Dangerous Liaisons (Crimson Legion MC #1)

9. CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER NINE

H e leaned against the bar, scanning the lively crowd. Laughter and cheers filled the air, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Isabella. He was so deep in thought that he barely noticed Ava approaching until she tapped him on the shoulder.

“Hey, Zay,” she said, her tone casual but her expression serious. “Can we talk for a minute?”

“Sure,” he replied, pushing himself off the bar. “What’s up?”

“You and Isabella have been getting pretty close.”

He felt a flush creeping up his neck. “I mean, she’s interesting.”

Ava shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Come on, Zay. You can’t deny there’s something more. I can see it when you look at her.” Her tone changed, becoming more serious. “Whatever is going on there, I want to make sure you don’t get hurt. You mean a lot to us.”

“How much of this did you tell Hunter?”

“Contrary to belief, I know when to keep my mouth shut,” she chuckled. “I didn’t want to stir the pot unless I had to with club business.”

“Right.”

“He’s protective, you know that,” she replied, her tone softening. “But it’s not just about him. We all care about you. I don’t want this to get messy.”

He nodded. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention it to him. I’d rather handle it first before he jumps to conclusions.”

“Fair enough, but promise me you’ll be cautious. I’ve seen too many good things go bad in our world. I don’ t want you to be one of them.”

“I promise.”

Moth to a flame.

For two days in a row, Xavier found himself at Isabella’s bed, drawn in by a magnetic pull that was hard to resist. Ava remained silent about the entire ordeal, allowing them the space to navigate whatever was blossoming between them. He appreciated it; he didn’t want Isabella to overthink things, even though part of him knew she should.

Isabella watched as Xavier settled comfortably in her home, his presence both comforting and thrilling. They shared easy laughter and quiet moments, an unspoken understanding passing between them. But every time she caught his eye, a flicker of reality pulled her back—a reminder that this was temporary. They were seeking solace, and while it felt safe, she knew the world beyond her doorstep was waiting, filled with complications they couldn’t ignore.

What were they? She pondered that question more often than not. An alliance? Comforters? The weight of it all loomed, but in the warmth of his arms, it was a fleeting worry. They both needed this escape, even if it was just for now. Yet, deep down, she recognized that this wouldn’t last forever.

For now, though, she wasn’t ready for it to end. The world outside could wait just a little longer .

Her phone buzzed. Isabella looked down, unable to stop the smile that appeared when his name flashed across the screen. She unlocked the phone to eye his text.

Pulling on all nighter at bar.

The smile disappeared, and she almost scolded herself for that sadness that hit her.

It’s okay. I’m headed to bed early.

The flashing dots appeared on the screen.

What are you wearing?

If I told you, you would show up.

Still might.

Isabella hated she blushed at such a simple response.

Behave. I will see you in a day or two.

Too long. Miss you.

His text made her pause. She missed him, too. That was a problem.

Sweet talk won’t get you a picture.

You sure about that?

She chuckled.

Goodnight, Xavier.

“Is the bol’shoy medved’ the reason for your smile?”

She locked her phone and glared at Kira, standing in the doorway of her office. “What do you want?”

Unfazed, the woman chuckled at her annoyance and stepped into the room. “You have been in here for hours. You didn’t eat dinner. I was coming to ask if you wanted something from the chef before she leaves. ”

“No, I can fend for myself.”

“Do you plan to have company again?” Kira chuckled again at the glare she received. “I only ask as I plan to leave if nothing is needed of me.”

“For your bol’shoy medved’?”

“He is not my anything.”

“Kira...”

She let out a long sigh. “I dislike this feeling.” She cracked her knuckles and stared off into the distance. “I feel…human. It is gross.”

“Maybe because you are human, despite your protests, and while I understand, it would not be in our best interest for you to start a pissing contest. Go, enjoy yourself, but be mindful of your actions. I beg of you.” Isabella slid off her reading glasses and shut her laptop. “Eddie likes you, and he’s good to you. Would it be so bad to allow him a piece of you, no matter how small?”

