Page 41 of Devil’s Reign

“More or less. Something about waiting four years for my turn, but that’s a load of bullshit. I know those fuckers got to them. They’re threatened by me, Cole.”

“Cole as in Senator Cole Williams?” I interrupt, stunned as the puzzles click into place.

That definitely is Cole Williams’ voice. He’s always played both sides, maintained careful neutrality. He’s not aligned with us, but I thought he was smart enough not to stand against us either. Apparently, I was wrong.

Dima nods grimly, pausing the recording. “Daniel’s been secretly gaining a lot of backing. Now listen to the rest.” He hits play again.

Cole sighs. “This might actually be good. Perhaps a new political party is just what this city needs—one devoid of corruption.”

“Exactly. And this way, I can organically pull my own crowd. But to do this, we need investments. Heavy ones.”

“Don’t worry about the money. Focus on our message. I’ll do my best to amplify the new party on my end. I’ll talk to the others.”

A soft click signals the end of the recording.

“The others?” Aleksei asks.

“There are influential people who’ve rapidly gained interest in Daniel Salvi,” Dima answers. “And they’ve created a group. I told you both he’d be a force to reckon with.”

“But we have people in our pocket fighting back,” Aleksei points out. “That’s why he’s not getting the Democratic ticket. He’s an underdog, and this isn’t some feel-good movie where the underdog wins. This is real life. His new party might gather momentum at first, but they lack one thing we have in abundance—power. He’s not going to win.”

“We’ll make sure of it,” I add, meeting Dima’s eyes.

But he just shakes his head. “I hope you’re both right. But I’ll keep my eyes and ears on him. I already have my men digging into his background—he’s squeaky clean. Too clean. Everyone has skeletons. We just need to dig deep enough to find his.”

“Yes, do that,” Aleksei agrees, getting to his feet. “And keep us informed of his every move.” He fixes Dima with a hard look. “Next time you have information to share, we meet at the castle.” The streets don't call him the King for nothing. Kings aren't summoned—kings summon. That Dima risked the rebuke anyway tells me exactly how rattled he is.

He waits for an acknowledging nod before leaving. “What’s got his pants in a bunch?” Dima asks once the door shuts behind him.

“He’s our leader, and even though he doesn’t show it, he carries a lot on his shoulders. Keeping the peace in this city while having to deal with the missing people’s case—and now this Daniel situation—must be getting to him.” I pause, something important suddenly occurring to me. “Shit, I forgot to mention something I found out.” I jump to my feet and wave at Dima. “Come with me.”

We jog out of the office just in time to see the elevator doors sliding shut.

“Hold it!” I yell.

One of my men lunges forward, thrusting his hand between the closing doors. The elevator sensors catch the obstruction, and the doors reopen. Aleksei cocks a brow at me from inside.

“A quick minute.” I raise a finger.

His lips thin, but he nods at his men. “Take the next one.”

They file out obediently, and Dima and I step in with him. I wait for the doors to seal us in privacy before speaking. “We’re not the only ones with missing men. I know for a fact the Marinos have lost over a dozen soldiers and counting. I had Luka look into it—other groups are experiencing the same thing.” I look at Aleksei. “Someone is systematically targeting the mafia families in the city.”

23

MELANI

How the hell is it possible to feel this horny?

I had one of the best orgasms I’ve ever given myself in the shower last night, yet I still wake up with hard nipples and wetness clinging to my thighs.

I’m so freaking needy.

I roll over in bed and bury my face into the pillow with a groan. But even that simple movement drags my sensitive nipples against the sheets and sends a sharp pulse straight to my clit. My blood hums sluggishly in my veins. My thighs burn with heat, my clit aches, my breasts feel all tender, and my lower abdomen clenches tight, as if in readiness for something. Or more accurately, for someone.

Vanya.

It’s like he flipped a switch on in me last night with his little game and forgot to turn it off—and now I can’t turn it off either. My hand slips between my body and the mattress, my fingers finding my tight nipple. A moan escapes as I squeeze it. Damn it.