his neck and he became lost in his own thoughts, his fears and his desires.
“Beautiful, can you just imagine being one of his models? Oh, the thought is amazing.” Giggling, she cooed softly.
Turning his head, Jax eyed the scantily clad woman that stood near, her arm draped around well-dressed man of at least sixty.
“Would you enjoy owning a piece my dear?” The man pressed a kiss against her bleach blond hair as he ground his groin into her silk covered ass.
She squealed. “Oh you know that I would.”
“Then you’ll have one, my love. Tell me, what do you think of his work?” Turning his gaze toward Jax, he leaned in and nodded toward the piece that captured the moment of anguish as it shifted into pure rapture. “Is it not absolutely stimulating?”
Jolted out of his trance, Jax struggled to find the right words as he noticed a flurry of activity coming from the other end of the side of the gallery. “It is indeed electrifying. Do you know his work well?”
“I have two hanging in my home. They bring very interesting discussions with my group of friends, I can tell you that.” He laughed as the blond leaned her head against his arm. “I wanted this piece in particular but it is my understand from Stuart that it was purchased by the Governor. What a shame. I would’ve enjoyed having this one over my bed. Would you like that precious?”
Cooing, she pressed a kiss against his cheek and nuzzled into him. “I would love any piece my darling.”
“Come my sweet, let me talk with Stuart. Enjoy sir as his work is a true thing of beauty.”
Jax nodded and glanced back at the picture and wondered how in the hell the guy hired models to perform in such an erotic fashion, opening themselves up to being not only photographed in such stimulating ways but to actually enjoy the nearly brutal acts. He envisioned himself in the piece briefly and shivered yet for a flash, he could see himself kneeling at Aleksandr’s feet. Shaking off the feeling, he wiped his brow and took another long sip. “Jesus.” Barely a whisper, he looked down terrified someone would see his interest. There was no amount of money that would be worth taking…partaking in such blatant act. As the commotion grew louder, he used the opportunity to inch away from the crowd.
Sighing, Jax walked toward the other side of the gallery to a corner dimly glowing from iridescent blue lighting casting shimmers across the various pieces. He looked closely, unsure of what he was seeing for a moment yet as his eyes adjusted to the almost savage and very explicit representation, his mouth gaped open. “What the hell?” Stunned, he blinked furiously as the entire piece came into focus.
“I assure you they are not being harmed in any way.”
Jax turned to glance into what could only be described as the most beautiful set of eyes he had ever seen and even in the dim lighting, there was no mistaking the shimmer of violet touched with a hint of gold. He swallowed hard trying to place the face. The accent was scintillating, oozing sensuality. For an instant he was mesmerized. “They are models?”
“Of course and come to me willingly. The majority of what you see is staged.” His eyes bore into Jax’s with a simmering hue holding the moment frozen in time.
Jax nodded. The club. Yes, he was the man from the club. “You’re an interesting artist. Fascinating in truth.”
“Interesting? Hmmm…I
believe you enjoy a touch of the erotic? Do you not?”
As Jax glanced toward the picture whose centerpiece remained the stark wooden rack highlighted by the shimmer of moonlight through a long window and the golden haired boy that appeared almost fragile. While he knew the boy, the man was old enough and willing enough, he had to look away. Cocking his jaw, he fought a shiver. Why was his mouth suddenly dry? “I admire your work. It’s very sensual and captivating, full of passion.”
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aleksandr Vasiliev.”
Jax took his hand and instantly a trickle of electric heat pulsed through his body. “Jax Steele.”
Aleksandr tilted his head. “I would say Detective that you are here for another reason than to admire my art, although I can tell by the level of heat rising in your body you are more than curious as to what I might be doing with these very delicious young men.” He moved very slowly to the side, allowing his gaze to travel across Jax’s pensive face. “Are you not?”
Jax had to smile as he shook his head. “That obvious?”
