Obeying the Russian Mafia Boss: A Mob Romance (2 page)

Every night, she feared that her mother would die before she got a chance to come back.

Turning her back, she left the extended care unit and headed out to the waiting room. As soon as the doors closed and locked behind her, she heard the shouts.

“Code Blue! We have a Code Blue! Get the crash cart and page Dr. Eddison!”

Ella whirled around and pulled at the doors, but they didn’t budge. “Hey! Hey!” she screamed as she raced to the nurse window. Dr. Eddison was her mother’s doctor, but the window was empty. There was no one to let her in. “Somebody! Please!”

“Ella!” Strong hands wrapped around her and pulled her from the window. “Ella, it’s not your mother,” Erik whispered in her ear. “It’s not your mother.”

“How do you know?” she cried. “How do you know?”

“Trust me. I know. Take a few deep breaths, and someone will be here to confirm that it is not your mother. Okay?”

Comforted by his strong and warm embrace, she closed her eyes.
Thirty-two plus thirty-two is sixty-four. Sixty-four plus sixty-four is…one hundred twenty-eight.

“Ms. Davis? Are you okay?”

Ella’s eyes flew open, and she stared at the older plump woman behind the glass. “The code blue, was that my mother?”

“No.” The woman smiled warmly. “Your mother is resting comfortably.”

Erik let go of her, and Ella nodded. Running a hand over her face, she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. It wasn’t her mother.

Without even looked at Erik, she headed for the elevator. Furiously pressing on the button, she braced a hand on the wall and waited. It felt like an eternity before the doors finally opened. As she rushed into the elevator, she collided with somebody. The blond woman pushed her to the side and cursed at her as she exited. Her boot heels clicked angrily on the tiled floor.

Ella didn’t even care. She closed the door and wrapped her arms around herself.

She couldn’t get out of the hospital fast enough.

Chapter Two

Russia was a cold and bitter place, but it bore hardy stock. The natives could withstand freezing winters without batting an eye. Vodka and good company kept them warm. Erik had spent the past thirty-three years in Russia, so his new home was a shock. At first, he couldn’t stand it. The California atmosphere was just so damn happy, but as the months wore on, he became more accustomed to the easy-going lifestyle. The more comfortable the weather, the more comfortable the people, and that was exactly what Erik Chesnovak needed to be successful.

He returned to the hospital the next day. His business was already concluded, but he couldn’t help but be drawn to the fragile creature he’d seen the day before.

Ella. Her name tasted sweet in his mouth.

Turning his phone on silent, he sank back in the chair and waited. It was around this time yesterday that he had seen her, and he had a feeling that she was a creature of habit.

The doors to the extended care ward opened, and she walked through with her shoulders slumped. For a second, he was concerned that she wouldn’t notice him, but her eyes swept over the waiting room and settled on him.

“Hi,” she said, startled. “Mr. Chesnovak, right?”

“Erik,” he said with a smooth smile as he stood. “How is your mother today?”

She seemed pleased that he remembered. “She seems a little stronger today. They’re taking her to run a few more tests, so I was just going downstairs to grab some more coffee.”

Perfect
. “May I join you? I remember how you handled the coffee yesterday.”

Ella grimaced and nodded. “I won’t be keeping you from anything, will I?”

Nothing that she needed to know about. Shaking his head, he walked her to the elevators and studied her. He was completely turned on by her. Rather than styled neatly, her red hair was a complete mess, even though she’d tried to tie it at the nape of her neck. There wasn’t a stitch of make-up on her face, and there were heavy bags under her eyes. She wore jeans and a T-shirt, and while she filled out the jeans nicely, her shirt hid whatever curves she possessed.

She was nothing like the women he normally found himself drawn to. They were usually high profile women with lots of money at their disposal and too much time on their hands. They were always eager to waste a little time with him and didn’t expect things to last long. He moved on. They moved on. It didn’t leave him empty. He didn’t feel like he was missing anything, so he couldn’t understand his attraction to the beautiful disaster in front of him.

Ella was probably a woman who liked to celebrate monthly anniversaries and enjoy romantic walks on the beach. The very thought made his lips curl.

“How is your friend?”

Her sudden question brought him back to the present, and he blinked. “Yes, my friend. I was able to even the score.”

“You paid your debt? That’s good, right?”

It wasn’t good for Dalinsky, but it was very good for Erik. The elevator doors opened and saved him from having to answer.

“Have you been in California long? Your accent is thick, but your English is perfect. Of course, I hear some people keep their accents for years.”

“I moved from Russia year ago, but I started learning the language at an early age. Are you from here?”

“Born and bred,” she said dryly. “It’s nice, but I’d like to be able to travel a little bit. There is so much more to see than California.”

