“She’s going to be where?” For the first time in days a slight smile forms on my face. “The Italiano. At 1pm,” I repeat with a new energy in my voice to Liam.
Jared, Liam, and Seth and our men have been watching Sokolov’s house now since Isla went behind the large elaborate grey doors without so much as a glimpse of her delectable body. Only being able to hear conversations when she is near the listening device in her handbag is frustrating the ever-living hell out of me. Fuck, he could have his hands all over her and I wouldn’t be able to do a single thing at the moment about it.
At least the guys haven’t heard him forcing himself on Isla. Not that they would tell me anyway. They know I’d storm in there and take matters into my own hands if he was hurting my Sweetness.
“Liam…? Thanks man,” I say before hanging up the phone.
Knocking on the service door of The Italiano, I am greeted by a very confused Paulie.
“Good morning, Paulie.” I offer my hand and he shakes it as I continue to move inside his restaurant.
“Mr. Raven, good morning. Is there some reason you’re not using the front entry today?” A smile takes over as he ushers me through the kitchen in to the room he keeps reserved for my mother and father on our lunch dates. It seems like it was months ago I found Isla here having a celebratory lunch with her girlfriends. Taking her back to my house. Wanting to show her who I really am.
Pushing that thought aside, “I apologize, Paulie. I was hoping to not draw any attention to me being here today. I am a little early. Do you mind if I wait here?” Looking out to the ocean view, I tuck my hands in my suit pockets and take a deep breath.
“I understand, sir. No worries. I will bring you a drink. The usual?”
Turning my head only, “Yes. Thanks again.” Looking at my watch, I have an hour to wait before Isla is supposed to come and meet Jules. But wanting to be here before her security detail came means I have to sit and wait it out. My security is waiting somewhere nearby too I suppose.
Returning with my drink in record time, Paulie leaves it on the black table top, leaving without interrupting my thoughts. He knows me well enough to understand this is a safe haven for me. He has been loyal to my family, trusting him with our privacy, and we tip him handsomely for doing so. Plus help him with other matters if they arise.
Taking a mouthful of the Glenfiddich, I let the burn running down my throat calm me. Going through how this could play out today in my mind over and over is pumping the fire through my veins rapidly. I can’t believe that I am not allowed to see Isla when I want and choose. It’s beyond absurd. But having her safety at the forefront of my mind, I know the order’s in place for a reason. And again, I am about to break it.
The guys understand I’m at breaking point so letting me in on this small secret, I will grab it by the horns and make the most of it. Uncle doesn’t have to know. Sokolov won’t know. Fuck, the time is ticking away so slowly…
Looking out the window to the boats bobbing up and down on the dark blue water, drinking my scotch, I run through in my head the latest meeting with uncle. They have uncovered so much dirt on Sokolov that it will be impossible not to take him down, it’s just deciding which family wants revenge on him more and will take the bait quickest and quietest. Kolton, my IT specialist, discovered Sokolov’s underworld partnerships with families that would destroy him at the drop of a hat if underhanded dealings were going on. Uncle and Benito are currently exploring options. Will they choose the drug trade that Sokolov runs? Or they can easily exploit the weapons trade Sokolov had going with many families. We would know as soon as uncle decides so we can assist with the plan roll out to bring the Russian to his end.
“Do you need another drink, Mr. Raven?” Paulie quietly asks from the outer doorway.
“Please, Paulie.” Without taking my eyes from the glass, I continue my internal thoughts of which scenario will see him gone the fastest and how Isla and I will be able to be together, whenever and where ever we choose.
“There you are.” Paulie places the drink on the same table lifting the empty glass as he steps away. “Oh… Before I leave. That pretty young lady you were with the other week just came in. In case you were wondering. Looks like she is very well guarded.” He steps through the door and is gone.
Finally… She’s here.
Not one word is spoken during the ride to lunch.
Arriving at The Italiano, I try to open my door, only to find that the lock is on. Still trapped…
Maksim’s phone rings as I recline back in the black SUV, closing my eyes, trying to keep my breathing under control before I implode with how my life is run by everyone but me. As I entered the car earlier, thoughts crossed my mind. This was one of the cars that I repeatedly observed following me before I went to Las Vegas. Dimitri had been watching me even when he was away on his trip for those seven nights. I should have been smarter, knowing he wouldn’t leave me without someone keeping tabs on my whereabouts. And who I was socializing with. His rules were clear when he left, no men.
The door unlocks and Maksim holds the door open for me. His suit jacket hitches up and it reveals a gun in a holster close to his heart. Holy crap… Before I can move, his rough voice lets me know to stay near him and that he will be near me at all times during lunch. The driver stays in his seat as I swing my legs out to the pavement after the instructions stop. Grabbing my handbag, I don’t look back at my bodyguard. He has a job to do and I have a friend to meet.
Walking through the doors, I scan the room for my friend. She sees me first and is already walking, arms stretched toward me.
“Hey there, Isla.” Her lively voice makes me smile. Arms wrap around me in a strong bear hug.
