Текст книги "Lev"

Автор книги: Belle Aurora

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“I’m not ashamed of who you are. And the only time I would look down on you is if I were helping you back up.”

He had a way with words. I’d give him that. I wondered how he could say something, essentially stealing the breath from me. He seemed to enjoy doing it. He had to, otherwise he wouldn’t do it so often.

“Stop doing that,” I whispered.

His honeyed eyes narrowed in confusion. “Doing what?”

“Being so nice to me.” I’d had enough. Slapping the book down on the bar, I gave in to myself and said what I’d been thinking. “Why am I here, Lev? Why have you brought me here? Here specifically? Why am I staying in your house, in you bed?” I paused. “Am I…” I swallowed hard. “You work in a gentleman’s club, surrounded by gorgeous women, I…” My voice hushed, I asked hesitantly, “Am I being groomed into prostitution?”

A heavy silence followed. Then, “No.”

My heart heavy, I turned up my face to look into his gorgeous eyes. “Tell me I can leave at any time, Lev.”

His eyes on me, I watched as they flashed. Finally, he lowered his face and muttered, “You can leave at any time, Mina.” He stepped back and away from me. “Although I hope you choose to stay.” His face became impassive. “You deserve better than the unfortunate life you were dealt.”

I watched him walk away from me and I was suddenly overwhelmed. My nose itched as my eyes filled with tears. I blinked them back, sniffling to myself in the dark corner of the bar, thankful for the solitude.

Chapter Eleven

Mina

I wasn’t sure of the time when I first opened my eyes the next morning, nor the second, but each time I opened my eyes, I lifted my head to check the sofa bed. The first two times, the outline of Lev was apparent. The third time I checked, the sheets had been folded and rested on the edge of the mattress.

I blinked drowsily at the made bed, and regardless of how many times I tried to get back to sleep after that, slumber wouldn’t take me.

Yawning, I slipped out of bed, straightening the covers, and shuffled tiredly into the en suite to wash my face and brush my teeth with my snazzy new hot pink toothbrush. I brushed my hair and pulled it into a low ponytail. When I deemed myself presentable, I made my way downstairs, calling out, “Hello? Anyone home?”

From the room to the left came, “In here, Miss Mina.”

As soon as I stepped into the kitchen, I smiled. Lidiya, dressed in a light pink dress with frilly sleeves, her hair in a perfectly curly ponytail at the top of her head, sat in a high chair, spooning up what looked to be pasta straight into her mouth.

Mirella, sitting by her side, smiled over at me. “Good afternoon, Miss Mina.”

My voice still croaky from sleep, I groaned. “Oh, God. Please. You don’t have to be formal with me. Mina will do nicely, since I intend to call you Mirella.”

The older woman grinned. “I can do that.” She mock-glared at Lidiya. “Now, you, missy. You need to eat up. Mirella needs to use the bathroom.”

I looked to Lidiya, who was the picture of calm as she fed herself. “You can go ahead. I’ll watch her.”

She looked uncertain. “Have you ever looked after a two-year-old before? They can be quite a handful.”

I blinked. “You’re planning on spending the entire day in the bathroom?”

The woman chuckled. “No, only a few minutes.”

I walked over to the coffee machine and filled a mug. “Well, okay then.” Taking the seat she’d just vacated, I assured her, “We’ll be fine.” I smiled at the little girl with the lashes that would make a grown woman weep in a fit of jealousy. “All right, kiddo. Take it easy on me. I’m new at this.”

Lidiya responded by scooping up some food onto her little spoon and holding it out to me while jabbering away.

I was touched by her offer. My smile softened. “No, sweetie, that’s your lunch.” I lifted my coffee. “This is Mina’s breakfast.”

But she insisted, holding the spoon out with more force than previously. I shook my head once more. “I’m sure it’s delectable, but really, I can’t.”

She babbled harder and said something like, “Yest, Eena. Yest.”

I pulled back, surprised. “Did you just say Mina?”

She uttered, “Eena. Zhena. Eena. Eeeena. Yest.”

I broke out into huge grin. “You did say my name, didn’t you? Smarty pants.”

