Free Expose' (Born Bratva Book 3) by Suzanne Steele Page A

closes his eyes on a shuddering breath. “Yes,” she purrs, “all is well with my little mischka . You go now.”
    Kodiak gently pulls me out of my seat and into his side, allowing a few seconds of eye contact to transpire between us before we cross the room over to the evening’s featured guest and his wife.
    I’ve never met anyone like Kodiak and I’m certain he’s one of a kind. He’s the kind of guy you always end up comparing other men to, and no one else ever measures up. I don’t want to fall for this guy but he intrigues the hell out of me. I’m sure he’s broken his share of hearts. I just don’t want to be one of them.
    We wade through the sea of people as they laugh and dance to Russian music. It’s hard to believe some of these people are prolific killers on the payroll of a ruthless Russian gangster. If I didn’t know any better, I would say this is nothing more than a gathering of a large, boisterous family celebrating their heritage and the return of one of their own.
    My heart strings tug at the sight of people who are so excited and happy about Novak’s arrival. I see in these people something I’ve never had—a sense of family. It is clear to me that these people love each other. I long for that in my own life, more than I’ve been willing to admit. As it is, I could drop off the face of the earth and nobody would even notice, except Gilbert, of course. Then again, maybe not -- I think Gilbert may be pretty distracted for the foreseeable future.
    Kodiak whispers in my ear, “Novak can be quite daunting, but there is no need to be intimidated. Or if you are, for God’s sake, don’t let him see it.” I see exactly what he means as we approach the odd couple.
    Novak has tattoos and piercings all over the areas of his body I can see. A star on his neck peeks out above the tailored white shirt he wears. Piercings cover his face and a large awl is placed in one of his ear lobes. His eyes rake over me as we approach and I know he already has inside information on me—no doubt Kodiak’s father has filled him in on what kind of work I want to do. He confirms my fears when he glares at me with the Glazov family’s cold blue eyes and speaks.
    “So this is the spy who has us all on high alert.” The woman with him, who I assume is his wife, speaks and I’m grateful for her words.
    “Now, dear, you married me and I work for the newspaper.” That puts me at ease and she and I begin to converse.
    “Don’t be surprised if I want to pick your brain about the industry,” I say as I try to hide the fact that I’m shocked she’s with a guy like Novak. I’m sure they get that a lot.
    “I’d be offended if you didn’t. Hello, I’m Katrina, and this very scary man is the love of my life, Novak.” The smile she directs at him lights up the room as she takes my hand, graciously shaking it. For the briefest moment, his eyes warm as he regards her, his eyes leisurely traveling the length of her body before returning to her beautiful face. The heat in his gaze is enough to make me look away for the sake of their privacy. Wow, get a room.
    Katrina is the complete opposite of her husband. Her blonde hair is cut in long layers and styled in a curly bob that looks wild and untamed yet professional. In fact, everything about her says professional business woman. I can’t help but wonder how in the world two polar opposites like these two got together. We spend another moment talking and just when I’m feeling comfortable, Novak shatters my sense of calm.
    “It was nice meeting you, Logan. I look forward to seeing what Kodiak finds out about you.” Those cold eyes have me locked in place and I know it’s his way of reminding me that I’m not exactly an invited guest, at least not like everyone else in the room. I know Kodiak will be reporting back to Glazov and I’m certain Glazov will keep Novak informed. I don’t know whether to be mad or scared when the thought crosses my mind that Kodiak is