Trespass by Baxter Lula

Author:Baxter, Lula
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-10-31T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

It’s after seven and everyone in the lobby is dressed formally for the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which has a strict dress code this time of night. I’m wearing the white halter-dress I picked out from the shop, and Vlad’s aren’t the only pair of eyes that are pleased with the result.

He rests a hand on the small of my back possessively as he guides me to the restaurant of the hotel. Even though it’s nothing compared to the various ways that hand has been used before, it still feels like a death grip.

I wasn’t able to get any more information out of him after that ambiguous statement earlier in our suite. Now, we are seated at a table that’s meant for four, but has three place settings. I make a point of eyeing the third and then turning to Vlad.

“So do we have a guest joining us for dinner?” It’s asked in a perfectly neutral tone, but Vlad eyes me with suspicion all the same. I plant an unconcerned smile on my face, which only slightly softens that look.

“Yes. Actually”—he looks to the front and smiles—“he is here.”

My eyes follow his gaze to see a man making his way over. He’s short, probably only five foot-five, with balding hair and a shrewd face. His suit is impeccable, perfectly tailored to make his small body seem slightly less diminutive. When he reaches our table, he nods to Vlad first, and then his dark beady eyes are all over me.

“Josef Pignataro,” Vlad announces, gesturing to the chair opposite me to provide him a direct line of sight. “It is good to see you. We have many reasons to celebrate no?”

“Yes, very many,” Josef agrees, not bothering to take his eyes off me. He has an accent, but it isn’t Russian. Italian? Swiss? I feel an involuntary shudder run through me.

Vlad follows his gaze. “I see you are admiring my pet.”

It’s insulting, meant to impart a message to both of us: I’m a nobody. Just here to show off or perhaps perform tricks for my master.

“Lovely,” says Josef, giving me a greasy smile that only makes me nauseous.

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