Chapter 15

He breathed her name, “Valentina.” His face lit up with eagerness and hope as he saw her approach.

She smiled quickly in passing and went to Vadim’s side.

“Sit, my Valechka. We were just talking about you. Sean was thinking of ways we can all be friends. Wouldn’t you like that, my dear?”

Valentina nodded and sat in the chair her escort had pulled over to the booth.

“Sean, entertain Valentina while I talk to Alex in private for a few minutes.” With that, Vadim rose, and he and Alex moved to the counter, out of earshot.

Sean didn’t hesitate to grab this opportunity. He grasped Valentina’s hand under the table. “How are you, are you all right?”

She smiled shyly at him. “Yes, I am fine. But I’ve missed you terribly. When will you make this deal with Vadim so we can be together?”