Impossible Collections

Aria.

My heart was still racing from the close call with Nikolai. I'd managed to retrieve the microchips, but I was no closer to figuring out where to plant them. As I wound my way through the crowded ballroom, I tried to keep my cool while internally freaking out. I mean, seriously, who would've thought I'd end up playing spy and planting devices in a mafia boss's mansion? I was definitely no James Bond.

Holding the tray awkwardly in one hand, I quickly secured the bobby pins back into my hair, each one hiding a tiny spy device. One step closer to planting the damn things, yet I had no clue where the hell Axel's room was. It was like searching for a needle in a haystack the size of Texas.

Struggling to maintain my balance, I felt a pang of envy as I watched the other women in the room glide effortlessly in heels even taller than my own. The contrast between their grace and my own clumsy movements only added to the mounting pressure I felt.

How do they do it?

I wobbled slightly, steadying myself against a nearby table. I'd never been one for fancy footwear, and right then, I'd have given anything for a pair of comfortable sneakers. But I couldn't afford to let my discomfort show – not with so much on the line.

As I passed a group of guests, I overheard a snippet of their conversation that made me pause.

"Axel Yakov is quite the enigma, don't you think?" a tall, blonde woman in a red silk dress said, her voice laden with intrigue.

Another guest, a petite brunette with pouty fake lips, chimed in, her eyes sparkling with desire. "Oh, absolutely. But there's something so alluring about a man with a mysterious past. And have you seen those icy blue eyes of his? They're positively hypnotic."

A third woman, dressed in a sexy black dress with a neckline that plunged down to her navel, smirked and added, "Yeah, and don't forget how freaking powerful he is. He walks into a room, and bam! Everyone's just shivering with excitement."

The first woman, her eyes all lit up, leaned in and whispered loudly enough to be heard, "Hey, so I heard Axel just got out of jail after four years. Can you imagine how, like, totally desperate he must be for some lovin'? Bet he's a wild beast in the sack."

My cheeks flushed at her crude words, but I couldn't deny the curiosity that sparked within me. Four years in jail? That wasn't in the intel Viktor had given me. What else didn't I know about the man I was supposed to be spying on?

The second woman giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, totally. Can you picture it? All that built-up need, finally getting a chance to let loose on some lucky chick. Damn, I'm getting hot just thinking about it."

The woman in the black dress licked her lips. "Mmm, I'd do anything to be that girl. To have him take charge, be totally at his mercy… It'd be one hell of a ride, for sure."

As the women kept gossiping, sharing all kinds of dirty thoughts and sexy stories, I found myself feeling more and more curious about this Axel guy. He had everyone so wrapped up in him that I was almost tempted to find out what the mystery was all about.

"Can you imagine sharing him with a bunch of other girls?" the first woman wondered, fanning herself dramatically. "I mean, if he's as insatiable as they say, I bet he could handle all of us and then some."

The second woman grinned. "Oh, honey, I'd be more than down for that. Just think – all of us, all tangled up, with him as the main event. We'd be like a harem, and he'd be our king."

I felt my face heat up, my heart pounding like crazy as their words painted a stream of wild, sexy pictures in my head. I tried to shake the thoughts off, but the draw of Axel Yakov, the dangerous, powerful man who had everyone talking, seemed to have somehow grabbed hold of my imagination.

Are you out of your mind, Aria!?

A shudder ran through me as a chilling thought occurred to me. These women had no idea that if Axel ever found out what I was about to do, he'd kill me without a second thought. They were all enamored with the man, dreaming about sharing him, completely unaware of the danger that lurked beneath his captivating exterior.

The thought dragged my attention back to the reason I was here. Get the microchips into his bedroom. But now, knowing what I did about his time in prison, about the effect he had on people, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I came face to face with him.

I shook my head, trying to clear it of these dangerous thoughts. Focus, Aria. Remember why you're here. Remember Mikey.

As I continued to weave through the crowd, I scanned the room, trying to focus on what I came here to do. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of hallways leading out of this vast ballroom. Each one could lead practically anywhere.

This place was huge, and I half wondered if Axel had got a room for every damn hobby he had. Was there a room just for his collection of rare stamps or something?

Shit, how many damn floors are there in this place?

Throwing caution to the winds, I headed toward a pair of ornately carved doors at the far end of the room.

"Tiring work, huh? Care for a drink?" I winked at the hulking bodyguard in front of it. I knew he'd never say yes, but I was running out of options. I silently cursed Viktor for landing me in this mess.

Seriously! How the hell was I supposed to find the right room in this place without getting caught?

Not surprisingly, the bodyguard ignored me, his attention focused on the door he was guarding. I glanced at the door and pursed my mouth in frustration.

What's behind that one? Mr. Yakov's secret stash of vintage comic books?

As I distributed the last of the champagne glasses, I nearly faceplanted, thanks to my stupid heels, tripping over nothing but air.

Smooth, Aria, real smooth.

"Damn shoes," I muttered under my breath, trying to look as casual as possible.

I knew I needed to find Axel's room soon, but with every passing minute, the task seemed more and more impossible. And worse, the gossiping women's words kept echoing in my head, painting pictures of a man I was supposed to fear but found myself increasingly curious about.

What the hell had I gotten myself into?

***