Page 21 of Grave Secrets

“DEA? ATF?” he asks.

“No, Viktor. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Okay, then there is your answer,” he says with a smile. “I trust you, Ada. I can keep you safe and still let you be part of my world.”

“How do you know I want to be part of your world?”

“You ask me questions about it every day,” he laughs. “You know how my operation works now. It’s in your blood, Pretty Girl. You can’t help but be drawn in.”

“But…”

“Ada,” Viktor says, taking my hand into his. “I know you aren’t used to people caring about you, but that’s what this is. I include you. I consider your feelings. I trust you.”

“Oh,” I say. Viktor kisses my hand, and we stay silent as we drive.

When we stop in front of a gate, Viktor inputs a code before driving through the gate. We continue up until we reach a large building with several cars out front. “Wait for me to come around,” Viktor says as he gets out. He walks around and opens my door, offering me his hand. I step out, and he wraps his arm around my waist to lead me in.

“I am the king of my empire,” Viktor says as we stop at the door. “That makes you my queen. Keep your head up and never ever let anyone look down on you. No matter what you do, I can fix it. Okay?”

“Okay,” I say nervously.

“If someone bothers you or you get nervous. Just tell them to fuck off,” he says. I nod once, and he opens the door. He has me step through first, and then he walks in behind me. Carlo, Archer, Andre, and Alan are here, but so are about thirty others. Everyone stops what they are doing and turns to look at us.

“Update?” Viktor asks Carlo.

“He owed money to a man named Hector Ramirez,” Carlo says, pointing out a man in his mid-thirties.

“I know him,” I say to Viktor.

“Oh?” Viktor asks, turning to me.

“He was part of the cleaning crew, but I assume that isn’t the case,” I say.

“Let’s ask,” Viktor says. We walk across the room to Hector, and I am nervous.

“Mr. Holt. It’s good to meet you,” Hector says, shaking Viktor’s hand.

“Likewise. This is my fiancée, Ada, but you already know who she is,” Viktor replies simply.

“She moves on fast, doesn’t she?” Hector remarks, looking me up and down.

“Oh, fuck you,” I snap. Before I can rein in my attitude, Viktor matches it.

“Do not come into my world and disrespect her,” Viktor says with an intimidatingly low tone. “It is my understanding that Christopher Vincci owes you a significant amount of money, yes?”

“Mhmm,” Hector says, glaring at me.

“You are who he texted, saying that Ada was dead and he would bring her body to you,” Viktor says. “As you can see, she is not dead. Although he did try.”

“What is your point, Viktor?” Hector asks almost mockingly.

“My point is, whatever issues you have, they no longer involve Ada. That ends now,” Viktor says firmly.

“Chris was supposed to deliver Ada to me to be bred in exchange for his debt being wiped,” Hector says. “So, it does concern her.”

“Is this a war you are willing to lose, Hector?” Viktor asks. “Because don’t think for a second I can’t take you, your family, and all of your people out before you even think about touching my wife.”

“What are you offering then?” Hector asks.