From behind me came. “She wants you to eat with her.”

Gasping in shock, my entire body jerked in fright and, lifting a hand to my chest, I spun around to see Lev leaning against the doorway that lead to the laundry, watching the two of us.

“You scared the poop out of me. How long have been standing there?”

He walked farther inside the room and I nearly swallowed my tongue. Lev in a suit was delicious, but Lev wearing loose grey sweatpants hanging low on his hips, his tight black tee sticking to his broad chest with sweat, and his dark brown hair delightfully mussed was incredible.

“Long enough to know that children scare you.”

I was just about to deny that fact when Nas came in through the back door wearing a teeny see-through white t-shirt that showed her navel, her black bra visible to anyone with a pair of eyes, her blue jeans and flat strappy sandals the color of sand. Taking off her oversized sunglasses, she pointed at me. “You. Get your ass up, shower, and dress. We’ve got shit to do.”

I looked from her to Lev then back. “We do?”

She nodded. “You and me, down at the club, mixing drinks. We may end up too drunk to work tonight, but hey,”—she threw a light shrug of her shoulder then grinned wickedly—“it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

I bit the inside of my lip. “I actually wanted to talk to you guys about that.” I cleared my throat and began, “I’m sure you saw me last night. I tried to do a good job. I really did, but I don’t think I’m cut out for it.” I paused a moment then added, “I smashed so many glasses that Anika took the blame for the last one. Then I was sent to the end of the bar to ‘study’ the drinks guide.” I huffed out a humorless laugh. “I’m not stupid. I know they were trying to get me out of the bar so they could do some real work. Babysitting isn’t part of the job.”

Silence, then Nas spoke. “Oh, wah wah wah. Poor Mina’s having a hard time serving drinks. Someone get out the violin already.”

“Hey,” I returned testily.

Lev frowned. “You don’t like the job?”

“I can’t do the job if I’m dropping glasses left, right, and center,” I explained, my voice pleading for him to understand.

Nas shook her head, looking mildly disappointed. “I never took you for one of those girls who mopes around feeling sorry for themselves.”

“I’m not!” I shot back.

“Then buck the fuck up, precious.” She uttered in complete calm, “You gonna fall off the horse and let it trample you? Or are you gonna get back up and show the horse who’s boss?” I fumed in silence, and from Nastasia’s smug expression, she loved every moment of it. She smirked. “Make that horse your bitch, Mina. Do it.”

I stood and stomped out of the kitchen, nearly bowling Mirella over on the way.

***

Mina

The club had a different feel about it during the day. With the music off and a stream of people restocking the bars, waxing the floors, and wiping down the tables and chairs, the pressure was off. My shoulders were loose and the tension I had felt the night before was gone.

After Nas had yelled at me, which I noticed was kind of a theme with her, I went upstairs, let my hair down, dressed in a pair of black jeans, a white pair of strappy flip-flops, a white tank, and my caramel-toned sweater that hung off my shoulder. After seeing what Nas was wearing, I figured casual was acceptable for during the day.

As we walked inside, I met two of the security crew, Brick and Tommy. Brick had been the one on door duty when I’d come in that very first night. He was pleasant but stern, and I was thankful he didn’t recognize me. I was going to ask why they called him Brick, but it was obvious. He was built like a brick house.

Tommy, on the other hand, went from fierce to funny in a split second. He was tall and not quite as built as Brick, but when he scowled, he could scare the pants off anyone. He took my hand and kissed the back of it, lingering far too long. It had been a while since I had been shown any male attention. It felt nice and I giggled like a schoolgirl, my cheeks flaming around my smile.

Nas laughed at me as I fanned my face, making our way to the bar. She nudged me. “You better get used to guys falling over themselves like that. Especially with a face like yours.”

I was confused. “What do you mean?”

She raised a brow. “Fishing for compliments?” But as I lowered my face, my brow furrowed in confusion, she muttered to herself, “Dear God, she doesn’t know.” Before I could say another word, she pulled me into the mirrored foyer. Thankfully, it was deserted when she placed me right in front of it and stood behind me. “What do you see when you look in the mirror?”

