He thought about her more often than he wanted to admit. He didn’t need to ask the others if they thought about her, too. Zin and York would be pleased if Aspen accepted a position working for them. But she didn’t seem ready to leave her current position where she was. At least he didn’t think she would want to. She was making crazy money. Sparks Industries seemed to keep her on permanently although she said her work was contractual. Hell, if things went well between Storm, his team and Gary Sparks, Aspen might just wind up being an employee of theirs after all. Wouldn’t that be nice?
He imagined what he would do to her, if there weren’t all these restrictions and fears for her life. She would be his whenever he wanted her. In the office, over his desk, in the private elevator, or even in their penthouse where he and his team could share her.
That was a fantasy. None of them would be so selfish as to bring death to her doorstep and destroy her chance at happiness. No, they had to deny the feelings they had for her and pretend to be the good brothers watching out for their best friend’s sister.
He sought her out and once again saw her talking, socializing with three businessmen he knew pretty well. They were good men. Each would make a great husband for Aspen.
He felt his gut wrench in anger and disgust. Who the fuck was he kidding? He didn’t ever want to see her with another man, in a romantic relationship ever.
She lived in a penthouse suite in one of the best buildings in the city owned by him and his team, and had an outstanding reputation in the business world as well as amongst their own family and friends.
No, staying clear, perhaps protecting her from afar was best.
“You look about ready to kill someone,” Zin told Storm.
“I’m fine. Let’s see if we can get a few minutes of Dmitri’s time. We have that business to discuss and finalize.”
“Well, then you better gain control of that jealous anger from seeing Aspen with Demyan. She’s currently walking arm and arm with Dmitri right now,” Zin said.
Storm looked across the room and exhaled with his fists by his side. Sure as shit, there was Dmitri, the fucking bastard, with his hand practically on Aspen’s ass. As she laughed at something one of his guards said to her, she turned and lost her smile immediately.
There stood Andrei Renoke.
* * * *
“Dmitri, why do you insist on asking me out? You know my answer already. We’ve been friends far too long and I know your history with women.”
“Oh come on now, Aspen, you and I would make a fabulous couple. My good looks, your natural beauty and charm, never mind business sense. Have I thanked you enough for the Clarence job you grabbed right out from underneath Andrei’s fingertips?”
She chuckled, knowing it was more for personal satisfaction that she pulled the multimillion-dollar construction job right from under Andrei’s nose. The slimy bastard deserved to die for what he had done and continued to get away with. Just as she laughed she locked gazes with the scumbag himself. Anger boiled through her bloodstream and she wished so badly they weren’t here at a fundraising event. Perhaps a shooting range with his head as the target would make her happier.
“Once again, Dmitri, you’ve outdone yourself. This is quite the affair,” he said, giving Dmitri the once-over but her, he let his eyes intentionally take their time looking her body over. It gave her the creeps as Aspen unconsciously stepped back. But Andrei reached for her hand and brought it to his lips as he pulled her toward him. His forcefulness, and show of authority seemed to not only get under her skin but Dmitri’s as well.
Dmitri placed his hand on her shoulder causing her to stand between the two men, too close for comfort. She tried pulling her hand from Andrei’s but he didn’t allow it. She felt the gun and holster as he pulled her snug against him. The man had audacity. But as much as she despised him, she, too, had to play her role and show respect.
“Mr. Renoke. It’s nice to see you.” She lowered her head and eyes.
He inhaled against her hair and she tilted her head up, shocked by his move. They locked gazes and she felt the shiver of fear roll up her spine. She was playing with fire. Had been since she took on the job Dmitri offered her in sealing the business deal. She didn’t want to be this close to the man. He had an aura of power, death, and darkness that told every nerve ending in her body to retreat and just let him talk and play his role. She looked toward Dmitri.
“Dmitri, you didn’t tell me that you were having such big shots attending the gathering tonight.”
She felt Andrei’s hand slide down her arm to her waist. He gave her hip a squeeze as he softly chuckled. “I’m surprised he failed to mention he invited me weeks ago. I usually don’t have the time to attend these events. However, I heard that you would be here, Ms. Brooks.”
He pulled her against his side as if he now had possession of her.
Oh shit.
“You’re very smooth, Mr. Renoke. Do lines like that always work with the ladies?”
He squinted at her and looked her body over then back toward Dmitri who still kept a hand on her shoulder. She wondered if there would be a tug of war over her. She hoped to not make a scene. It seemed they were already drawing some attention.
“I would like a moment alone with Aspen, Dmitri. I’m sure you don’t mind.”
“Oh, well, we were discussing something important. Perhaps later would work better?” Dmitri asked, but Andrei shook his head and a moment later she noticed two of his guards standing near the side looking ready to cause a scene. She wouldn’t want that on her conscience.
“It’s okay, Dmitri. I’m fine and whatever Andrei Renoke has to say to me must be important,” she challenged, and Andrei chuckled low.
“Shall we?” Andrei stuck out his arm for her to loop hers through and to walk with him.