Closing the door to Zara’s room, I let out a long, exhausted breath. She’s sound asleep, so finally I get some peace. I need her under my roof and my protection, otherwise I can’t think straight. That little demon is clawing her way under my skin, and I can’t do a thing to stop it.
If I don’t do something now, her kill count is probably going to go up and land her, and me, in a lot of shit.
Reckless doesn’t even begin to cover her, but I’m damn proud of her. Once she gets in tune with who she really is, she will be a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t fully trust me, which I don’t blame her for. Everyone is turning against her.
Soon she will realize I am not her enemy, far from it.
I pour out a generous measure of scotch, feeling the smooth glass in my hand as I slump back on the sofa and pull out my phone. I’m waiting for Mikhail’s proposal for our alliance. If what I saw in that book is correct, there is another shipment of women somewhere in Vegas. Not only can I save them, it could lead me to Romano.
As I scroll through my phone, the soft glow illuminates the dimly lit room. The clinking of ice cubes echoes as I raise my glass of scotch to my lips, taking a long, smooth sip. With a sense of anticipation, I tap on the message from Enzo, feeling a slight buzz of excitement tingling through my fingertips.
ENZO
Miki’s first offer- $500k cash plus a joint venture on the arms shipments. 25%.
With a laugh, I shake my head while typing my reply. Mikhail is new to the States. Just because he’s taken down the other mafia families in Vegas, doesn’t mean he can come up against my army. He knows that.
F
I don’t think so. Try again.
The phone rings immediately after, and no surprise, it’s Enzo.
“You know I’m not taking that deal, Enzo.”
He sighs. “I know. We can at least counter it. We need that route into Vegas and Miki on our side.”
I cut him off. “And what do the Volkovs have to offer me? If we come into Vegas, not only will we be dealing with his MC problem, he wants cash and fucking guns? Shall I draw some blood and send that to him, too?”
“He needs weapons. His supply comes from Russia. Since the split, he’s had trouble getting them in.”
Swirling my empty cup on the table, I take a moment before I answer. “You trust him enough to keep to his word and look after the girls? How do I know he isn’t like his father?”
“I trust him. I’m working closely with him. Him and his brothers, they’re different. Savages, yes, just like you. Your values align here. Think of the long game. Having the Bratva on your side isn’t a bad thing.” He sounds sincere.
As I run my hand over my face, I can feel the tension in my muscles and the weight of exhaustion settling in. This is just another distraction on top of hunting down Romano.
“This could be what we need to draw out Romano, Frankie. Mikhail is flying in tomorrow; I can arrange another meet.”
Grayson’s number flashes on the screen, and I frown. It’s one am. He’s normally tucked up in bed with Maddie and their daughter, Hope.
“One second, Enzo. G is calling.”
I cut Enzo off and answer Grayson.
“Hey boss, we’ve got a couple of Romano’s men snooping around the safe house where the Russian girls are. Kai and Jax are bringing them in now. Get your ass over here.”
Jesus fucking Christ.
Rubbing my temples, I try to stop the throbbing now coming from my skull.
“Shit. Okay. I’ll be there in a minute.”
It’s starting to look like Enzo is right. To end this, we may well need the Russians on our side.
As I make my way to the front door, my eyes are drawn to the grand staircase. There’s no movement up there, so she still must be asleep. I’ll be back by the time the sun rises and then I have big plans with her.
No more fucking around.
