“They’d kill for more.” My burgundy smile teases my cheeks. “But making them beg is so much more fun.”
They laugh and then I’m sucked in. We tease each other and give plenty of sass. They teach me some ‘necessary Russian’ which means blatant insults and cursing. I ask for flirting and Natalia, the woman who dragged me in scoffs.
“No need to flirt. Just bat your eyelashes and tell them to come.”
“Now if I did that, they’d finish before they ever got their hands on me.”
More laughter bubbles up. We keep laughing and I’m offered a cigarette, which I refuse, but a blunt I take happily. I put it between my lips and realize quickly that these women are the root of the ‘family business’. They have no hesitation to talk about their husbands’ weaknesses, pointing out flaws, or complaining about the meetings.
“Are there always this many meetings? It’s ridiculous. I want to enjoy myfriends.” I make sure to wink when I say the word. “Not wait around for the boys club to be over.”
“Not always so busy,” Vera assures me. “But they’re married to work.”
The whole room agrees with a grumble. Vera flashes her ring, a huge,beyond huge, diamond there. “They put the ring on, put their cock in, and think that’s all there is! We always share with Mr. Volkov.”
“What I’d do to get my hands on him,” Natalia purrs, flashing her long purple nails.
“You might kill him. From what I’ve heard, he doesn’t know how to smile,” I whisper.
She giggles. “I’ll remind him. I don’t leave men unsatisfied.”
We keep laughing until I hear a door open. Natalia pats my head. “You should come more! We need some youth to keep us young.”
“Please, you have more life in you than half the people my age.”
She half laughs-half coughs and cleans house. I didn’t even buy in, which must be the reason I’m the only one playing with chips and not jewelry or coins. I don’t mind. Making friends is easier without money on the line.
“I have so much to teach you, little one.” Natalia pats my head. “How to survive in a world like this.”
“Oh? One where men think they’re the ones in charge?” I say in a whisper.
“They have power over each other, but the … the …” She struggles for the word, then motions between her legs. “It always wins.”
“Then I’m on the right track.”
They laugh again until I see Vera turn and practically drool while looking at someone behind me. The rest of the table goes quiet, But Natalia smiles. “Sweet, Lief.”
A chill slithers down my spine. Oh no. If he’s here, he knows that I am too. Otherwise wouldn’t some other security be standing behind me, just standing. No someone else would be barking at me to get up and leave? I swallow and put my cards down, but Lief reaches down and grunts.
“Raise.”
“Oh! You’re going to play!” Natalie squeals.
We finish the game and I win, but I jump up quickly. Lief keeps his face passive. “Please come with me.”
“Someone taught the silent giant please!” Vera giggles.
He walks me into the foyer and reaches for my arm, but I jerk back. He narrows his eyes. “Why are you here?”
“Because I’m an adult and I’m allowed to go where I want.”
“And would you like to explainhowyou got in?”
“Easily.” I tap his chest. “That’s probably something for you to figure out, huh? Aren’t you supposed to be security?”
“This isn’t a safe place for you.”
I put a hand on my hip. “For me? Really?”