“He will want more. Men always do.”

“Would that be so bad?”

“Is that what is happening with Xavier Wilson?”

“I don’t…” Isabella hesitated. “I don’t know what is happening, but I know when I’m with him, I don’t feel so lonely.”

Kira blinked in surprise at her honesty. “I will go now. Eat something.”

“I will.”

Isabella readjusted her sunglasses against her face for the twentieth time as she stood next to Kira in the driveway. The Russian next to her wore sunglasses as well, grumbling to herself, and it gave her pause.

“You came in late, loudly I might add,” she commented. She eyed her friend. “Let me look at your eyes.”

“It is too bright.”

“Let me look at your eyes,” she repeated. “Now.”

With a grunt, Kira jerked the large frames from her face and stared at Isabella. There was no mistaking that she was hungover and tired, but Isabella sucked in a breath of air at the black discoloration around her left eye.

“Who did this to you?”

“I did not take your advice.”

“Did Eddie-”

“No!” Kira interrupted her. “He did no such thing. I overstepped, and this is the cost.” She slid the sunglasses back on her face. “Ava has a mean right hook for an American.”

Isabella suddenly desired a potent drink. “Please tell me you didn’t try something with Hunter.”

“I would do no such a thing; you have told me many times he is off limits. He wouldn’t look twice at me; we both know this.”

“Explain to me how this happened before I leave right now and find Ava myself.”

“There is one by the name of Andy. My attempts at seducing him were frowned upon.” She perked up the Rolls Royce pulling into the driveway. “We will no longer speak of it. It was resolved.”

“I want the full story.”

“There is nothing to tell.”

“I beg to differ! You’re telling me you got into an altercation with someone, yet you still wound up with Eddie in our home, not to mention our pool! I had to pay the workers extra to come early and clean.”

The vehicle came to a stop, and the back passenger door flung open wide.

“Mamushka!”

All other thoughts flew out the window as she bent down to grab her son, squeezing him as she lifted him up. “Hello, little one. I have missed you.”

“I missed you! We took the plane. It went so high in the air!”

Chuckling, she pressed a kiss to his cheek and lowered him onto his feet. He ran toward Kira, who proceeded to spin him in circles .

“He was quite insistent he see the cockpit. I could not tell him no.”

Scoffing in disbelief, she turned her attention to Sergei approaching from the other side of the car. “You give into him more than I do, and I am his mother,” she scolded with a teasing smile. “You look well.”

“Home is cold this time of year. I welcome the change in scenery.” He glanced over at Mikhail, the boy giggling at Kira tickling him. “I will retrieve our bags. It was a long journey, and he did not sleep well out of excitement.”

“But I want to play with Kira!” Mikhail whined. “I am not tired, Mamushka. Can we swim?” He tugged Kira’s hand. “I wish to swim!”

“Uncle Sergei is right. Let’s get some rest, and afterwards we will swim, I promise.”

Sergei retrieved the bags from the driver. Kira scooped Mikhail up into her arms, and Isabella followed them into the house, remaining by the door until Sergei entered with two duffle bags. Kira took Mikhail’s bag and carried him to his room.

“The house is beautiful, Isabella. You have done well with it.”

She looked away from the two disappearing down the hallway. She could count on one hand the number of times Sergei had visited her home. In the back of her mind, she knew the reason behind it; how he tried every day to forget the brother he lost so tragically.

“Thank you. Would you like something to drink or eat?”

“Perhaps another time. I wish to freshen up before I leave.”

“But you just arrived?”

“I have business to attend in Los Angeles. When I return, I would like to view the progress of the winery.”

“Surely you can postpone that.”

“It cannot wait.”

There was no sense in arguing or trying to change his mind. She wanted to inquire what was so important it couldn’t wait, but she also knew he wouldn’t give her any definitive answers. “Promise you will be careful?”

“You have no reason to worry, little bunny. I will return in a couple of days.”

Isabella stood still as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Sergei stepped away to venture further into the house where a guest room was located. She knew in a few hours he would be gone with not another word spoken between them.