(NIKOLAI)
As we readied to take the small motorboat onto shore, Dasha lingered nearby, watching. I knew she was nervous and would much rather accompany us, but I couldn't allow it.
She would distract the men, distract me.
The breeze pushed her hair out of her face, and I admired her beauty. Good Lord! She was gorgeous. Tonight, she looked so young and vulnerable, the usual snark gone from her expression, replaced with worry over her sister.
There were times I regretted that we hadn't met under different circumstances, that she wasn't related by marriage to my worst enemy. That I'd met her in a bar or a nightclub and convinced her to come home with me.
She would have made the perfect mistress.
I checked my weapons one more time, asking Vito, "Have you been in touch with Stefano? Is it all set?"
"Yes. They obviously have no idea who she is, because there are only ten or so men inside."
I chuckled. "It is their mistake."
