The woman, Irina Malonski, was the wife of an arms dealer he dealt with last year. He couldn't insult her because her husband was a powerful and temperamental man. "Why don't we get a drink and talk."
Merri stared at them as they walked away. She didn't understand what the woman was saying but by her body language it was apparent she liked Nikolai. Well...he is here for business...I shouldn't be surprised he ignored me. Maybe he is angry that I said I would play the piano.
Merri sat down at the piano and glanced in their direction then looked down at the piano keys. Mr. Rushkin is a handsome and successful businessman, of course he will be surrounded by beautiful women. She comforted herself, he must like me a little to invite me to come on this trip.
LingLing had sent Irina Malonski over to Nikolai to take care of him so he didn't interfere with her plan. She looked around the room to locate Luc Zaranski and frowned when she didn't see him. I'm sure he will come for the auction. While she scanned the crowded room, a beautiful melody drifted through the venue. LingLing smirked, the girl certainly is talented. Luc definitely will fall for the bait...where the hell is he?
A man with a flat nose and a round face approached LingLing. He rubbed his stubby fingers together to hint for more cash. "It wasn't easy to get."
"I paid you plenty.. Make sure you wait to put it in the girl's drink after Luc Zaranski makes contact with her..not before. Do you understand?"
"Got it. What about Nikolai?"
"Irina will keep him occupied, when he realizes Luc Zaranski left with the girl...well...naturally he will attempt to rescue the little fool... and die."
The unattractive man raised an eyebrow, very surprised he asked,"You never planned on having him steal the Jade Dragon?"
She narrowed her almond shaped eyes into slits, "Don't ask too many questions." Between the artifacts Meng Po and I stole I don't need to worry about one piece. I want Nikolai dead so he doesn't ruin my plans. If Sydney found out I betrayed him...I don't want to think about the consequences. But, it will be worth it after the auction I can leave that controlling bastard and be protected by Meng Po.
Nikolai sat at a tall table by where the bar was set up. He drank a glass of vodka his dark eyes riveted on Merri to see if Luc Zaranski appeared.
Bored listening to the annoying woman drone on, he finally said,"Irina, cut the crap. What do you want exactly?"
"I want you to move back to Russia and work for my husband."
" I only work for Alexi." He finished his drink then stood up, "If that is all."
"Sit. I'm not finished."
His face darkened, "What?"
"LingLing told me you want to separate from Alexi . Why not stay in Russia?"
"She lied...I am perfectly happy with my situation."
"Why would she lie? What does she have to gain?"
"Ask her. I have no clue."
Irina was forced to keep Nikolai away from Merri so LingLing's plan would work. LingLing blackmailed Irina saying she would tell her husband about the little white face she was keeping.
Nikolai saved Irina's little brother's life during a raid on a warehouse full of weapons so she didn't want him to get hurt. She planned on drugging him so he wouldn't follow Luc Zaranski to his mansion.
Pouting she pursed her lips together, "Have one more drink with me. These events are so incredibly boring."
"One."
Luc Zaranski entered the art gallery with two beautiful young women. He was a very good looking man and with the stunning women at his side his entrance was very eye-catching.
LingLing was getting worried he wasn't coming and when she saw him she breathed a sigh of relief. She leisurely swayed her hips as she approached him and smiled. In a flirtatious manner she flipped back her burgundy highlighted black hair, "Darling, I'm glad you could make it."
"How could I miss the auction?"
One of the women with him took a glass of champagne off a server's tray and handed it to him. He drank a sip then looked disgusted as he handed it back to the woman. "Get me a vodka."
The woman immediately walked to the bar and he turned to the other young beauty, "Find my brother."
After they left he asked, "Who is the pianist?"
"A friend of mine from abroad." LingLing hooked his arm, "I think you will find her to your liking."
He removed LingLing's arm, "Not interested. When will the auction start?"
"In an hour."
He walked over to a painting by a local artist. "Is this painted by the man Irina is sponsoring?"
"Yes. He is quite talented for his age." According to Irina he is quite talented...in bed also.
"Not bad, but this piece is somewhat flat... doesn't convey much emotion."
The young woman who was sent to find his brother returned. She clutched the side of her dress hoping Luc doesn't hit her, but has no choice but to report "He is by the piano. He won't come." I can't say that he looks like he is in a trance dazzled by the woman playing the piano.
The atmosphere around Luc Zaranski froze as his face darkened, "You told him I want to speak to him?"
She nervously stuttered, "I..I did. He said...umm.. n..no."
LingLing watched Luc as he stretched his long legs, striding towards the piano with an angry expression. He suddenly stopped when he saw Merri's delicate face and alluring appearance.
In a daze his lustfuleyes were intensely focused on her slender snow white fingers gliding across the piano keys. Her fingernails were short and painted a delicate shade of peach. He licked his lips wanting to suck on the little beauty's incredibly soft looking fingertips.
Merri was immersed in playing and didn't notice the man's scorching gaze. Luc stood there motionlessly until she finished the song.
His brother snapped out of his infatuated trance when he felt the oppressive aura surrounding Luc. He sheepishly smiled and scratched his head, "Brother, when did you get here?"
"..."
Merri saw LingLing and stood up, "Miss Sun, I am going to take a short break. I am thirsty." I want to find Mr. Rushkin...make sure he isn't snatched away by one of these gorgeous women here. She noticed he wasn't sitting in the bar area and wondered where he went.
The corners of LingLing's lips curled up into a sly smile because Luc took the bait. He looks like he wants to devour the little thing. Tsk..My instincts about men are always spot on! "I would like to introduce you to my friend. Luc..Luc Zaranski."
Merri reached out her hand and brightly smiled exposing her cute dimples. "Hello. I'm Merri Winslow."
Luc took her small hand in his palm, the soft and exquisite feeling made the blood in his body rush to his lower abdomen. He impulsively kissed her hand, so incredibly soft..her delicate little hands feel almost boneless... I can just imagine them wrapped around my fucking cock...I must have the delicate little beauty at any cost!
Taken aback, Merri pulled her hand away and he said, "Did I offend you? My apologies."
Merri thought maybe she overreacted, it must be their custom, "No. I was just surprised."
Listening to her soft voice Luc imagined what it would be like to press such a tender girl underneath him. His Adam's apple rolled and as he thought about having her perfect small hands touch every part of his body.
LingLing was sure he was bewitched by the look on his face as he held Merri's hand. She inwardly chuckled, even a domineering and arrogant man like Luc Zaranski can't control his desire. Miss Merri Winslow has no idea that her innocent and pure beauty is lethal to men. I could see it on Nikolai's face and now Luc's, the uncontrollable urge to bully her and make her scream their name. If the little thing was one of my girls she would make me a fortune. Hmmm...
Merri didn't notice the strange atmosphere and said, "Nice to meet you," and walked towards the bar area.
After she left Luc came straight to the point. "Now I know why you wanted me to see the little piano player. How much?"
"You misunderstand. She isn't one of my girls. Miss Winslow is a friend Nikolai Rushkin introduced to me. She came with him and when I said my pianist didn't come she volunteered to help me."
"She came with that bastard? What is their relationship?"
"Does it matter?"
Luc Zaranski's brother complained, "Brother! I saw her first!"
Luc raised an eyebrow as he dragged him to the side, "I haven't dealt with you yet for sneaking out to Suli's Club and losing a small fortune. I told you to come here tonight because I need you to get close to the Mayor's daughter. The girl in the picture I gave you, she is one of the artists here tonight."
The unwilling boy wrinkled his forehead, " Fucking shit Bro! I don't want to! She is so ugly! I almost vomited when I saw her picture."