I thanked Mike for his time and insight, and I excused myself from his office. Once I was out in the hall, I texted Niko with a dinner invite. Within minutes, we’d set a date.
In just a few hours, I would completely vindicate my father, and I could rid myself of the horrible nightmares once and for all.
ALLIE
Niko’s charming smile was devastating, but I knew better now than to be utterly dazzled by it. His beautiful mask had been firmly in place all throughout dinner, but I hadn’t pressed him to be vulnerable with me again. If he didn’t feel comfortable sharing his true feelings, I wouldn’t force the issue.
Besides, it would be easier to get information about his family through casual conversation. I didn’t want him to think I was asking anything too serious, or he might shut me down.
I wouldn’t blame him. I’d freaked out when Max told me that my dad was involved with the Bratva. I imagined Niko would feel the same if I made veiled accusations about his own father.
I’d been putting off my line of questioning, nerves getting the better of me. We’d almost finished dessert by the time I forced the words out of my mouth: “So, tell me more about your family. You were born in the States, right? But your dad grew up in Russia?”
The differences in their accents indicated as much, but it provided a casual segue into deeper questions.
Niko’s playboy mask slipped ever so slightly. “Yes, but I think he wishes he’d raised me back in Moscow. I’ve been thoroughly Americanized. He’s always trying to get me to speak Russian with him, but I insist that it’s rude in front of Americans.” His sensual lips twitched in a small frown. “He likes to talk about people right in front of their faces. He has a hell of a superiority complex.”
I fiddled with my locket, thinking of the few times I’d heard Mikhail speaking in Russian around me and my dad.
Niko’s stunning aquamarine eyes flicked to my anxious fingers on the warm gold. “Don’t worry. He’s only ever said nice things about you. He’s the one who pushed us together, remember?”
I huffed a strained laugh. “How could I forget? There was another article in the Times over the weekend. Did he plant that one, too?”
He sighed and reached out to cover my hand with his. “I’ve asked him to stop doing that. I know it makes you uncomfortable. Like I said, my father has a superiority complex. He always makes sure he gets his way, no matter what it takes. I’ll talk to him again.” The dazzling grin returned, but it seemed more genuine this time. Cocky and playful. “You’re already going out with me, so there’s no need for him to be so pushy anymore.”
He lifted my hand to his lips and brushed a kiss over my knuckles. My skin tingled beneath his touch, little sparks racing up my arm and awakening an answering sensation between my legs. I shifted in my seat, quivering on that knife’s edge of pleasure and discomfort.
He placed our intertwined hands back on the table, not releasing me from his gentle but masculine grip.
I blinked, struggling to gather my thoughts in the wake of his devastating effect on my body.
I’d been asking about his family. I needed to know more.
“So, your dad is a little ruthless.” I forced a small, teasing smile. “That must be an asset to your family business. He oversees management of your fund, right?”
A shadow flickered along Niko’s jaw, but it was gone so quickly, I might’ve imagined it.
“Yeah, he likes to check in every once in a while and micromanage. Then he goes back to enjoying his billions while the rest of us are put to work.”
I leaned toward him, determined to press on despite the hint at his discomfiture. “I guess he’s earned his semi-retirement. Is he self-made, or did your family have a successful business back in Russia, too?”
His smile sharpened ever so slightly. “And here I thought you didn’t care about my money.”
“I don’t!” I burst out, quick to dispel any affront. I wasn’t dating Niko for his billions.
I’m dating him because his father pushed us together. Max had warned me that Mikhail had assigned Niko to keep an eye on me once they found out that I’d been digging into the Five Families case. That was absolutely insane, but it was also mindboggling that this gorgeous, wealthy playboy had chosen to go out with me.
Max had planted too many disquieting, niggling doubts in my head. Learning more about Niko’s family would clear away all my worries and return some sanity to my life.
Niko’s grin tilted, and his pale eyes flicked to my heated cheeks. “It’s really easy to wind you up.”
I released a nervous giggle. “Stop that. You made me feel bad for a second there.”