I hated my reflection. It was cruel to look so much like the person I missed most in the world, my mother. I loved her until the very last moment of her illness, and when she died, my love turned to feigned indifference. I pretended it didn’t hurt to lose her, my mom, my best friend, although it was agony. Every breath I took over the next year proved difficult. My life would never be the same. She was pure sunshine. The person who took care of me when I was sick and made me laugh when I was sad. I depended on her. She was everything to me. And then she was gone.

My eyes trained on my chin, I shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Look at yourself. I mean really look at yourself.” My eyes met my reflection as she asked, “Don’t you see it? Can you even comprehend how attractive you are?”

“I look like my mother,” I whispered.

Nas smiled gently. “I’ll bet she was beautiful.”

She was. “She was lovely.”

“Can you see it?” Nas probed softly. I shook my head. She reached around me to place her fingers under my chin, lifting it, and my reflection was forced into my line of sight. “Look harder.” She moved to stand by my side. “You have elegant cheekbones. Your skin is impeccable and creamy, like porcelain. You have a small, full mouth, which I’ll bet gives men all sorts of naughty ideas.” My blush was intense. “Your hair is smooth and shiny, and dark without being black. Your big green eyes and long lashes make you look exotic and mysterious. And I’m guessing that when you get some weight back on that tiny tight body, you’re going to have curves in all the right places.” She placed her hands on my shoulders and squeezed hard enough to make a point. “You’re lethal, Mina. And you don’t even know it.”

Her speech had me really looking at myself. I never viewed myself as beautiful. I’d always viewed myself as passable, but only just. But as she pointed everything out, bit-by-bit, I supposed it was there. For the first time, I could see it.

“I’m pretty?” I asked carefully, inspecting my reflection.

“Now you’re fishing for compliments.” She groaned as she pushed me to the side, causing me to stumble and laugh. “You little shit.” She chuckled as we went into the bar area.

I winced as soon as my eyes hit the rows of glasses on the counter. “Are you sure you want to do this? Chances are I’m going to drop a glass, accidentally slit my wrist, and die on you.”

Nas tilted her head up in thought. “Hmmm. Yes. That could be a problem.” She shrugged. “Again, a risk I’m willing to take.”

She gathered a bunch of different glasses and pointed to each one as she named them. “Highball. Tumbler. Sifter. Shot. Cocktail. Martini. Wine. Flute.”

“No beer glasses?”

She seemed pleased that I’d noticed. “We are a high class establishment. We do serve imported beers, but you’ll find that majority of our patrons will ask for mixers. Otherwise,”—she reached under the bar to pull out another tall glass from inside the refrigerator—“beer glasses are kept chilled and served with a wedge of lemon, strictly no ice.”

“Chilled. Lemon. No ice.” I nodded. “Got it.”

For the better part of two hours, Nas taught me how to make several of the standard order drinks. She told me it was okay if I forgot what went in which drink then showed me recipe cards for all the drinks she’d taught me to make and more. With each additional drink, my confidence was boosted, and soon enough, I was mixing, muddling and shaking drinks like I was born to do it.

As I finished mixing my last drink of the day, Nas leaned her hip on the bar, looking extremely pleased with herself, and I bowed happily. “Thank you. Thank you. I’ll be here all week.”

An accented voice sounded from behind me. “And with a view like this, who could resist.” When he said ‘this,’ it came out as zis.

I turned to face the man, who was smiling widely over the top of my head to Nastasia. She gasped, ran, and then threw herself into his waiting arms. Laughing, she pulled back and kissed him, smack on the mouth. Cupping his stubbled cheeks, she all but yelled, “Philippe Neige, you son of a gun! And looking hot as always, I see.”

He was hot. Like, smoking.

The man smiled, and the lines around his eyes deepened. He looked to be in his forties, was as tall as Sasha, had dark blond hair, and smiling green eyes. I gathered he was French, not only from his accent, but also from the way Nas said his name. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans. His white shirt was left untucked, and he finished of his polished look with a pair of dark brown loafers.

He kissed Nastasia’s cheek for a second too long. “I missed you, my dove.”

