In For the Kill (McClouds & Friends #11)(76)

Oh, great. Cut her off at the knees, why didn’t he. “It’s lovely, but there are plenty of perfectly nice pensioni that cost a fraction—”

“I like this place,” he said. “It’s my choice, so obviously, it’s my expense. You asked a whole hell of a lot from me, back in Rome. Now you can return the favor and start acting like a f*cking grown-up.”

She stared at him for a moment, stung. Fine. So she would. She sat down in one of the wingback chairs and pulled out her phone.

“Who are you calling?” he asked.

“Hazlett, of course,” she said. “To tell him I’m here. It’s rude, that he sent someone to pick me up and I never showed. Or even called.”

“Don’t tell him where we are,” Sam said.

“Don’t be absurd,” she snapped. “What am I supposed to say? I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you my hotel. You might be an assassin, so I’ll just meet you at the party, ’kay? See you there!”

“You just love to make it hard for me, don’t you, Sveti?”

His unconscious play on words roped her into it. Her gaze flicked to his crotch and just as quickly away. His erection strained against the denim. His eyebrow tilted up, asking what she wanted to make of it.

She turned away. “No distractions, please.”

“Fine,” Sam said. “Tell everyone. Post our location on the Internet. Don’t forget our room number. The Ukrainian mob can triangulate your phone signal now, so f*ck it, what’s the worst that can happen?”

“Shhh.” She focused all her attention on the ringing phone.

“Illuxit Transnational,” a low female voice answered.

“Can I speak to Michael Hazlett? This is Svetlana Ardova.”

“Oh, good! I’m so glad you’ve finally gotten in touch. Mr. Hazlett was beside himself when you didn’t arrive this morning! This is Nadine.”

“Hi, Nadine. I’m so sorry about that. I ended up coming on a later flight, and, of course, my phone was turned off. Can I speak to him?”

“Of course. We’re glad you decided to come at all, after having such a horrific experience. One moment, while I track him down.”

She kept her eyes averted from Sam’s still figure as she waited.

“Svetlana!” Hazlett’s deep, booming voice jolted her nerves. “Just in time for the gala! We missed you on the panels.”

“I’m so sorry I missed everything,” she said.

“I’m relieved you’re here for the awards ceremony. It would have been embarrassing to make excuses to the donors. I expect to get sizable contributions to Illuxit’s anti-trafficking foundation from my friends, after they see you speak! And not to be crass, but the attack you suffered certainly does ratchet up the drama factor, hmm?”

“ Ah . . . I . . . ”

“Drama sells! But I don’t have to teach you any tricks, not after the way you played up the shock value on your video log to crowdsource funding for the victims! Brilliant job, brilliant. Silver linings, right?”

“Ah, yes,” she said weakly. “Of course.”

“I’ll send Nadine over as soon as she’s free, and a man from my security team as well. Where are you located?”

“Oh. Ah, I . . .” Her eyes slid to Sam, who watched intently. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve brought a friend with me, and he’s—”

“Is he a professional bodyguard?”

“Well, actually, he’s—”

“Whatever he is, he could use backup. I had rooms reserved for you at La Perla Del Doge, my dear. You could still move into them.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine where I am,” she said. “I thought you would change your mind about having me associated with Illuxit now.”

“On the contrary. I anticipated this. Anyone who actually changes the status quo will make enemies. That’s the cost of contracting experts who genuinely walk the walk. I’ll send my people right over.” He paused. “Assuming that you tell me where you’re located.”

Sam’s gaze burned the side of her face. She knew exactly how he was going to react to Hazlett’s security descending upon them, and cringed at the thought. “We’re at the Hotel Aurelio,” she said. “But don’t send a security agent. I’m quite safe with my friend—”

“Nonsense. I invited you, so your safety is my responsibility. Corporate security is a pain in the ass, but I’ve gotten used to it, and so will you. Excellent, then. Nadine will be there soon to help you with anything that you might need. Until tonight, then!”

“Yes, thank you, but about security, please don’t—”

“Wonderful talking to you. I must run. The conference is in full swing. A presto, Svetlana. Can’t wait.” The connection broke.

Sveti let the phone drop, feeling Sam seethe. With all she had to stress about, she had to feel intimidated because the man with her might throw a sexually charged temper tantrum? To hell with that.

“So,” she said. “We’re on, then. For tonight.”

“Yeah, I heard. With the big man’s security team all over us.”

“I tried to tell him no,” she said.

“I guess he doesn’t listen too well. It’s something he and I have in common. Was the mutual ass-kissing session pleasurable?”