Dirty Obsessions - The Lion and The Mouse

“Why?”

“Who would want a mosquito to protect a lion?”

“You’re a special type of mosquito—one that a lion needs.”

I didn’t know if the marijuana had triggered the blissful feelings to come over me or perhaps it was Valentina’s words. For once, she admitted I was just as powerful as her brother. I smiled, not realizing that her opinion of me had truly mattered.

“Misha?”

“Sorry. I was just gloating.” I cleared my throat. “I won’t be in Paris for too long. I’ll be back in St Petersburg in two days. As soon as I return, I will let you know.”

“I. . .” Worry coated her voice. “Never mind.”

“What?”

“Since Uncle Igor’s death, I believe many are plotting Kazimir’s demise. People are uniting against him. I can’t prove it, but I feel this deep in my bones.”

Still holding the phone to my ear, I glanced out the window. “The Lion has held the top position for so long and he’s done it with brute strength. It makes sense that his enemies would see him as weak now.”

“You need to be by his side. Together, no one would go after us.”

“I understand.”

“Do you? Because you’ve left him alone for so long.”

“I won’t leave Kazimir alone anymore. I’ve just had a lot to deal with here.”

“People have been following me, Misha. They’re seeing me as a way to get to my brother.”

I growled. “Who has been following you?”

She spat the words out. “Solntsevskaya. My mother’s people. They must be trying to take over. So far, my men have killed them, but I may need your help.”

Solntsevskaya Bratva? They’re not after you because of Kazimir. They’re working for Leonid. How did he know that Valentina mattered to me? Or was he just guessing?

“Valentina, listen to me.” I gripped the phone hard. “Natalya and you must go straight to my condo with all your men. I’ll have more around you. Next, we’ll get you both to the castle in Prague.”

“Why?”

“My enemy is using the Solntsevskaya to fish me out.”

“Why would your enemy come for me?”

“They may know about my connection to Natalya or they’re just hoping I would care if you’re bothered. Either way, do as I say. I’m about to call my team now.”

“Do you think this is necessary?”

“I can’t let anything happen to my daughter or her mother.”

Valentina groaned. “Please stop saying it that way.”

I grinned. “It’s the truth. You’re the mother of my child.”

Annoyance covered her words. “Stop reminding me.”

“Regardless, pack Natalya’s and your things. I need to keep you safe until this is over.”

“Fine.” She hung up.

I turned off my phone.

Maxwell handed me the joint back. “How is that vile woman doing today?”

“Valentina is as bright and poetic as a flower.” I took the joint. “Leonid has his people following her.”

Naveen shook his head. “I never thought he would go after Kazimir’s sister. That’s suicidal.”

Maxwell spoke, “Once we killed his brother, I bet Leonid stopped caring about his moves. He’s erratic now, trying to end this fast.”

“Ending this fast may be the only thing that Leonid and I agree with.” I blew out smoke and gave the joint back to Maxwell. “I have Valentina and my daughter going to my condo.”

Naveen held his hands out. “Am I going to ever get this joint? You two always keep me out of rotation.”

Maxwell puffed and gave it to Naveen. “My bad. You’re so stuffy most of the time. I forget you smoke too.”

“I’m only stuffy around Misha. Catch me when I’m around sensible people and I’m a whole lot of fun.” Naveen took the joint and looked at me. “Why not put Valentina underground with Ava?”

“Shit.” Maxwell chuckled. “Putting a man’s baby mama with his current girlfriend is a crazy fucking thought.”

Shrugging, Naveen handed the joint back to Maxwell. “They could be in their separate rooms and—”

“It’s out of the question.” I shook my head. “Valentina is unpredictable.”

Maxwell chimed in. “Shit. Valentina is so fucking crazy. She might harass Ava just because she is bored.”

I pointed to Maxwell. “Exactly. This is why you’re my homey.”

Maxwell puffed the joint, blew out smoke, and handed it to me. “Even worse, Valentina might try to fuck Ava. I wouldn’t rule that shit out either.”

Naveen cracked the window open. “Valentina isn’t that bad.”

Maxwell and I laughed.

Naveen waved some of the smoke out. “She isn’t.”

I glanced at Maxwell. “Naveen has had a crush on Valentina since we were kids. She used to call him, Her Little Stalker.”

Naveen frowned. “That was a very long time ago.”

“Hey,” Maxwell held out his hands. “It’s all good, man. Valentina is sexy as hell. I get it. But trust me when I say this. Avoid that pussy at all costs.”

“Listen to him, Naveen.” I inhaled the joint and blew out. “It’s like she has the Darvaza gas crater in her pants.”

Naveen frowned. “That’s unnecessary, Misha.”

“What the fuck is that?” Maxwell asked.