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“No. Nor are you ever to approach this woman. She’s mine.”
He flinches under the harshness of my tone. Last time, I’d expected more than only two men to take the dangling bait. This means those who are targeting my drugs are either familiar with our process or overly cautious. Rightly so, considering I have my hounds waiting for them. I’ve still extracted very little information from them, despite some of my favorite torture methods. No matter how much the last one squealed as I persuaded every drop out of him. All I was left with was the knowledge that their leader had a slight Russian accent.
Considering we’ve smothered the Russians to barely anything within the city, it either means they’re being cautious or someone new is on the playing field. Either way, information is being leaked from somewhere within my circle.
“Is there something I can do?” Dario asks, almost hopefully.
I put the cigar out.
“You’re friends with Dmitri Volkov, aren’t you?”
He seems confused. “Well, we’ve hung out and partied some, yeah. I wouldn’t consider us friends per say, but—” Realization dawns on him. “Why do you think he has something to do with this?”
I shrug. He is a Russian cub. Or more like an abandoned little Bratva prince—one I’ve checked on frequently to make sure he doesn’t take up in Daddy’s footsteps. But his association with Ara needs to be managed.
“I need you to tell me the places he often frequents,” I demand from my brother.
I could find the information out myself, but it might take a few days longer than I’d like. I’m not one to create formal meetings unless they’re coming to me.
My brother seems confused but says, “Sure. I’ll get you a few place’s names.”
“Good. You can leave now,” I say, dismissing him.
He looks over my shoulder at Lorenzo, who stands stoically and says nothing. “Brother, please. I swear to you I’m not drinking as much, and I don’t know. I feel a lot clearer lately, and I really want to help. I know you hate me but please consider—”
“Leave.” I let the lethal edge slip. An unsaid memory passes between us. Where this all started. The mess he had created for me. How his life was based on the small thread I allow. If it weren’t for me, he’d be dead.
Dario’s throat tightens as he swallows, his jaw clenched. He does as he’s told because he and I both know the truth. The only reason he’s breathing is because of me. He’s lucky I tolerate him at best.
Lorenzo and I watch as Dario leaves and closes the door behind him.
“Do you really think Dmitri Volkov has something to do with this?” Lorenzo asks.
I pick up the photo of Dmitri entering Ara’s office building. I noted the way they briefly interacted at the dinner, they might’ve been acquainted. The fact he went to her office the next day means he’s either extremely stupid or it was as good as a calling card to get my attention. Surely even he knows once I claim something as mine, I won’t let it roam freely or without my watch.
“Anything’s possible.”
I need to explore all avenues and find the one that will lead me back to my leak.
I pick up my phone, expecting another message from Ara.
Nothing.
My jaw tics.
I’ll make sure I’m the only thing she thinks of every second of the day.
And if the only way I can get a response from her is to antagonize her…
Then so be it.
17
ARA
Are you fucking kidding me? My office is a sea of black roses leading to my desk.
I clear my throat, knowing my voice won’t come out normal otherwise. Liam seems apprehensive standing behind me.
