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  “Well, I am sure they were lovely parents. They must have been to have raised a sweet man like you,” replied Elizabeth, reaching out her hand again for him to hold.

  “Yes, they were good to me. But, enough of me for now, what about your family?”

  “Well. Incidentally I am also an only child but fortunately my parents are still alive and well. They live in the English countryside and I usually go and visit them every two weeks. They are really keen for me to marry and have children - you know, they want to see the family line continue,” replied Elizabeth.

  “Right, family line continuation,”

  “What? You seem to dislike the idea of children?”

  “No, it’s not that - it’s just, well, maybe it is a bit. The life I’ve lived I am able to live freely and do what I want, I believe that children would hold me down,”

  “Children would not hold you down. Just as you’ve said, you are able to do whatever you want and when you want. If you settled down and had children you would only have more enjoyment from life - unless that is, you intend to just be a player your whole life,” Elizabeth responded coldly.

  “To be quite frank, Sophia, I may not be ready to give up that life. But you are the first and only woman that has been able to get me to even consider changing some of my ways,”

  “Do you realize, Dmitry, that you have just thoroughly proved the point to me that you are a player and that I might just be another woman that you are only trying to get in bed with?”

  “Excuse me for being so direct, Ms. Hayward, but if that was my only intent, we would already have been to my bed and that is where we would be right now.”

  “Oh! Well, you’re quite presumptuous!” said Elizabeth as she started to leave the table, almost laughing to herself, as she knew exactly what she was doing.

  As she was walking away, Dmitry grabbed her, put his hands on either side of her face and looked her straight in the eyes: “Sophia, you may be the woman that is changing me, I am opening up to you about things I would either lie about or refuse to speak of. I rely on my charm and mystery with women usually. You are the first that this is different. So, please, Sophia, don’t walk away. Give this a chance.”

  “Well…I…I...I don’t know what to say Dmitry. You’ve just been scaring me a little. I am not accustomed to your frankness or rough lifestyle. All the men in my life have been Oxford and Cambridge graduates of polished families. Please excuse my rude behavior,” said Elizabeth as she lifted her arms and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

  “Sophia, I would forgive you of almost anything. I am the one to apologize,” replied Dmitry, lifting her head up and kissing her softly on the lips.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “Max, I have the security systems set to go as soon as you give me the green light, My program overrides the in house security program which is going to put the whole bank on a security lock down and so get everyone out of the bank for five hours, giving us enough time to move forward,” Juan said to Max as he finished typing the last entry code to the computer system.

  “Sounds good Juan. All the computer programs are set to go. I’m going to call Dmitry and let him know we’re set. The only thing we need to do is find an empty warehouse or such to run all this from,” replied Max.

  “Okay, while you call Dmitry, I’m going to see what I can set up.”

  “Dmitry? Yeah, it’s me. We’ve got everything set - just getting a non-suspect location to run the programs through. Seems Juan is finding an empty warehouse not too far from the bank which should work pretty well. We’re going to get that set up and then we’re off.”

  “Good, Max. I want you two to come by my hotel this evening. Join me at the bar for some drinks!” replied Dmitry.

  “Okay, we’ll be there, around 11pm,” answered Max thinking it was kind of strange how friendly Dmitry sounded.

  “Okay, Juan, we are good to go. Let’s get this location.”

  “I got it already. It is about four blocks from the bank, about thirteen stories. There are some shops in the ground floor but the rest is vacant. Let’s go there now and check it out, see where we want to work from and then we’re fully set,” said Juan as he started to bag his computer and other items.

  In about twenty minutes, Max and Juan were pulling up to an abandoned warehouse. “Look, if we go to the thirteenth floor we have a good view of the bank and anything that happens. If we are lower, not good, also easier to spot and that’s not comfortable,” Max said pointing to the thirteenth floor.

  “I agree, let’s go up there and check out what’s behind those corner windows,” replied Juan already headed towards the entrance.

  As they got up to the thirteenth floor they found a corridor of doorways to different rooms – it was like a “Matrix” scene. They walked all the way to the end and opened the door to what they presumed was the room they had spotted on the corner. Max was about to open the door when Juan said: “Hey, hey, hey - wait,” as he pulled out his gun. “Never just walk into a place like this. If we were in there and someone just walked in, what would you have the sudden instinct to do?”

  “Draw my gun and shoot,” replied Max.

  “Exactly my point,” said Juan.

  Juan opened the door holding his gun out forward when all of a sudden a pigeon flew across his path startling him so he nearly fired off his gun. Realizing in time that it was just a bird and the rest of the large room was empty, Juan relaxed and put his gun away.

  “Well, it seems like the coast is clear here. Let’s go back down, grab our stuff from the car and set up,” Juan said as he was already on his way back out the door.