Aleksandr laughed, his husky voice cutting through the din of the soft strings of guitar. “I’ve been around the block more than once, Jax Steele. My art has brought you here for a reason and while the lovely lady that you were with earlier is certainly special to you, she does not approve of what I do and you’re not necessarily her type.”
Her type? Jax was unsure of what to say. “She’s unaccustomed to such art forms I believe.”
“Hmmm…she is afraid that you might enjoy without her.”
Jax sighed and lifted his head. There was something so cunning about the man’s eyes as if he could look right through him into a soul that hungered. Craved. Not quite cold and calculating but Aleksandr Vasiliev’s dark and rather dangerous demeanor suggested a life well versed in the pleasures of many erotic acts. Jax looked away yet felt his continued gaze. “I do need to talk with you about some young men I believe may have modeled for you.”
“As you can see Detective Jax Steele, I have a group of fans waiting for me to discuss future business but perhaps if you will stay, then we’ll go and have a drink together and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Fair enough?”
Jax nodded as Stuart beckoned for Aleksandr’s attention.
“Very well detective. I’ll look for you soon enough. Pleasure yourself with my art as you see fit until I return.”
Jax stared after the man as he glided through the crowd. Standing at least six foot four, Aleksandr’s broad shoulders filled the crisp linen ebony suit that shadowed his massive form even in the glimmering lighting. Somehow his long blond hair was captured and kissed by the warm ambient glow and as he turned to stare at Jax, the smile and his luminescent eyes glowed in a haunting shade of magenta. Jax shuddered and realized that the man, the artist could indeed be a monster. Every gut instinct he had told him there was something he was hiding; yet for some reason he felt he could trust Aleksandr.
Chapter Six
“I hope that you enjoyed yourself Detective Jax Steele in my absence.” Aleksandr’s quiet voice cut through the classic piano resonating though the thinning crowd.
Jax opened his eyes feeling every tremor of Aleksandr’s deep baritone skating down his spine. “Yes, I must admit that studying your art has been fascinating. You have a great number of admirers and they seem to be filled with as much passion as your photographs. From what Stuart said earlier, you’ve already sold several pieces.”
“I do have some wonderful fans and I’m grateful for every one of them. Without the love of the people, we are all lost. Would you not say that Detective Jax Steele?” He cocked his head allowing his gaze to filter toward the front door. “Come, let us how do you say, get out of here and grab a drink. There is a cozy bar across the courtyard where we won’t be bothered and I realize you need information quickly.”
A cool cookie. Jax nodded as Aleksandr moved quickly out of the back corner toward the front door with long strides, avoiding the remaining crowd. While he had waited less than an hour, Jax had grown weary from the time spent and from viewing the photographs. The pieces were a clear indication in his mind of Aleksandr’s desires and while he wasn’t judging, he wasn’t entirely sure what else the mysterious man behind his dark eyes. He followed closely behind as they walked across the bricks to the last corner bar on the block. The joint was filled with a floating haze, the no smoking ban didn’t seem to apply in the tiny location and as they glided in, the sent of stale cigarettes and beer assaulted his senses. He glanced at the dilapidated interior, his eyes narrowing on the craggy bartender and the weathered furniture.
“Don’t look so surprised, Detective. I’m a man of many tastes and sometimes along with celebrity beget the need for anonymity. I value my private life tremendously and find out of the way bars where men and women neither care of my art or of my looks.” He glanced toward the bartender who nodded in return. “Come and sit, Detective. I’ll tell you all you need to know.” Aleksandr loosened his tie as he sat down onto a wooden chair.
Jax eased down and gathered his thoughts, waiting until the bartender hobbled toward them with two short glasses. Studying the brooding Russian, he found himself intrigued. It wasn’t that Aleksandr was conceited. It was more that he knew his place in society and like fine wine; all that turned their gaze on the man relished him. There was something savage about the man and yet inviting in a sensuous way almost like playing a game of Russian Roulette. One could never know where you stood with such mystery.
