Chapter 5

I take a sip of my soda that has been marinating on the table for the last ten minutes, its ice has long dissolved into the drink making it more watery than I need it to be. I check the time on my watch, he'll be here soon. It's not too late to cancel and bolt, I've been running my whole life anyway. I shove down the thoughts of doubt to the back of my head. That's what got me into this situation anyway, running. Plus where would I go where he wouldn't find me?

Feeling my nerves almost get the better of me, I order something much stronger. Whiskey always does the job. A few minutes later I'm chugging down my whiskey, I gulp down half of its contents leaving my throat stinging and a bitter aftertaste. My eyes water and my nostrils feels as though there's a bonfire being hosted in them. I however, feel myself relax a little, I lean back into my chair, my nose is immediately assaulted by a familiar coconut and vanilla scent. My eyes meet his the minute I look besides me, I nearly knock over my glass. When did he get here and why didn't I notice ? He's seated so close to me. My heart's doing jumping jack's in my chest.

I try to hide my surprise but he picks it up instantly, amusement dancing in his eyes. His hair is slicked back and he looks less formal in a black t-shirt that clicks to his very evident muscular body and some black sweatpants. He looks good in even the most simplest clothes. His left wrist is decorated by a very expensive watch and his right hand has different rings wrapped around almost every finger except his pinky. I supress the urge to reach out and play with them. My gaze wanders down to his waist, a gun peaks through his shirt, tucked neatly in the waistband of his pants.

"Are you going to keep staring at my dick or we gonna start this meeting?"

Feeling slightly flustered I stop looking at his di- I mean waistband and meet his gaze. He leans forward, I feel my body temperature shoot up by a few degrees. He retrieves my half filled glass of whiskey and chugs it at one go leaving the glass empty. He runs a thumb over his lips wiping off the lingering whiskey droplets.

Fuck that was hot.

I clear my throat and adjust myself in my seat, feeling the intensity of his gaze watching my every move. I need to wrap this up and get far away from this man as soon as possible.

"Fine, let's say maybe you're right about all this."

"Maybe?" He cocks a brow challenging my words.

"Yeah maybe, how do we go about this ? How can I trust you?"

"You don't trust me, I'm sure you know Lana not to trust men like me."

My name sounds like a sweet melody when it comes from his mouth. He says it like he's licking off chocolate from the roof of his mouth. It's always men like him that are the most seductive. They draw you in then suck the life out of you.

"Very true Roman." I put much emphasis on his name. His eyes burn with amusement at the mention of his name. I did some digging on Roman Valkov. Digging out from the depths of the internet and into the graveyard. The kind of digging that would get results g****e couldn't ever give you.

I straighten my dress. "I don't trust you, not one bit. I don't think I'll ever trust you and if I had any other option I wouldn't be seated besides you having this talk however," I signal the waiter for a refill. She arrives with another glass of whiskey. I draw a slow sip relishing the irritation Roman feels.

"Well then, get to the point I'm a very busy man."

I offer him my glass he runs a rough palm over his jaw. "What ? I thought since you gulped down my other drink you'd like to do the same." Annoyance flickers in his eyes for a split second before he cools his demeanor.

"Miss Morelli if you're going to ramble nonsense then I should take my leave after all I'm not the one who's desperate."

I don't even pay attention to the petty jab he threw at me instead I'm still shaken from when he mentioned my surname. Morelli I haven't used that name in a long time.

"You look a little pale Lana should I get you water."

This time it's my turn to get annoyed. I force myself to shake off the shock and carry on with the conversation. "I beg to differ Roman, you need me too otherwise you wouldn't be seated here stealing whiskey from my glass now would you? " I sink my lips into my glass and take another sip.

Here's where I make the proposition. He watches me intently. A pregnant silence settles. A dark looks casts over his face. This makes me feel aneasy and excited. Why am I excited?

He leans back into his seat and runs a hand through his hair. "What am I going to do with you?" I have a feeling that question was for himself.

After a few seconds he leans forward again, he starts to twirl the ring on his index finger. Contemplating what to say next.

I lazily glance at my watch. I have an appointment in thirty minutes. "Okey lets make this simple and quick." I say.

"You help me I help you, is that simple and quick enough for you Lana?"

"There's so much to discuss, so much I don't know-"

He cuts me off. " We can discuss the rest as the days progress, yes or no Lana?"

He takes a stand taking along with him my whiskey. He waits eagerly for my reply. I start to feel doubts creep in.

"Fine Roman its a deal."

I take a stand it's when I notice the difference in height between the two of us. He's so fucking tall. He waters down the whiskey and places the glass back on the table. He extends his hand and I grab ahold of it. Sparks make their way all over my body the second our hands touched. He shakes my hand and starts to walk away.

He stops when he's at the entrance and says "Whiskey tastes so much better from your glass Lana."

With that he's gone.