Page 50 of Wicked Villain

“I see the way you look at me.”

“Ugh, you’re deluded.” She scrunches up her face again.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Just leave me alone.”

“Uh-uh. No way.” I brush my lips over her ear. “I already told you, I can’t. You’re mine now.”

“I wish to God I didn’t know you.” She tries to move again, but I hold her in place.

“Oh, my dear wife. I’m definitely going to enjoy making you eat those words.” I plant a kiss on her cheek. “See you later, Mrs. Karsavin.”

I straighten, holding her gaze for a moment, then I walk out of the room, leaving her reeling in the aftermath of my words.

Poor thing, she doesn’t know who she’s dealing with. And she has the misfortune of being fascinated by me, too.

I head outside and jump in my car, still thinking about her.

My phone rings as soon as I drive through the gates, the sound bringing me back to my senses. Along with the name flashing up on my dashboard display.

It’s Kieran.

I answer.

“Was wondering if you were going to answer, Pakhan,” he tuts in a deep rasp.

“Of course, I was going to answer. I was the one waiting for you.”

“I said three days. So, I’m early.”

The little shit. He knows what it’s like to keep men like me waiting for something important. “What’s your answer, cousin? Is it a yes or a no?”

“It’s an in-between. I’ll give you and yours access to the records and whatever you need to find Moretti. If we find him, the old alliance will be reinstated.”

Motherfucker. He’s trying to push his luck. “Don’t tell me you think that’s a good deal. You want us to run around like fuckers, putting all our manpower behind catching that shitbag, with no incentive?” I accept he’s giving us access to the trail, but no way am I doing anything until he sweetens the deal.

He’s quiet for a moment, then he clears his throat. “Singapore. You can have access to Singapore straightaway. That’s one of our biggest transshipment hubs and serves your ships passing through Asia.”

Now, that’s what I’m talking about. “Deal. But when I get my hands on Moretti, I want it all.”

“Deal. Your men can start working whenever they want, but let’s meet in a few days. I’m out of town until next Wednesday. I’ll have Lachlan send Cassian access to our systems tonight, so he can start going through the records, then we can sit down properly next Thursday and discuss the next steps.”

“Sounds good.”

“Speak then.” He hangs up, and I breathe out a heavy sigh.

Good. The wheels are in motion.

I glance in the rearview mirror, as if I can see my wife staring at me.

Soon, I’ll have her father’s head. No matter what her feelings are toward him, she won’t like that.

He’ll only be getting what he deserves. People say revenge is a dish best served cold. They’re right.

Chapter

Eleven