Dangerous Liaisons (Crimson Legion MC #1)

10. CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER TEN

“ M amushka, watch me!” Mikhail cried out as he ran around the backyard with one of his favorite toys. She smiled at him from her seat on the wicker sofa, settling back into the beige cushions with her teacup in her hand. It had only been a couple of hours since Sergei departed. Her son had woken up from his nap asking for his uncle, and she tried not to tear up at how sad he appeared when she informed him Sergei would be gone for a few days. He had only been one when Nikolai died, now only having photos of his father instead of happy memories .

Isabella looked away from her son at the sound of a tap on the sliding glass door.

Kira stood there, hand on the door handle. “You have a visitor.”

For a second, her heart beat faster. “He’s early?”

“It is Ava Collins. Do you want me to turn her away?”

She shook her head, sipping her tea before lowering it onto the coffee table. When the door slid open again, Kira motioned Ava to enter the back patio. Lost in his own world, Mikhail continued to play.

“Mrs. Collins, please have a seat.”

The brunette lowered herself into the wicker chair next to the sofa. She leaned back into the chair and crossed her legs. Kira remained standing by the door.

“I am quite unsure why you’re here. We don’t have business to discuss.”

“She wishes to talk of Xavier Wilson,” Kira stated. She didn’t look away from Ava, even as Isabella’s posture stiffened. “Perhaps she has information that may be of use to you.”

“Nothing of the sort, but she’s right. I came here to talk to you about Xavier.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

“I know you’re sleeping with him.”

Her heart plummeted into her stomach. She cleared her throat and took her time, lifting her cup to sip the hot tea. “And what do you plan to do with that information? ”

“Hunter doesn’t know. I don’t think anyone does, but the four of us,” Ava chuckled. “I’m not here to put an end to it. You’re both grown adults, but I wanted to find out what your plan is.”

“My plan?”

“You’re not sleeping with him just because he’s got a pretty face and excellent hands. You could have any man you want, especially being a woman in your position. I find it odd that you would pick the one man closest to the president of the Crimson Legion, one that has a good bit of sway over certain business decisions.”

“Are you suggesting that I seduced him in order to get the MC to agree to work with me?” Isabella smirked. “That is quite the assumption.”

“Men are quite manipulated with a pretty face and prettier pussy.”

“Watch your tongue,” Kira growled.

Isabella lowered her cup onto the coffee table, checking that Mikhail remained occupied with his toys. “I have not seduced, nor have I tempted Xavier into doing anything. I did not intend to get involved with him. It is an arrangement of needs.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that. It’s why I’m here, after all.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning Xavier’s shit childhood turned into a shit adult life, one that ended up sending him to prison for five years, the murder of his wife, and having him turn to crime just to make ends meet. The last thing he needs is another person using and discarding him like garbage.”

“I would never-”

“It wasn’t until he started sneaking around with you that I saw the man smile.”

“I am not using him; you have my word.”

Ava eyed her, but nodded. “Good, because you know what happens if I find out you’re lying.”

“No, we don’t. Please do share with us.”

Isabella sighed, shooting a scolding look at her friend. “Kira…”

“No, it’s okay. I don’t mind explaining.” Ava grinned at the other woman. “Perhaps when there isn’t a child present, I can show you.”

“Isabella, take Mikhail inside.”

“No, we are not doing this. Rassablyat’sya,” Isabella ordered Kira to relax.

With a chuckle of amusement, Ava eyed her. “Are you really going to sit there and tell me that you haven’t realized that he’s in love with you?”

“I don’t care. He knows that is not an option. This is not some fairy tale, and I am not some old lady.” She scooped up her teacup, grateful to focus her attention elsewhere.

“I keep telling myself the same thing.” Ava stood from her chair. “Remember what I said. He’s family to me now. You hurt him, and it’s me you deal with, Isabella. I would hate it to come to that. I’ve enjoyed our little interactions.”

Kira rose to her feet as well. “I will accompany you to your car.”

“Want to hold hands, or am I allowed to walk myself out?”

“I would never pass the opportunity to hold your hand if that is what you wish, but it will cost you.”

“Please take your twisted flirtations somewhere else,” Isabella mumbled into the rim of her cup.

“Take care, Isabella.”

“You as well, Ava.” She continued to drink until there was nothing left in the cup, her attention returning to Mikhail. Her phone vibrated, and it was almost as if the universe was playing a cruel joke as Xavier’s name flashed across the screen. She picked up her cell and swiped the screen open.

Have you seen Ava?

She was just here. How did you know?

Dots signaling his response flashed for several minutes.

She got into it with Kira last night at the club, Isa. Fight broke out between them. Figured she might head that way to continue the discussion.

Isabella snorted at his phrasing.

She knows about us. I don’t think it’s a good idea you came over tonight .

Her phone started ringing, but she ignored it. She focused her attention on her son, smiling at him running up to the porch.

“Mamushka, I wish to go swimming now!”

“You need a swimsuit, little one. Come.” She rose from the sofa and extended her hand.

“Will you swim, too, Mamushka? We can play fishes together!”

She chuckled as they headed into the house. “Of course I can. That sounds like so much fun.”