“I hope you enjoy cognac Detective and don’t worry, I won’t bite on the first meeting.” His chuckle rumbled throughout the space.
“Please call me Jax.” He swallowed a large sip of the surprisingly smooth liquor and glanced away.
Aleksandr tipped his glass. “Jax then. Please call me Aleks.”
“How long have you been in Richmond, Aleks?”
“I only arrived in your fair city about a year ago.”
“And do you like what you’ve found?”
“It is very pleasant although the increasing humidity bothers my senses.”
“I can certainly understand if you’re from the Ukraine?” There was no doubt the man enjoyed teasing.
Aleks sighed and swirled his drink while he kept his gaze locked onto Jax. “I’m originally from the Ukraine, yes and by way of living with my parents for many years in Berlin but I was educated in Oxford and taught some classes here in America so I’m intimately familiar with your culture, Detective Jax Steele. But not only did you already know that by the amount of checking into my past that you have done recently, you also didn’t simply find me to have your sometimes girlfriend endure an erotic event simply to ask me where I was from.”
A shiver slid down his back as he gazed into Aleks’ eyes. The man could see through him as if he knew things and could sense every one of his dark desires and the thought was unnerving. “You’re right. You also spent time in Paris working for what I understand to be one of the more serious erotic painters and photographers in all of Europe before bringing your first show into New York City and Chicago and its my understanding that Stuart paid a significant price to lure you to taking a chance with a showing at his club in such a conservative atmosphere. You’ve never been married and have no children and from what I can tell, there is neither scandal that surrounds your life nor much information period that I could find. It’s almost as if you dropped into life approximately twenty years ago. Perhaps you’re hiding from a difficult past that you want no part of and will not allow anyone into your life because of fear of being discovered. Am I not correct?”
Aleks leaned forward slowly, cocking his head as his eyes glinted in the dim lighting. The tick-tocking of patrons milling about the space, talking in dulling conversations somehow quieted the room. “Touché dear Jax. Now please, tell me why you have sought me out.”
“How do you select your models?”
“Generally they hear of me through my agent and he m
akes arrangements for me to interview them. If they are what I desire, I hire them for limited engagements. Why are you asking? Has one of my men been involved in something illegal?”
There was no way to tell by his eyes whether he was telling the truth and yet, there was a glimmer for just a moment as if the question troubled him. Jax sighed and sipped his drink calculating what he should tell him if anything. “You may have heard about two recent very brutal murders in the city.”
“I must apologize Jax, I’ve been quite busy with the gallery showing and am unaccustomed to reading your city’s paper. Who has been murdered?”
“Two young men.”
“And you say brutally?”
“Yes, sadly they were some of the most brutal slayings that I have seen in the city in years.” Jax studied Aleks and could detect honestly, however his dark eyes held some mysterious secret.
Aleks leaned further forward, his golden locks feathering over the stained cheap wood. “Brutal? How brutal and what does that have to do with me?”
“Heinous as in sexual in nature.”
“I see. And for some reason you believe that because I photograph men in somewhat compromising erotic manners or as you would say kinky-in-nature positions depicting what the untrained eye would consider to be violent or barbaric, you believe somehow I had something to do with these killings, Detective?” A light snarl curled on his upper lip as a single hiss slid from his mouth.
His words cut a slice through his system, sending another jolt of shivers racing through every blood cell in his body. The chill startled him. Jax tipped his head and eased forward, their noses now only two inches apart. “What I believe Aleksandr is that both of them had a direct connection to your studio and perhaps were both models that you’ve worked with recently for your showing. What I believe is that there’s a distinct possibility there are some things that you might know about the killings and are unsure of. What I know is that two men were ruthlessly murdered in their homes by something that could only be described as a savage animal. And while I appreciate your glowering attitude about this in the direct confrontation, I have a job to do.”
Surrender Page 8