  Juan and Max proceeded to get their bags of computers and other items, hauled them into the elevator and up to the thirteenth floor. It took them about one hour go get everything set up. “Good, now did you bring the lock?” Juan asked Max.

  “Of course I did, you think I’m not German or something?” replied Max insulted at the thought of being considered negligent.

  “Okay, good. We’re all set and it’s only 6pm. Let’s go back to the hotel and then I’m going to take a taxi out - have some old friends to see around here. You can have the car,” said Juan.

  “Don’t forget, Dmitry wants us to join him for drinks tonight at his hotel,” said Max.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  “Alright, Sophia, it is now nearing six. I want to take you to dinner tonight. There is a great restaurant nearby and it would be my pleasure to take you,” Dmitry said completely enamored with Elizabeth.

  “I would love to!” replied Elizabeth thinking that this was going just as planned only something was bothering her. She felt that she was starting to like this man - quickly dismissing those thoughts she said: “Shall I meet you in the hotel lobby?”

  “Yes, does 7pm give you enough time?”

  “That is plenty of time,” replied Elizabeth as she started to get out of her chair.

  “It is set then, 7pm,” said Dmitry, again grabbing her hand, kissing it and then she started to walk away. “Sophia! Wait,” said Dmitry running up to her and kissing her passionately.

  Elizabeth was so taken aback; she stood there breathless looking him in the eyes. Realizing she was so bewildered by how she felt inside, she abruptly turned to walk away saying “I’ll see you at seven.”

  When Elizabeth walked out of the dining room, she noticed Tommy had been sitting at a corner table playing cards with a group of elderly American vacationers. She rolled her eyes towards what had just occurred with Dmitry. Tommy could do nothing but laugh though he had felt like going over there and peeling him off of her.

  Elizabeth went up to her room, closed the door behind her and stalled for a moment. “What is happening? That kiss was something I’ve never felt before. So much genuine love. I don’t even feel that when Juan kisses me. These ideas are crazy! Am I actually falling for this international criminal?” were all the thoughts running through her mind. “Okay, what I need to do is just stay focused. I
don’t love this man, he is a criminal and I am just trying to get data out of him. Simple, simple,” Elizabeth thought reassuring herself.

  Elizabeth grabbed her phone and sent a message to SJ: “Okay, we have the dinner in one hour. Come by with whatever I’ll need.”

  Meanwhile, Elizabeth went to her closet to see what she was going to wear. She did not have much choice in terms of elegant outfits. She knew she might need them though so she had two. One was a short, gold dress covered with Swarovski crystals and the other was a Dior floor length sleeveless dress with an empire waist. “Hmm…let’s see, trying to captivate him still, so I’ll wear the Dior and let’s see where that takes us,” thought Elizabeth pulling it out of the closet.

  Just at that moment there was a knock on the door. It was SJ, Tommy and Forrester. SJ came in and gave her the microphone set up. “Look, this small one has self-adhesive on it so if you place it somewhere like his table or somewhere that he is likely to have a lot of conversation then you will be using it to the best advantage. Now, you can only place one of these as any more than that and it will interfere with the cell signal and he will pick up on that. This little guy goes into your purse tonight. Realize you are going to have him drinking and he is going to say things that you’re going to want recorded,” said SJ as he showed her all the items.

  “Good, looks like I’m set!” said Elizabeth.

  “Yeah, just remember, we are here and have you’re back. We’re still trying to track down where these other two accomplices are at but maybe they’ll show up tonight,” said Forrester being disappointed at not having found them.

  “Good, guys, we’re on the right track. I’ve got to get ready for the dinner now. You guys are lucky you don’t have to get all prettied up!”

  “Hell! You are so pretty you hardly have to do anything girl!” exclaimed Forrester.

  “Haha, very funny. Okay guys, let’s put on a good show tonight!” said Elizabeth as she got them to all leave her room.

  As Elizabeth returned to the bedroom, she saw her she had a message from her husband: “Darling, I hope you are having a safe trip wherever you are. I had to go out of the country for the weekend. Maybe a bit longer. You know how these dental professional conferences can go. Love you. Juan.” Elizabeth thought of how sweet and caring Juan had been to her since they first met. “Right, Juan is my one love. This Dmitry is just playing mind tricks,” Elizabeth thought reassuring herself that her feelings were false.

  She then changed, curled her hair a bit more, freshened her make-up with a bit more glitter for the evening and put on some jewelry. Feeling like a million bucks, she grabbed the purse with the microphone in it and headed down to the hotel lobby.

  Arriving in the lobby she found Dmitry dressed in a sleek and modern tux. Elizabeth felt like she was dreaming when he reached out to take her hand saying: “My lady, your carriage awaits,” as he brought her through the hotel doors to find a black limousine.

  “Wow, Dmitry, is this your usual mode of transportation?” exclaimed Elizabeth.

  “Never, but I’ve never met a woman like you so, I figured there is a first time for everything,” replied Dmitry with a smile.

