The Salvation of Vengeance (Wanted Men #2) by Nancy Haviland Page A

with Eva missing her mom. “But I thought being the center of attention, everyone staring at you, was your thing?” It was no secret her bestie hated all the attention her looks garnered. Eva was drop-dead gorgeous and had been stared at for the better portion of her adult life. As a result, she almost went out of her way to be as invisible as possible.
    “Shut up,” Eva muttered as she started rearranging a beautiful bouquet of white flowers in a vase next to her elbow, even though they were already perfect. Uh-oh.
    Eva also went into OCD mode when she was anxious.
    “Don’t start with that,” Nika said softly, taking her friend’s hands in hers. “I was only playing with you. Everything is perfect.” She balked at the tears that suddenly glimmered on Eva’s lashes when she nodded. Shit. “Don’t you dare. Can you even imagine the ‘weaker sex’ jokes if you make us cry in front of this group?”
    That earned her a shaky laugh and kiss on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’re—”
    “Go for the lips next time, girls. Add a little hand action. A few moans. Arch your backs. And, yes, I could make you millions.”
    Maksim received identical only-in-your-dreams looks from both of them. And a grumbled “Fuck off, Kirov,” from Gabriel.
    “Watch your mouth, Maksim,” Vasily grunted, his lack of a smile showing he wasn’t amused. “Leave these two out of your depraved fantasies or you’re going to find yourself without the proper equipment to follow through.”
    A thin older man came over with a large tray filled with a variety of beverages. He handed glasses around the group, obviously knowing who drank what, and then turned to Nika and Eva.
    “Please, what might I get you ladies?”
    Eva introduced him as Samnang, their housekeeper, and asked for white wine for both of them. “I’ll come with you and—”
    Samnang shook his head so hard his brain must have rattled. “No, no. You stay. Aside from Miss Tegan, you’re the only other lady who’s been brave enough to take one of these boys on.” He chuckled as he turned to Gabriel, his tone proud. “And Mr. Gabriel, no less. Your wish is my command, Miss Eva.”
    Something in Nika’s chest jerked. Who was Miss Tegan? Could she be Vincente’s girlfriend?
    “I heard my name. Sammy? What kind of stories are you telling now?”
    A blonde woman who looked to be a couple of years older than Nika joined the group. She gave Samnang an affectionate kiss on his wrinkled brow.
    “Nothing you wouldn’t tell yourself,” the older man reassured her before hurrying off.
    Nika absently worried her bottom lip as hellos and kisses were exchanged. Who was she? Or more accurately, whose was she? Nika wondered as she shook the woman’s hand when Maksim introduced her as Dr. Tegan Mancuso.
    “Would you stop doing that.” Tegan gave the grinning Russian an elbow. “I swear he thinks my occupation will get him laid,” she said to Nika, who felt herself relax, assuming now that this must be Maksim’s girlfriend—who was clearly secure enough not to mind him flirting with other women. “Not going to change your mind, huh?” she put to Eva, who shook her head and smiled. “I don’t blame you—he’s a catch.” Tegan winked at Gabriel and then looked around, her shoulder-length hair shimmering. “Where’s Vin?”
    The social smile fell from Nika’s face as if an avalanche had hit. Vin? Why was she so familiar with Vincente that she could call him Vin? And why did the thought of them together make Nika feel sick all of a sudden?
    “I’m going to grab a drink and go find him. He should be here by now.”
    Tegan walked away, curvy hips swaying, legs looking endless in a fitted black skirt and high heels. Nika was pretty sure the cerulean blouse the doctor was wearing had been “borrowed” from Eva’s closet.
    After giving Samnang, who’d returned with her and Eva’s wine, a strained smile as she accepted the glass, Nika took a huge gulp and wished for the