Obeying the Russian Mafia Boss: A Mob Romance Read Free Page B

will.” Her soft fingers moved to his wrist, and she caressed the area where his pulse beat. “I heard that Trent Dalinsky coded at the hospital early yesterday morning. It’s so strange, because he was on the mend. He must have died while we were there.”
    “Really? I hadn’t heard. It’s a terrible tragedy.” He let her continue to play with him, and he studied her. Valeria Yashin was a beautiful woman, and there was a time when he would have relished such a treasure. With perfectly coiffed blonde hair and long shapely legs, she turned every head in the room, but her dark eyes were cold and cruel, and every perfect curve of her body was bought and paid for.
    “Quite a few people are unhappy with his death. He was responsible for the largest influx of cocaine into the city. His surprising demise will leave quite a hole that will need filling.”
    Erik smiled. “I had no idea he was such a threat to the city. I’m sure the authorities are quite happy that he’s gone.”
    “I doubt that. I heard that Dalinsky was quite familiar with the authorities. When someone does take his place, he’ll be an unknown. That can be dangerous.”
    “I wouldn’t worry about anything.” Erik pulled out of her grasp and leaned back in his chair. “I doubt that you’re here to talk about the death of a complete stranger. If all you wanted to do was inform me of your father’s impatience, consider your errand complete.”
    “We can have a little bit of fun, you know. I’ve heard that you know how to show a woman a good time.”
    Erik stood and pulled some cash out of his wallet to cover his lunch. “Tell your father not to rush me. The first part of the deal was to establish myself within the city. I’m still working on that. There are things to consider, and afterwards, I will consider his offer.”
    Valeria stood and shook her head. “I don’t understand you, Erik. What more could you possibly want? Consider things quickly. The offer won’t last forever.”
    He watched her hips swing as she walked away, and several men turned their heads to admire her curves. Unfortunately, nothing about her turned Erik on. If she did, things would be much easier.
    The redhead from the hospital was another matter entirely. Just the memory of her was enough to harden his cock. Now that business was over, it was time to look into some pleasure.
    His driver picked him and drove him straight to his home. Lucky for him, the rich didn’t particularly stick out in California, so it wasn’t unusual for someone to have armed guards surrounding his home.
    Erik was no different.
    His men greeted him respectfully as he strode into the mansion. All of them were trusted employees that Erik had brought with him from Russia. He wouldn’t leave his safety in the hands of soft Americans. He needed people who he could trust. “Danil,” he called out. “Danil!”
    “Boss!” There was a crash, and Erik grumbled. Danil was brilliant, but he was a nervous klutz. Erik paid the man well, but Danil would never be comfortable around men with guns. He was an information specialist, and lucky for Erik, Danil owed the Chesnovak family quite a bit of money. Rather than taking his money the usual way, Erik offered Danil a deal. He could work off his debt in information.
    “Leave it, Damil,” Erik growled. “And come here.”
    The door opened, and Danil slunk into the room. He was a small man, still relatively young and despite years of service, still timid.
    “Yes, boss?” Danil asked.
    “I want you to run a background check on Ella Davis. She appears to be in her mid-twenties, and her mother is in the long-term care unit at San Diego Grace hospital. Ella may just be a nickname. Try Eleanor or Isabella.”
    Danil nodded and pulled his computer out from his bag. “How deep do you need me to go? Is she a threat?”
    “No threat, but get me everything you can. I want the results within the hour.” Erik eyed the information specialist, but he was already