“I’m so glad you’re here.” My face dives into her shoulder as I close my eyes and take in the essence of Jules and her warmth. A grunt behind me quickly brings me to the present. The bodyguard obviously doesn’t want to be standing out here for any longer than necessary. Pulling back, I grab her hand and walk with a spring back to where she was sitting. All seats in this restaurant overlook the water, but I could be seated on the moon and I wouldn’t be looking anywhere but at my gorgeous friend’s face. Maksim takes a seat over to my left where he can see me, the front door, and the entrance to the kitchen-toilet area. The restaurant is quiet today. Only a few patrons sitting at tables away from us. No one will be getting to me. Unlike last time I was here, Alex found me half-drunk with Jules and Kameron. That won’t be happening this visit.
“So, how is everything going over at work, Jules? I know I have left you in the lurch.” My eyes cast down to the table. I can’t believe I had to leave so fast without a replacement. “Maybe in a few months, he may let me do some work?” I pour myself and Jules a glass of water.
“Everything’s okay at the moment. Kameron’s been in to help when needed but at this stage we haven’t got too much on that I can’t handle. Mrs. Johannson’s wedding is the big one and Scarlett’s of course is still happening soon.” Bending forward toward me, she adds quietly, “Maybe I could send you the information to your email and you send me ideas back?”
A sense of being needed makes me smile. I lean forward whispering too, not that Maksim is that close to us, but he doesn’t need to hear our conversations. “He took my phone and I have no computer, but I will ask him or figure something else out. Everything at his house is monitored so he will find out if you send me information.” The waitress arrives, and I run my finger over the menu and decide that I will have a bruschetta and then my favorite pasta dish-spinach and ricotta cannelloni. I may even order dessert since I don’t have to watch my weight. Dimitri could let me go if I put on pounds? There’s an interesting thought… Jules orders her Greek salad and vegetarian pizza.
“Can I also order a Durif please?” I turn and look at the small petite waitress and smile. I’m not driving so I may as well make the most of it. “Jules, a Sav Blanc for you?”
“Yes, please.” Her pen scribes over her piece of paper, taking our order then she is gone.
Jules and I continue our girly catch up, forgetting for an hour that I am to be Mrs. Sokolov in less than three months until I hold my second wine glass up with my left hand. She spies the enormous diamond ring on my hand. Crap! I was supposed to be telling her about the ring, gushing over it, making a show so Maksim will report back to Dimitri.
My gaze slowly turns to my bodyguard and he is looking out of the window. My voice whispers quietly as I turn back, “Go along with it, Jules, please?” Her nod tells me she understands. My voice louder and more proper than it has been all lunch states, “Jules. I have some exciting news. I am going to be married! Look at what my fiancé gave me the other day.” A wide smile overtakes my features. “A five-carat diamond ring. Isn’t it beautiful?” I reach my hand out so she can see it without any trouble. “Look how the light reflects off it.”
Jules pays the ring close attention and I quickly move my head to make sure my guy is paying attention so he can report back to his boss.
“Isn’t it divine?” I say a little louder again.
“Oh, Isla. It’s so beautiful.” Her hand goes over her heart. She always was good at drama. “You are so lucky to have someone that will spoil you.” Trying so hard to keep this act together, my hand starts to wobble. I reach for another gulp of my wine.
“I hope I’m as lucky as you are one day. I’m going to have to help you plan the perfect wedding. I can’t wait.” She has a drink of her wine too, choking it down. We both know how we really feel about this situation. Dread, disgust, and sadness. The waitress delivers our food to our table, giving me parmesan on my cannelloni and then she leaves us to start back with our normal conversation. My marriage talk done with.
Taking my time with eating, I don’t want to leave but I know Jules has places to get to, a job to do, people to hang out with, and a life to lead. I can’t hold her up here forever like I’d love to. Placing the last mouthful of pasta in my mouth, I need to go to the toilet before I can possibly fit dessert in.
Pushing my chair back, I stand, placing the napkin on the table. “I’m going to the toilet. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“No problems. I’ll be here waiting.” Holding the pizza in her hand, she takes another bite.
Maksim gets up to join me.
“I’m only going to the toilet. It’s just there. I’ll be fine.” I reassure him not to stay with me. Surely I can go to the toilet without him listening?
Paulie rounds the corner from the kitchen at that same time. “Oh, Miss Isla. It’s so lovely to see you back again. I will walk you to the toilet.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were here today, Paulie. I hadn’t seen you. I would love you to.” A grunt comes from the other male as he sits his suit pants back down on the seat. He averts his eyes to Jules in her tight-fitting white pants and lacy black sweater, hugging her slim frame, showcasing her cleavage perfectly.
“How is your lovely wife?” I keep talking to him so I don’t have to look at the burly bodyguard checking out my best friend until I reach the corner away from his sight.
“She’s well. Taking care of the grandchildren today.” His eyes light up talking about his wife.
“Thanks, Paulie. I’ll be fine now.” I push my hand on the toilet door to open it.
“Any time, Isla.” Paulie pats me softly on the back, leaving me to enter the bathroom.