All of a sudden, Nas pulled away, her expression turning arctic. “Heard you’re working for Laredo.” It sounded like an accusation.

His smile fell and his face turned stern. He didn’t deny it. “Oui.”

She stepped away from him, her face as pained as her voice. “How could you, Philippe? After what he did…” It became too much to speak about it, and I was stunned by the emotion she was showing. Nastasia seemed hard as nails. Whatever this Laredo guy did must’ve been pretty bad to warrant that kind of reaction.

Sasha walked in from the door behind the bar. He looked from an unrelenting Philippe to an emotional Nas, over to me, and then back to Philippe. “Back away, Nas.” She looked over at him, her eyes a raging fire. Sasha spoke coolly as always. “Philippe came because I needed him. Don’t disrespect him. You’ll regret it.” Although the words came out in threat form, the way his voice changed, softening slightly, suggested Nas didn’t know all the facts.

She blinked away tears then turned her face down to stare at the ground by Philippe’s feet. “I missed you, too,” she whispered. And then she was gone, rushing out of the bar and down the hall to the ladies’ room. We all watched her leave.

A long silence followed.

Sasha let out a sigh. “I told you to come straight to me, Neige.”

Philippe responded miserably, “I never stopped loving her.”

At my soft gasp, all eyes turned on me. I flushed and sputtered, “H-hi, I’m Mina.”

Sasha glowered at me.

I glowered right back then followed Nas into the ladies’ room. I sat on the bathroom vanity, looking at the closed door that separated us, waiting patiently for her to stop crying.

In Nas style, she flung open the door, her face blotchy and her eyes a nice shade of red, and uttered angrily, “Makes sense for men to have cocks since they’re all dicks.”

Chapter Twelve

Mina

Our bartending lesson had concluded with the arrival of Philippe Neige. I was curious about the man who could bring a woman like Nas to tears. On the way home, I asked carefully, “So, I’m guessing Philippe is an ex-boyfriend?”

Nas tried to ignore me, but the silence was too thick to overlook. “We were engaged for a short time. It was a whirlwind romance. It was over before it even began.”

“What happened?” I queried in my most sympathetic tone.

She sighed, aggravated. “He did what all men do eventually.” She paused to add quietly, “He disappointed me.”

“Did you love him?”

Nas went quiet. She breathed in slowly and replied on an exhale, “I’ve only ever loved one man. And Philippe wasn’t him.” Quickly changing the subject, she asked, “What about you, Mina? Have you ever been in love?”

“Yes,” I responded easily. I side-eyed her, itching to spot her reaction. “I fell in love with my brother.”

She did not disappoint.

“Ewwwww,” was out of her mouth before I’d even finished. “Please tell me you’re joking. If you’re not, I’m going to pull over and ralph, because that’s fucking nasty.”

I leaned back in my seat, laughing. “He was my foster brother. No relation.” I grinned. “God, you’re good value.”

She smiled then, reluctantly. “Bitch.” She shook her head. “Tell me about mister brother man, then.”

“I was twelve when I first got put into foster care. I was one of the lucky ones. The first family I was placed with was the one I stayed with till I took to the streets.” My brow furrowed. I hadn’t thought about Maggie and John Peterson for a long time. “Maggie was everything I needed at a time I’d lost it all. She was wonderful. John, her husband, was just as good. He included me in everything, made it like we were a real family. They had a pair of twins, five-year-olds, who adored me. Ben and Chris.” I smiled. “I taught them how to ride a bike.” I sighed.

“Uh oh,” Nas began. “Something big is coming. I can feel it.”

“When I was sixteen, Maggie came into my room. She looked kind of worried. That was when she explained that her son from her first marriage was going to come live with us after his father had a run-in with the law. I didn’t know what the big deal was. This was her child. I mean, why was she even explaining this to me? I told her it was okay. I even told her he could have my room if he needed it, that I’d sleep on the couch.” My voice turned soft. “His name was James. He was almost eighteen, a star football player and absolutely gorgeous.”

“Boom. And there’s the kicker.”

