"Ms. Abruzzo," the taller one says, pressing a hand to his earpiece.
The other motions for me to go ahead. "Mr. Petrov is expecting you."
"Of course he is," I mumble.
"Abruzzo?" Brax snarls.
I glance up at him. I had forgotten that outside the Underworld, my family is his family's enemy.
"Petrov?" he says with just as much disgust.
I curse myself for not warning him. The last thing I need is a scene in the lobby. The security may be Underworld members, but the rest of the building knows nothing about our secret reality. So I beg in a whisper, "Please don't make a scene. I'll explain later."
Brax stays planted.
"You look cold, Ms. Abruzzo. Can I get you a coffee?" Bruno at the front desk asks.
Brax glances at him then jeers, "You've got fans."
I smirk, "Jealous after only a few hours with me?"
He grunts.
I stride across the marble lobby, relieved when he follows me. I flash my hand at the security checkpoint, and the scanner flashes green. Another set of guards steps aside. Brax follows, his expression full of distrust, but I'm unsure if it's of the men being around me or for what's ahead.
The elevator is open when we reach it. I ask the guard, "Is this fixed yet, Jasper?"
"No, ma'am," he relays.
I roll my eyes and step inside. For the last few months, it's been slow. Kirill's been all over the building maintenance to get it fixed, but nothing has improved.
Inside, Brax leans against the mirrored wall, arms folded. "So you've been here before?"
"Too many times to count."
The doors shut, and the box moves at a snail's pace. "What's this Petrov's deal? Couldn't become Mafia royalty so he took on the role of corporate cult leader?"
"Enough of the cult talk," I reprimand. "And the king is smarter than anyone you've ever met. Don't test him."
He smirks. "I'll try to keep my mouth shut. No promises."
The elevator stops at every floor, even though no one is waiting to go up.
On the fourth floor, Brax rumbles a curse under his breath.
I taunt, "Don't get frustrated now. We only have a dozen more stops before we get to the penthouse."
His eyes grow wide. "You've got to be kidding me."
"Unfortunately, not."
Ten minutes later, the elevator dings softly, opening into the penthouse foyer.
"About fucking time," Brax mutters.
"Mind your manners," I remind him. Then I open the door and call out, "We're here."
Kirill stands by the wall of glass, his reflection stretching across the skyline. He turns and the knotted, diagonal scar across his face is just as brooding as always.
