Above all things, he taught me not to panic—how to remain composed. And most importantly, to gather as much information as possible in every situation rather than acting impulsively.
It was hard picking up the pieces after he had been killed in a random accident. I had come so far, and my heart wasn’t ready to abandon ship, tuck tail, and run.
“Would you mind taking the tray over to him?” Mr. Peters hesitantly held out the food. I sighed, squared my shoulders, and nodded. Grabbing the tray, I lifted my head and walked toward Mr. Vigilante King.
The smug look on his face only fueled something inside me. My face flamed in a mix of anger and resentment. I had only recently gotten to the place where I’d made some friends.
My life, while nowhere near perfect, was beginning to take shape. And now this stranger seemed destined to sway me somehow.
Chapter 12
Aleksandr
What Are My Chances?
I’d always had a keen sense of smell. Like a fingerprint could tell someone’s identity, scents were as distinct for me. I studied her as she stood behind the counter before she arbitrarily picked something from the menu.
This girl, her frame hidden behind the counter and her apron, had a multilayered scent. My senses were flooded, and she instantly reminded me of sunshine.
Her eyes were even more stunning in person, even if she looked at me like a storm was brewing. The tiny golden-brown freckle on the bottom of her right iris added a unique contrast to her bluish-gray eyes.
Committing them to memory, I’d draw her later. I had brilliant photographic recall, and each small detail quickly became etched in my brain.
I paid for my meal and spoke with the manager, letting him know under no circumstances was he to send anyone else over to my table but her. He nodded and swallowed hard. She didn’t look happy but relented in the end.
I couldn’t help the grin on my face as she glared at me from across the room. When she brought the tray over, she countered my smirk with one of her own.
“Please, sit,” I said to her once she set my food down. The look on her face registered it was more a command than a request.
“I don’t think so,” she responded, turning.
Quite bold of her. Grabbing her hand, I whirled her around and pulled her close. Inhaling her up close was even more intoxicating.
“What the hell are you doing?” she demanded as I nuzzled my nose against her neck. With a surprised squeak, she tried to pull away.
“You smell.” I nuzzled her once more, so lost I didn’t realize she had stopped struggling. Finally, I let her hand go and dragged her closer. I wanted to get as close to her as she would let me.
The distinct sound of a butterfly knife being opened drew my attention but too late. This little hellion had a four-inch blade held to my throat, and damn if it didn’t prick my skin. Ivan would be impressed. Immediately, I grabbed hold of her right wrist and held it firmly in my hand.
“Have you ever drawn blood from any living thing in your life, darling?”
“I won’t hesitate to draw more of yours, and I didn’t give you permission to call me darling. It’s rude to tell someone they smell, you know.”
She moved her left hand to collect the drop of blood, rubbing it between her fingers in fascination.
“Most women love it when I call them darling, darling,” I teased. My gaze briefly fell to her full breasts.
“Eyes up here,” she ordered with all the confidence she could muster.
I lifted my gaze back to her eyes. “Now then, you didn’t let me finish. Your scent is an amazing mix of May rose, iris, bergamot, violet, and sandalwood, with a touch of honeysuckle and vanilla. I find it fascinating.” I cleared my throat.
She stared at me like I’d grown a second head.
“Now, you’re going to be a good girl and sit your pretty little ass down in that chair. I have a few questions for you.” When she failed to move, I added, “Sit, or I’ll break your wrist. I wonder how you will do either of your jobs that way.” Glaring, I added a small amount of pressure.
I twisted hard enough to get my point across and took her blade from her. She sat and put her hand out for her knife.
“I think I’ll keep this a little longer. At least until I’m done with you.”