I grinned. “He was sweet, and funny, and a total flirt. He was also the first guy to have the guts to kiss me, right in the backyard, under the noses of Maggie and John. I fell in love with him so effortlessly.” I chuckled at the memory. “Before long, we were sneaking kisses all over the place, and he would slip into my room at night after everyone else had fallen asleep.” I sighed dreamily. “We’d talk all night long until talk got in the way of kissing. And then I turned seventeen. One thing lead to another, and soon we were doing a lot more than talking and kissing, if you know what I mean.”

Nas grinned. “I do. I really do.”

“The story ends with us being careless and getting caught, Maggie blaming me for leading on her son and calling me a little tramp. Me realizing that no matter how much I loved Maggie, she was not my mother. And I was gone the next day.”

“She called you a tramp?” Nas uttered, appalled.

I nodded. “A little tramp.”

“And then you disappeared on ‘em.” Nas paused and added thoughtfully, “I’ll bet she’s thought about you every day since you’ve been gone.”

Her statement made my heart stutter. “You think?”

“Um, yeah. She called a seventeen-year-old girl a nasty name in anger and that girl took off, never to be seen again.” She snorted. “I’d say she’s paying every single day for what she did, just by the memory of you. Serves her right, stupid bitch.”

I didn’t want to believe Maggie could have been suffering from guilt this entire time. Sure, she’d called me a bad name, but it didn’t compare to the fact she’d taken me into her home and made me part of a family for close to five years. She deserved more than to live like that.

As soon as Nas dropped me off at home, I searched the house for Lev, finding him downstairs, sitting in a rocking chair, cradling a sleeping Lidiya, and speaking soft words into her curly hair.

I stood in the doorway unnoticed for a long while, watching this man be a father to his daughter. My throat thickened with emotion. Lev was proving to be more than I originally thought him to be.

With a soft clearing of my throat, Lev turned and caught my eye. I lifted my hand in a gentle wave and he lifted the little girl, carrying her across the room and tucking her into her toddler bed. He picked up the baby monitor, stepped out the room, and turned the device on. I backed away from the door as he closed it carefully.

My expression was tender when he approached. I’d forgotten my purpose momentarily. Placing a hand on his forearm, I squeezed gently and whispered, “You’re a good daddy, Lev.”

Looking mildly embarrassed, he ignored my compliment, but didn’t step away from my closeness. “How did you do today? When Nastasia is determined to see something happen, she can be overassertive.”

Linking my arm through his, we walked down the hall together. “You know, your sister might be a badass, but she knows how to motivate a person.” I smiled up at him. “I didn’t drop a single glass. Not one. And I now know how to make about ten different mixers. So I’m ready for tonight. Bring it on.”

He stilled, pulling me to a stop, searching my face. “You look to be in better spirits today. I’m glad.”

My face became void of expression. “Four days ago, you took me off the streets, fed me, gave me a place to sleep, and offered me a job.” Slowly, so there was no mistaking my intentions, I stepped forward, slid my arms around his waist, and pressed myself into him, squeezing gently, resting my head between his pecks. “Thank you is not enough of a phrase to express how grateful I am that I met you, Lev Leokov.” I breathed in the sandalwood cologne he wore. “You saved my life.”

He didn’t hug me back, but he reached up and stroked my hair kindly. “I would do it all over again, mouse.”

I pulled away an inch, my arms still around him, to look up into his face. “It can only get better from here, right?”

His expression glum, he cupped my cheek with a warm palm. “Of course.”

It was then I remembered my initial reason for interrupting him. Stepping back, I linked my arm through his once more. “I need your help.”

He didn’t ask what for; he simply responded a determined, “Anything.”

And I knew—I just knew—he wouldn’t let me down.

***

Mina

From the moment I stepped inside Bleeding Hearts, I knew my anxiety had returned with a vengeance. I wasn’t sure what had brought it on, but I was definitely feeling the pressure after the fourth glass had slipped from my hand and shattered as it hit the floor.

Nastasia pulled me aside. “What gives, dude? You were doing so well today!”

I sputtered angrily, “I don’t know! Jesus.”

