Anything connected to Romi is of interest to me.
“You seem to be taking to the new role quite well,” Dmitri says.
Kage glares at him through his mask's eyeholes but makes no move toward him.
It’s bizarre the way that if anyone else were to walk into this room, my men would be waiting for the signal to kill the person for the slightest offense. But with Dmitri, it’s different. It's a reminder that there are some exceptions, even amongst our circle.
“My brother is stiff and archaic. Luca needed some fresh blood.”
Dmitri considers this. “I’m surprised. The two were attached at the hip. But you’ve certainly already created a reputation for yourself, Doc.”
“Now I’m curious as to what you’ve heard.”
The dim light hangs over the man bound to the metal bed. Andrei Popov is pale, near gray. His wrist and arm are heavily bandaged, and he has an IV attached to him. He’s sweating, and I walk over to dampen the cloth and inject more antibiotics into his IV line.
“What the fuck is this? Are you experimenting on him?” Dmitri’s eyes grow wide as he studies him curiously.
“Not yet,” I say with a wicked grin over my shoulder, and Dmitri really sees me now for the monster I am.
I’m not Lorenzo.
“He took a gunshot to the wrist. I won’t bore you with the details, but that’s pretty serious, and I’m keeping him alive long enough to extract answers.”
Dmitri’s eyebrows furrow as he gets a better look at the man. “I heard you were a surgeon. I became curious when they started calling you ’The Doc,’ but I suppose there’s truth to it after all.”
Almosta surgeon.
“I called you in to see if you can identify him—his name's Andrei Popov. I know you looked into The Lion's time here extensively, and I wanted to know what information you have on him and his followers. We’re trying to find someone else connected to this man. Someone in the business of moving weapons.”
Dmitri takes a good look at him. “No, I don’t know this man, and I know every single face in those files. Trust me, I studied each of them profusely. I’m sure it’s no secret to you that The Lion was my father. Everything I have on him, I’ll send to you. But I’m not familiar with this man. As for everyone else who remained loyal to The Lion here, Lorenzo and I worked together to flush them out. You think a second group has risen in his honor?”
“Not necessarily. We just need to make sure there aren’t any uprisings.”
Dmitri considers this. “If the Bratva truly were retaliating, their numbers would be great. My father had his own terms for coming to New York, and he made it very clear no one was to retaliate on his behalf if someone were able to best him.”
So, he’s implying that this might only be a small radical group. Much like the one I slaughtered in Italy to draw their attention here. Which was within my right, since they were working on Armani territory. I consider if some of them have gone rogue or if the Bratva are testing out the waters and discarding them like pawns. Either way, I’ll make sure this stops here.
“If you need anything else from me, let me know. I owe a great deal to the Armani family for keeping my Elanee safe.” His gaze softens at the mention of her.
Six months ago, I would’ve laughed at a man who softened at the mere mention of his woman, but I finally understand it. Having a woman to come home to every day is my new goal.
It’s then—in the gloomy, miserable room, with a half-dead man who is about to be tortured—that I decide I’m going to marry Romi Lutton.
I certainly know she’ll kick and scream all the way to the altar, so I’ll wait as patiently as I can for her. I consider what type of ring she might like, giddy with the idea of buying one immediately. The thought of my mother’s ring around Lily Taylor's finger comes to mind. Lorenzo had promised it to her, and despite hating my brother, I feel no claim toward the ring. I hardly recall my mother. I was too young to remember her. I’ve seen photos, but when I look at them, it’s like looking at a stranger.
As vindictive as I am, it’s something I won’t touch or try to bring ruin to in Lorenzo’s life. It makes me uncomfortable to actively decide not to pursue something I know will both piss him off and hurt him. Maybe I really am softening because of Romi. Perhaps that hatred or desire to constantly bite at his ankles and wear him down doesn’t seem as thrilling anymore, because I only want to focus on her.
It’s all so strange.
“Are you in the business of publishing, Dmitri?”
“Like books?” he asks curiously.
Tyson shuffles back and forth, clearly impatient for Andrei to wake up.
“Yes. I’m currently staying with Romi Lutton, and she needs to publish some work immediately. Perhaps you know someone who can make fast arrangements?”
“Romi Lutton?” Dmitri says, sounding surprised. “She’s a friend of Elanee's. What are you doing living with her?” His expression suddenly clears, as if piecing something together, and he smirks. “I quite like you. Let me see what I can arrange.”
