Dangerous Liaisons (Crimson Legion MC #1)

13. CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

F rom the size of the crowd, Crimson Bar and Winery was going to be a massive success. Isabella noted the members of the Crimson Legion positioned around the room in various roles, glad they were zealously active in making as much profit as possible. It turned out to be an excellent investment based on the trays of drinks floating around the place and endless orders of food coming from the small kitchen. Sergei sat next to her at the table Hunter had reserved for them. He wasted no time ordering a drink for her, but nothing for himself, his gray eyes scanning the room. While satisfied with what she saw so far, she knew him to be slower to trust. While her plan to partner with the MC was initially been met with resistance, he recognized her authority and was willing to do anything to ensure its success.

Nikolai had purchased the winery for her as a wedding gift, aware of her love for wine and the detail that went into every step to procure the perfect blend. He teased it was their retirement plan, a little corner of the world just for them away from the cold reach of Russia. She shook her head at his ambitions, aware deep down that he would never escape the call of duty his family required.

Catching sight of Ava with Hunter at the bar, it didn’t surprise her that Becka stood there beside them with another biker by the name of Maverick. Known by the nickname Shadow, he was a ruthless killer, the count he took pride in, showcased in numerous small skull tattoos all over his body. She had done her research on the sisters. Born as Charlotte and Jennifer Bennett in the small town of Duluth, Minnesota, Charlotte began a life of crime as a thief at a young age to provide for her sister; a path that escalated to organized heists and high-stakes fraud. After a short prison stint, she moved to Echo Valley, California. Her sister had followed soon after graduating college, leaving their past behind, including their former names and social security numbers.

These days, none of the contacts Sergei placed on the woman could report her doing anything illegal outside of the occasional speeding violation. Hibernation seemed a more fitting description than retirement. Surely that lull in activity couldn’t be contributed to meeting Hunter. He was well aware of who Ava was and what she was capable of, yet it hadn’t stopped him from falling in love with her.

“That concerns me.”

She followed Sergei’s gaze to find him watching Kira from where she sat on Eddie’s lap near the bar. She wanted to roll her eyes but maintained a straight face. “I allowed her the night off, Sergei. I saw no harm in it.” Even then, Kira continued to survey the surrounding area with her full attention never on the biker, not that he seemed to mind.

“You will have a talk with her about her duties.”

“I’ll do no such thing,” Isabella huffed. “Several of my men are here, including the two standing behind us, not to mention every member of the MC inside these walls. No harm will come to me. I do not need to remind you that I am the one who decides on what orders she obeys, not you.”

“Forgive me,” he grunted. “I am only thinking of your well-being.”

“I appreciate your concern, but there is no need to worry. She has been a loyal aide to our family for many years. I have never doubted her commitment. One night of celebration will not change that dedication.”

As if sensing something was off, Kira roughly patted Eddie on the cheek and rose to her feet. He smiled but didn’t look away from his conversation with another member. The action of him slapping her on the ass as she walked away would have amused Isabella had Sergei not grumbled beside her.

“Perhaps she is not the only one that should relax every once in a while,” Isabella muttered into her drink.

“My state of relaxation is not a subject up for discussion, little bunny.”

Her eyes could have rolled and disappeared into the back of her head at that point. She drained the rest of her wine and slid the glass toward him. “I request a refill,” she said, flashing him a small smile. “Please, svarlivy volk.”

He raised an eyebrow at calling him a grumpy wolf, but with a brief nod, he picked up her glass and headed to the bar. He passed Kira on the way, and, as if sensing his disapproving gaze, she walked by him without a second glance.

“You are well?”

Isabella motioned for her to take his vacant seat. “I’m fine. Sergei needs a strong drink.”

“He is unhappy with me,” Kira waved away her protests. “There is no sense in denying it. After all these years, I can read him quite clearly.”

“Pay him no mind.” Isabella watched Sergei talking to Cameron, the bartender Hunter had hired. Another woman, Trinity, worked beside her behind the counter. Something must have been said for the woman to cut a sharp look at Sergei, but Cameron laughed, shaking her head as she poured wine into the empty glass. He meant well, but he could be a snake in the garden if he so desired. She was relieved Cameron moved on to serve someone else, but she couldn’t help noticing that Trinity was staring at Sergei with a narrowed gaze. He said something else, causing the woman to blush before she shoved the glass toward him and walked away.

Isabella smothered her smile when he returned. She accepted the wine and paused as his attention ventured back to the bar. “You need a drink,” she remarked with a soft smile. “I will be fine.”

“I am not sure-”

“Go,” she commanded, tone firm. “Kira is about to accompany me to the winery. I wish to look at the inventory.”

He wisely avoided looking at the woman and nodded. “I will return.”

“Leave the jacket,” Kira mumbled. “You look as if you are selling car insurance.”

Isabella chuckled and nodded at him as he shrugged off his suit jacket, folding it before laying it on the chair beside her. She swatted at Kira to keep her quiet, and Sergei melted into the crowd.

“You have already looked at inventory.”

She ignored the knowing look from the other woman. She rose to her feet, glass in hand. “Go find your biker. I forbid you to sit here and sulk at him being away from you.”

“I do not know what you mean by that.”

“Yes, you do.” She glanced at the two bodyguards behind them. “I don’t need you to accompany me. You are to stay here and wait for my return.”

They exchanged glances, but the taller of the two, a man named Alexie who had been with Nikolai long before she had met him, shook his head. “Igor can stay. I will remain at the door for you.”

“You would go against what I want?”

“I will protect you as my duty requires.”

She wanted to argue, but saved her energy. He was the most loyal associate she had outside of Sergei, and scolding him would do more harm than good. Igor, twenty years younger and apprehensive, remained where he stood. Nodding in reluctant agreement, she made her way through the crowd toward the winery door, which parted as she walked. Most of the bar’s patrons were locals and friends of the MC. Even if they didn’t know who she was, they were smart enough to avoid any trouble with her or her men. She knew it wouldn’t be long before Igor followed; Sergei likely having ordered him to stay by her side the entire night.

Inside the winery, with the bodyguards stationed at the door, she was a bit more at ease. She promised Hunter she would attend the grand opening, though she had warned him her visit would be brief. She was eager to return home to Mikhail, who was staying at the house with Viktor and a few other guards. Although she knew he was safe, she yearned to cuddle him at that very moment.

The door opened once more, and Xavier appeared in the doorway. She smiled in greeting, setting her glass down on the tasting table. He stepped forward, cupping her face in his hands, and their lips met in a passionate kiss.