I eyed Sergei, the doctor in me wanting to keep him under observation for another day or two but we couldn’t stay here. It had been less than a day that he was shot, he wouldn’t be in the best condition but he was ready to get going. Luckily he’d have five men with him.
“Yes, princess,” he replied and I frowned at that endearment. Now it reminded me of my kidnapping although if he didn’t kidnap me, maybe Olivia and Scarlett wouldn’t be getting help right now. Olivia’s impending arrangement with Malcome loomed over us the entire summer and Scarlett had other issues related to the man her family tied her to when she was seventeen that awaited resolution when we got back home.
“Just remember,” I warned him, going into a doctor mode. “Take the pills every four hours. Don’t drive and try to get as much sleep as you can. I also told Andrey to remind you about the pills and not to let you drive.”
Nikolai told me Andrey would drop Sergei off at his home safely and then get back to Nikolai’s home. He said that the safety of Nikolai’s niece was usually his responsibility. I got the sense there was more to the story but let it go.
“You are a bossy doctor,” Sergei complained but with a happy smile. He couldn’t wait to leave and get to Scarlett.
“Well, you make sure to follow doctor’s orders,” I told him. “Andrey will report back.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered.
Nikolai was leaving from here and going straight to the airport. Dimitry’s private plane was arranged to wait for him. He already had men digging up dirt on Malcome Schmidt and one of his men had eyes on Olivia.
“Thank you so much, Nikolai.” My eyes locked with him while I prayed he got to Olivia before Malcome completely destroyed her. “For trying.”
He nodded, his scar a stark reminder of his violent past. I just hoped Olivia would see past that.
She would. She has good instincts.I recalled her first impression of Malcome when we ran into him in the casino.
“Casino,” I exclaimed and all three men raised their eyebrows in question. I continued explaining, “That’s where we ran into Malcome Schmidt. In the casino. I think he has a gambling habit although he rarely loses.”
Dimitry and Nikolai exchanged looks. “Check all our casino records,” Dimitry told him.
“You have casinos?” I asked in wonder. I knew so little about him.
“Yes, so does Nikolai. We don’t bother with accounts until they become a problem.”
“I’m sending a note to search for his name.” Nikolai spoke as his fingers typed on the phone.
“Olivia’s dad has a gambling habit too,” I told him. Whatever information he could get, it could help Olivia. “I knew some of his losses were covered by Malcome.” I took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I forgot that.”
Andrey, one of Dimitry’s security, came in and all of us raised our heads to him. “Everything is ready.”
“Thank you, Andrey.” I smiled at him. He was talking to the three powerful men around me but I appreciated it nonetheless. He returned the smile, although it was a bit reserved. I wondered if it was because I had been labeled as Dmitry’s girl. “I told Sergei you would call Dimitry if he doesn’t follow doctor’s orders.”
“Gees, princess,” Sergei teased as he stood up to get going, “is there anyone you don’t wrap around your finger?”
I scoffed at that statement. Nobody was wrapped around my finger. If they were, Dimitry and I would be trying out a few things in the bedroom right now because I was so ready to lose my V-card.
Nikolai, Dimitry, and I followed, leaving our seats. We walked Sergei and Andrey outside. There were two vehicles and five men divided between them to travel with Sergei.
“How long will it take you to get to Scarlett?” I asked Sergei.
“About nine hours.”
“Text when you get there,” Dimitry told him, his arm wrapped around me. We looked like a couple, saying farewell to a good friend. I didn’t step away from him. There was no reason to pretend I didn’t want his arms around me. I wanted this man.
“And kiss Scarlett for me,” I added mischievously.
He grimaced. “To tell you the truth, now I’m nervous.”
I was surprised by his admission. A tough, ruthless man like him was nervous to see Scarlett. I lightly hit his bicep.
“Yeah, it will be tough.” Slight worry crossed his eyes so I took pity on him. “It won’t be all wine, dine, and kissing this time around but-”
“She told you?” He sounded surprised.