Page 104 of Betrothed
“I’m glad to hear it. Because I think we should get married. In fact, I think that will draw out the Ghost. We make a splash of the wedding. If your instincts are right and he is Kazimir’s brother, then he wants you to be miserable. The knife attack failed and in turn, I saved your life. You know he’s already been made aware of the news.”
She was right.
“Keep going.” Maybe I’d been all wrong about the stunning doctor, except that I could tell her wheels were churning. Going behind my back and talking with her uncle had been reckless.
And bold.
“In fact,” she pushed. “We get married and lure him in. Even better, we’ll have the wedding in New York. Maybe at the hotel you mentioned. Just a few friends and family. It will send a message to these Italians. And to anyone who might be working with the Ghost. To my family. To the Russians. How often have Russians and Irishmen been forced to form an alliance?” She was far too excited about the possibilities. “You tell my uncle an alliance is the only acceptable alternative to taking over his territory. Whether or not you plan on doing that is up to you.”
Her idea wasn’t a bad one. The Ghost had used a lure. Why not the other way around? “You do know what you’re suggesting is dangerous.”
“Of course I do, but think about everything that happened. Neither you nor Kazimir are supposed to be happy. The baby’s christening. Me. If this is Kazimir’s brother, he won’t like what’s happened or what could happen. If it’s not and this is all a power play, then maybe it’s time for the Russians to consider having an alliance in the United States. I can tell you this. The Savoy Cosa Nostra isn’t thrilled about the Bratva.”
“And how do you know this?”
She laughed. “I told you. I have keen observation skills and my ability to listen in on private conversations is pretty good too.”
Her smile was as coy as I’d seen.
“Your idea is worth considering. But only after I get the hell out of here. And you need to stop meddling.”
“Meddling? I don’t meddle.”
“Uh-huh. Yes, you do.” Her knowledge was worth its weight in gold.
Her huff was one I’d grown used to. She backed away, holding up her hands and shrugging. “I tell you what. I’ll go finish the paperwork and email it to discharge. When the morning team comes in, it’ll be waiting for them. By nine, you’ll be out of here. That’s the best I can do, mister. Take it or leave it.”
“You drive a hard bargain, American girl.”
“Good to see your nicknames are getting more creative. I was beginning to wonder.” She moved to the door, throwing it open and instantly, her body froze.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. Neither one of your men are out here.”
That was it. I should have been paying attention to my gut. “Get away from the door.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
I threw back the covers, climbing out of bed. Fuck, I was woozier than I thought. “Just do it.”
“Jesus. You’re scaring me.” She rushed by my side, putting her arm around me.
“Where are my gun and clothes?”
“Why?”
Pulling away, I cupped her face. “Answer me. At least one man is supposed to be outside that door at all times. There is something wrong. Now, tell me.”
“In the closet. I have your weapon in my purse.” She pointed, obviously distressed. “Why don’t I call security?”
“Do you want anyone else hurt?” I yanked off my gown as I took two long strides toward the closet, keeping an eye on the door. Very quickly, I yanked on my trousers. “I also need a phone.”
I pulled on my shirt and shoes while she tried to wander closer to the door. When I pulled her away, she set her jaw. “I brought yours from the house. Maybe it’s nothing.”
“Maybe, but I’m going to check it out. Get my weapon.”
Nodding, she moved quickly, grabbing her purse from the closet. When he handed it to me, she was shaking.