Anika came over, looking somewhat sympathetic. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we’ve got a bachelor party coming in. They’ll be here in ten and I’m their server.” She looked at Nas, her striking blue eyes concerned. “What are we going to do? I don’t think I can leave Mina behind the bar tonight, not without someone to help.”

I slapped my hands over my face. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Nas. I don’t know what’s going on with me.”

Anika spotted something by the door and straightened. “Dammit,” she smiled widely as she muttered through gritted teeth. “They’re early. I have to go play hostess. Nas, stay with her, please.”

The second Anika had left, my stomach eased.

Nas sighed. “Come on.” She took me by the shoulders and shook me once. “You can do this. I know you can. I told Lev I had you. Don’t make a liar out of me, short stuff.”

Nas’ pep talks were mildly threatening, but they did the job. Tilting my head from side-to-side, I cricked my neck. “I got this.”

“You got this,” she repeated.

“I’m gonna make this horse my bitch,” I grumbled.

She grinned. “Fuck yes, you are.” She pushed me along, slapping my ass in encouragement. “Get out there and serve drinks, and don’t freaking drop anything.” I glowered at her. Using her fingers, she drew a big smile onto her face. “Service with a smile!”

I looked around and when I was sure no one was watching, I flipped her the bird.

She laughed and I felt eyes on me. Turning toward the far end of the club, by the stage, I found Lev looking right at me, unblinking. And his eyes…they were full of mirth.

He’d seen what I’d done. I was caught.

My face heated. I could hardly ignore him. He’d seen me look right at him. I lifted my hand in a two finger wave. He jerked his chin in response. I smiled and mouthed, “Sorry.” I wasn’t sure, but it looked like he mouthed back, “Get to work.”

I settled behind the bar, took orders, and served drinks. I did this without further incident, and over the course of the next hour, made a hundred dollars in tips.

A man named Jeremiah came to take over for me while I took a fifteen-minute break. He wasn’t as tall as the other men who worked here, but he definitely made up for it with his good looks. He had longish brown hair, slicked back, a beard, and tattoos running up his arms. He wore tight black jeans, a tight black tee, and had an easy smile. I took the hand he extended and was surprised when he lifted it to his mouth to press a kiss on my knuckles.

It seemed to happen a lot around here. My reaction was the same as when Tommy had done it. I giggled and covered my flaming cheeks with a hand. Jeremiah sent me off for my break, but I was intercepted. Lev stood in front of me, but his eyes were trained on Jeremiah. And he looked angry.

No. Not angry.

Pissed. With a capital P.

“Hey,” I called over the music, tugging on his sleeve.

When he looked down at me, his face softened dramatically. He leaned down and stated, “Jeremiah sleeps around.”

“Oh,” I uttered, unsure of why I needed to know this.

Lev nodded, a piece of his hair coming loose and draping itself down across his forehead. “He likes to flirt.”

Reaching up, I pulled on his jacket until his face was low enough for me to fix his hair. I checked him over, fixing his bent lapel then smoothing his vest before pulling his jacket closed. “Is that your way of warning me about unsavory men?” I looked back at Jeremiah. “He’s quite handsome though, isn’t he?”

Lev spoke through gritted teeth. “I didn’t realize he was your type.”

He moved to walk away, but I stopped him by grasping his wrist. My brow furrowed at his arctic tone. “I don’t really have a type, Lev. I haven’t had a man show interest in me since I was sixteen-years-old.” I shrugged. “It’s a nice feeling, to be wanted.” I reached out with my free hand and touched his forearm, above the wrist I was gripping. “But thank you for warning me. Consider me cautioned.”

His golden eyes roamed my face, relaxing immensely. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

My body warmed tenderly. God, he was sweet. I grinned. “Then we have a common interest.”

He took the hand at his forearm and squeezed it. “Men are dogs. They’ll say and do anything to get a woman to sleep with them.”

I couldn’t see him being one of those men. I uttered quietly, “But not you. Right?”

His eyes closed and he shut them tight as he nodded. Releasing my hand, he urged, “Be careful, Mina. Your innocence is more appealing than you know.”

And then he was gone.

Doom and gloom, I thought. Then a small smile tilted my lips.

How very Lev.