Dirty Minds: An Interracial Russian Mafia Romance

“Why would I tell you my thoughts.”

“I had a few days of peace with Kazimir. I want that to continue.”

“I agree. There’s nothing more that I want, than to reunite with Eden, and spend lazy days with her.” Jean-Pierre placed his hands in his pocket. “But a smart man would say that Kazimir is now motivated to retaliate. What are your thoughts?”

I returned to pacing. “It doesn’t have to be this way. It was kind of a misunderstanding. There doesn’t have to be war.”

Come on. Let me go. We’re good.

Skepticism covered Jean-Pierre’s face. “I was thinking that would be an acceptable excuse too, but when Kazimir started shooting the rocket launcher this morning, I figured I’d taken it too far.”

I rubbed my forehead. “This is going to get ugly.”

“As war gets.”

“More war,” I mumbled something under my breath.

“Why did you want to talk?”

I don’t want to talk. I just need your gun, and you lying on the floor unconscious.

I shook my head and walked around the room, taking in the things on the wall. Some of the porcelain ballerinas would be great objects. I would have to get it fast and crash it over his head.

He’s too quick for that shit. By the time I put my hand in the air to get a ballerina, he’ll have me on the floor.

I thought about how much I would have to fight him, and his men to get out of this apartment. I could get myself killed or even worse. . .

I could hurt the baby. . .if I’m pregnant.

Panic entered my bloodstream.

Okay. I’m going to be careful. I. . .fuck. Maybe I’m not pregnant.

I turned to the poster over Natalie’s bed. Kazimir’s dead ex, smiled back at me.

She must’ve been really popular in Europe.

I studied it for a few seconds. What a perfect woman. Long legs. Slender frame. A man in tights held her waist. Further in the back on the poster Natalie had tapped a picture of a crown on top of the head of the one, lonesome black ballerina far off on the side of the stage. That sister had a smile on her face. Her back was arched and hands high above her hands.

Enough of ballerinas. How am I going to knock Jean-Pierre out?

I walked over to the other side of the room. I stood staring at the large black ballerina on Natalie’s bookshelf.

I examined the ballet shoes, thinking I could choke him with the ties. “Sometimes I wish life was this simple.”

“Like Natalie’s life?” Jean-Pierre asked.

“Maybe.”

“I’m sure Natalie has had some hardships.” He gestured to the mountain of diapers in the corner, and the basket full of scattered toys.

I looked his way. For some reason, my hands shook. “Good point.”

“We all must deal with shit.”

I stared at him. “And now, Kazimir will be your shit.”

“He will, but why do you care? You’ve been around him. I’m sure you’re confident in the Lion.”

“A smart person doesn’t go to war, unless they’re confident that they’ll win.”

“You don’t think Kazimir is guaranteed to win against me?”

“I think that it’s not smart to go to war at all.” I placed my hands on my hips. “And I’ve been watching you.”

He gave me a weary smile. “Many do, but where is this going?”

“We exchange the women, safely, but how does everyone get out without the other side killing each other?”

“You don’t think a pinky promise will work?”

I blinked in annoyance. “Are you always this sarcastic?”

“When I haven’t slept and have gone through the roughest fears in my life…yes.”

“You can’t just meet Kazimir at the location.” I let out a long breath. “Let me go to him on my own, and I can get Eden safely back to you, while making sure that no one has to look over their shoulder.”

Jean-Pierre frowned.

If you think, Kazimir is going to be chill in this situation. . .you haven’t been dealing with him long enough.

“Okay.” I paced. “This sounds crazy, but you have to trust me. I can talk to Kazimir. If I am with him, Eden will go back—”

“I don’t trust people, I don’t know. Why would I trust you?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Jean-Pierre, there will be a moment today, where you’ll need to trust me. If I get to Kazimir before you, then I can make sure that you all get out safely. I just want that same promise for Kazimir and me, when we leave Paris.”

“You won’t get to Kazimir before I do.”

I sure will! I’m tired of being away from him!

That fact made me uneasy, but I chose not to think of it.

I pulled up my confidence and glared at him. “If I do?”

“Then, I would be impressed—”

“And you would let me and Kazimir leave France safely?”

He chuckled. “Kazimir would have to behave the whole way to the airport. No more of my men killed.”