  Dmitry and Elizabeth got into the limousine. Elizabeth still felt as if she was dreaming. She was being treated like a princess. This man truly adored her but she was going to end up putting him in handcuffs and a prison. She brushed her thoughts aside, reminding herself she was doing this for the greater good and for her country “But he is so sweet, handsome and powerful - something about his presence is so powerful,” thought Elizabeth - her thoughts being interrupted by Dmitry.

  “Sophia, would you like a drink?” as he motioned to the mini bar.

  “No, thank you Dmitry, not on an empty stomach,” she replied.

  “Fair enough, excuse me but I am going to have some vodka - Russian water as they say!”

  “By all means, Dmitry,” replied Elizabeth resting her hand on his thigh.

  “Sophia, I have to say, you are amazing. I don’t know what you’re doing to me but I feel like I never want you to leave my side. I have never felt this way,” Dmitry said as he poured his vodka.

  “Dmitry, I don’t know what to say…I’m an ordinary woman who has been lucky enough to be chosen by a prince charming,” Elizabeth replied with a sigh but at the same time she couldn’t help but think how all her guys in their operation surveillance center were probably being disgusted by the sweet talk. She thought they must think she is the best actress - the only problem being that she was hardly acting. Her feelings for Dmitry were growing stronger and stronger each time he opened his mouth to say something or looked at her.

  “Oh, by the way, this may sound like an odd question, but it is just us going to dinner right?”

  “Yes my dear Sophia, I would have bought out the whole restaurant, well I could have but it would have disappointed many people who look forward to dining there,” replied Dmitry.

  “Well, great, I just wanted to make sure there was not a business agenda as you mentioned you were here on business.”

  “Well, you are right. However, I do have free time. Speaking of business/social events, there is a lunch I have been invited to at my bank director’s house tomorrow around noon - would you join me?”

  “Of course! I would love to! The only thing is that in the morning I must make a trip to the National Museum. Do you want to join me there and we can go to your lunch together?”

  “As I said, if I could, I would never leave your side,” replied Dmitry giving her a kiss.

  “Well, here we are,” Dmitry said as they arrived at the restaurant. The driver came around and opened the door; Dmitry got out and assisted Elizabeth out of the car. The restaurant was the most beautiful restaurant she had seen in Mexico. It was designed like a Spanish Villa with terracotta tiled roofing, palm trees and beautifully hand painted tiling on the floor.

  “Your reservation, Señor?” asked the waiter.

  “Sidorov - I reserved four tables, do not want to be surrounded by people,” replied Dmitry.

  “No problem Mr. Sidorov. We have your area ready, please follow me,” replied the waiter.

  After being seated and having ordered, Elizabeth decided she better get some conversation going, some important conversation. “So, Dmitry, you said you have businesses, how many do you have?”

  “I lose count sometimes. As I said, I have a small private bank and a few other small businesses. But, I prefer not to talk business with you.”

  “Forgive me, I’m not trying to talk business, just trying to know everything about the mysterious powerful and handsome man that seems to have now owned me,” replied Elizabeth, brushing her leg up against his which she could see he was not expecting.

  “I have three other businesses. One is a bakery in Moscow, a chain. The other is that I am fifty percent owner of a trans-Siberian railway and the third is an artillery manufacturing plant,” replied Dmitry thinking that he had never discussed all of his business endeavors with a woman, much less the first day meeting her.

  “Wow you do a lot. But why do you produce artillery?”

  “Does it matter?” Dmitry responded curtly, now getting annoyed with her questioning.

  “No, it doesn’t actually. Unless you truly never want me to leave your side. If you’re not lying to me only to get me in bed, you will not fear being fully open with me,” responded Elizabeth.

  “Sophia, we already covered this ‘just to get you in bed subject’ if you’re going to bring it up again…then you are not what you’re portraying to me,” replied Dmitry.

  Elizabeth realized she was being direct but thought maybe it was good for her cover. Her only dilemma was that she was starting to have genuine feelings for Dmitry. Maybe there was something she would find out that would prove he wasn’t an international criminal. Maybe he is just a businessman being set up by other criminals. “Dmitry, forgive me. I get sensitive sometimes. I do fully trust you. You can tell me whatever you want or don’
t tell me whatever you want. I am alright,” Elizabeth said holding her hand out to him.

  “Good, Sophia. I love you,” just as Dmitry said that the waiter brought their orders.

  “And, do you want anything to drink?” asked the waiter.

  “Sophia?”

  “Yes, I will have a glass of champagne please,”

  “And I will have your finest tequila.”

  “Okay, we will have those right out to you, señor,” replied the waiter.

  “Tequila?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Yes, they have some of the finest here. I’ve been here more than once. You are welcome to have some of mine,”

  “I believe I shall, being a little bit ‘wild’ is always fun, isn’t it?” replied Elizabeth.