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Luka hands me a glass of vodka. “Za zdorovie.” I shoot it back and nod.
“Za nov,” Luka replies. He does the same and taps the glass on the table. “Tell me what it feels like to be so popular?”
Snorting, I set my glass down. “My proximity to power shouldn’t place me in the center of attention.”
“True.” He refills our glasses. “But that’s how it works. You stand next to a powerful man, and most assume the gold dust stuck to your suit will benefit them if they play their cards right.”
“I’m not someone who willingly dispenses favors.”
“I know.” He picks up his glass. “My brother told me he did some cleanup for you today. Did you get bored in the executive suite, or do you want to keep your skills sharp?”
“Leaving the job to someone else wasn’t an option.”
“And did the situation resolve itself satisfactorily?”
“Yes.”
“I await your orders.”
I nod and drain my second shot. Luka and I have worked side by side since we were teens. Not only is he trustworthy, but capable. “We have to put the pieces together. You will be at the top of my call list when things are in place.”
“Good. Because that’s where I like to be.”
I notice a large knot of people moving toward the stage. “What’s happening over there?”
“It’s either time to cut the cake or throw the bouquet.” He points his chin toward a group of women nearby. “If you’re in the market for a bride, there are many willing candidates.”
“That’s not,” I notice Lina standing on the outskirts of a group and feel my heart rate spike, “something I’m interested in.”
Sexual chemistry isn’t unfamiliar, but I have never dealt with the kind of desire I feel in her presence.
“Ahhh, I see you already have someone in mind and are captivated by the girl from the dry cleaner.”
“Woman,” I say quietly.
“Woman,” Luka repeats. “She is certainly popular tonight. At least a dozen men have tried to gain her favor, but none have succeeded.”
A sting of possession strikes my chest, and I don’t know if I want to dismiss it or feed it. Seeing her stand uncomfortably as a shestyorka approaches tells me the decision is already made.
The woman is a rare jewel. Not only does she possess the perfect hourglass shape with hips that curve like a cello, but she is kind. To me, the old women that complain just for the sport of it. And to children who are whiney when they wait in line at the dry cleaners.
“I’m going to…check in with the men.”
Luka smirks. “Should I call Anton and tell him to be on call?”
“What the hell for?”
“The way you’re glaring at the soldier speaking with Lina suggests that a body will be dumped in the Charles River tonight.”
“Keep your day job, Luka. Comedy is not your forte.” Deep laughter follows me as I cut through the crowd.
When I stand behind Lina, the soldier sputters an excuse and strides away. “Hello.” Turning quickly, she smiles.
“Mr. Novikov.”
I watch her pull the sleeves of her sweater over her fingers, closing her hands around the fabric. One more thing she does to disappear from the world. “Yuri. Remember, you’re supposed to call me by my first name.” Big green eyes peer up at me, and I wonder if anyone has ever drowned in them.
“Yuri.”