“A woman with an open mind. I like that,” he said softly. Unable to help himself, he put a hand to her back as he guided her to the cafeteria. Like yesterday, she stiffened under his touch but didn’t pull away.

What would she do if he slipped a hand under her shirt and caressed her skin?

Ella suddenly stopped and pulled out her phone. “Can you give me a second? It’s the nurse’s station.”

He heard the tremor of fear in her voice and nodded. She answered the phone immediately and walked to the corner for more privacy. When her shoulders relaxed and she closed her eyes, he could see the relief written all over her face.

“I’m sorry about that. I’m going to have to get a rain check for the coffee. It seems that my mother forgot to sign one of the release forms for the tests. She’s sedated, and I have health care proxy, so I can sign for her,” she said.

Was that regret in her voice? “Please don’t apologize. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

Her smile was hesitant, and she looked awkwardly at him. He thought she might hug him or least try to shake his hand, but instead she just nodded her head and turned quickly to the cafeteria exit.

Disappointed, he headed to the entrance of the hospital. He did need to attend to business, and now he’d just get an earlier start on it. Pulling out his phone, he sent two text messages and headed outside.

In picking the meeting spot, Erik couldn’t resist indulging in the sunshine. He relaxed on the deck of a swanky restaurant and swirled his vodka. Around him, the street buzzed with activity. Beautiful people rushed by with their phones up to their ears. The rich swaggered by with their body guards and purse dogs. Panhandlers made their pitches, sometimes getting a payout, sometimes a glare or shove. They were all too wrapped up in their lives to enjoy the world around them. They were used to the warm sun and easy lifestyle. No one thought twice about it.

Matvei and Leonid sat across from him and waited quietly. He brought them over from Russia because they knew their place in his organization, and he could trust them. They’d worked with him since he was old enough for his father to grant him more responsibility in the business. They never vocalized their opinion about the move to California, but Erik had a feeling that they were enjoying themselves on their days off.

Draining his drink, he sat it gently down and nodded. “Report.”

Matvei was his right-hand man, and he straightened in the chair. “The Black Orchid is doing well. Sales are up, and everything is going smoothly. Everyone has a positive opinion, and it’s being listed as the new place to be. Whatever that means.”

It was about time. Despite the wealth behind him, operating a new club in San Diego wasn’t easy. Anyone with money tried to open the newest and hottest place in town, but the attention span of the average American was short. After a few months, they were bored and looking for the next big thing. Now that the club was gaining attention, the trick would be to keep it afloat. To do that, he needed to make sure he had more than money behind the club. He needed power. Fortunately for him, the whole point of the Black Orchid was to give him power. “My girls?”

“They’re happy with their contracts. We’ve stolen the best from the most high-end and well-trained services.”

Erik nodded. “Good. Keep an eye on them. Money attracts them, but I also need to make sure the environment is safe for them. These aren’t two-bit hookers.”

Matvei nodded solemnly. He had two sisters who he adored, and Erik knew that Matvei was the man for the job. “Of course. No one will touch them without severe consequences.”

“If you even sense that there is a security breach, I want you to handle it professionally. I don’t want there to be consequences after the fact. I want problems handled before they even become problems. Do you understand?”

“Right, boss. Sorry.”

“Leonid?” He turned his attention to his other man. Leonid was in charge of the product flow within his club. Only the best was allowed, and anyone trying to encroach on his territory was to be eliminated. Organizations were already well settled within the city, but turf wars were always a problem. It was easy enough to nudge the current competition out, but now he had to make sure that no one tried to take over. His success depended on clients coming to him for the best, and if anyone showed up selling sub-par product, his reputation would be at stake.

“Shipment just arrived yesterday. I’ve got a few men testing and repackaging it. It shouldn’t take long for the word to spread,” Leonid said softly. “Messages have been sent to the local dealers. There will be no second chances.”

Erik nodded. “Good. I’m tired of just running a club. I’m ready to start phase two. Matvei, I’ve got a few names that I need you to rundown. Send several girls out to lure them in. One free sample, and I’ll compensate them for it.”

Matvei nodded. “I’m on it.”

“I hope you boys are finished talking,” a sultry voice interrupted. “I’m here to have a word with your boss.”

Matvei and Leonid looked at Erik for direction, and Erik nodded and waved his hand. As they vacated their chairs, a beautiful woman took Matvei’s seat.

“Valeria,” Erik said coolly. “I’m surprised to see you here. I wasn’t sure you could actually be out in the sun without bursting into flames.”

She chuckled and reached out to brush a finger over his hand. “When are you going to get tired of playing hard to get, Erik? We had a deal. My father is expecting an answer, and you’re ignoring his calls.”

“He’s been calling me?” he mocked. “I’m so sorry. There must be something wrong with my phone. I’ll have it looked at immediately.”

“I’m sure you 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.