Russian's Innocent Love (Drobilka Family Series #1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

she couldn’t help but wonder how she wasn’t going to fall for what might possibly be the only man who wouldn’t find her hideously unattractive. Sighing, she checked her text messages as she got into her car. There were two from Charlotte; one asking how she was doing and the other claiming that the alcohol was all Susan’s idea. Tossing her phone in her backpack, she drove out of the parking lot wondering what she was going to do with the rest of her day.
     

Chapter 9
    Wednesday rolled around faster than Bethany anticipated. She had managed to avoid calls from both Charlotte and Susan, who seemed offended that she couldn’t see that no harm had occurred. But then again, she didn’t bother to tell them about Jack.
    Walking into the club, she nodded to the men who were sitting at their regular table and headed to the locker room. Setting her stuff down, she jumped when Vadim came up behind her. How did someone so big manage to walk so quietly, she thought as she looked at him, unsure what to say.
    “About the other night,” he began before Bethany interrupted him.
    “I should have called to thank you for saving my butt. If it wasn’t for you, I could have been raped. Or worse. I’m not sure what you were doing there, but you were definitely in the right place at the right time.”
    “It’s my bar.”
    “What?”
    “The bar. I own it.”
    Smiling at the irony, “Do people know that…”
    “One of the most popular bars in Dallas is owned by a Russian immigrant? Nyet. I’m just the money guy.” Turning, he was about to leave, but he paused, “I’m glad that you’re okay.”
    “Thank you. Again,” she said to his back as he was already on his way out the door.
    The club was busy for a Wednesday night, and they had placed more customers in her section. Working the tables, Bethany put on a friendly face as she tried to keep track of the many different discussions. Many of them seemed to be talking in some sort of code or they would stop talking when she drew near. Pretending not to notice, she continued to hover and tried to maintain the attitude of overzealous employee and not undercover agent.
    As she was preparing to leave that night, Vadim was once again by the exit. “Are you available tomorrow around lunch time?”
    “I have class in the morning, but I’m out by eleven.”
    “Khorosho. Be here before noon. We have a private party coming in.”
    Nodding her head, Bethany thanked him before walking to her car, smiling. Finally!
    ###
    When she met with Marci that morning, she couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice at the prospect of starting to get some actual intel on this group. Her handler wanted her to wear a recording device or take pictures, but Bethany refused. They were very strict about the uniforms and since she didn’t wear glasses, the sudden addition of eyewear would call too much attention to herself. She promised that she would be careful and would pay attention to what was going on.
    When she got to the club, she quickly changed into her uniform. As she prepared to walk out, Vadim met her holding something in his hand. “Turn around.” Raising an eyebrow, she did as she was told. “Lift your hair.” She felt him attach something around her neck. Turning to look in the mirror, she could see that it was a mother of pearl pendant.
    “What’s this for?”
    “Anyone who works a private party wears one. You’ll return it with your uniform before you leave.”
    As she walked out onto the floor, she was surprised at the clusters of men sitting around different tables. Several of the more popular dancers were already onstage, and she spotted Brandy taking orders as she waved.
    Squaring her shoulders, Bethany grabbed her tablet and headed to the first table. As she made the initial rounds, she realized most of the customers were Chinese. Trying to keep the excitement from showing, she introduced herself and pretended to practice saying “hello, how are you,” with some of