Alexi shrugs. “I don’t know. I don’t remember what happened before I woke up on the boat, under a doctor’s care. Vladimir told me he received communication from Ukrainian soldiers who found me beaten and left for dead. They told him Russian soldiers were the ones who beat me and left me behind.”
“I don’t understand. Who would do this to you?”
“Vladimir thinks it might have been Oleg, Pavel, and Artem working together. They knew that if I died, Father would have to replace me as his heir.”
I nod. “That is his plan, along with having me marry the newly appointed heir so the bloodline can continue. But now that you’re back, I won’t have to get married.”
A flicker of pain crosses over Alexi’s features, but he says nothing. Instead, he pulls me in for a hug. “Vladimir wants us to go to the hotel. He’s worried about your safety after what happened tonight. Will you come with me?”
I nod. “Of course. Now that you’re back, I can’t imagine letting you out of my sight.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: VLADIMIR
When we reach the hotel, I’m angry, but not surprised to find Alexi isn’t there.
“Shit. Where did he go?” Dominic asks.
“I don’t know. Did he say anything to you at the theater?”
“Only that he heard Oleg, Artem, and Pavel talking about Anya. He was angry.”
“We’ll have to wait and hope he returns to the hotel.”
“Should we go looking for him?”
I shrug. “Where? He knows this city better than we do. He could be anywhere. He’s healed and can take care of himself. I’m more concerned about Anya now.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I think it's time I tell Anya that I’m NOLAKING and let her know that her brother is still alive.”
I take out my phone, but not to call Anya; instead, I call the burner I gave to Alexi. Luckily, he answers immediately.
“I’m heading back,” he says as soon as he picks up. “I had a stop to make.”
“We need to talk about Anya,” I tell him.
“Anya? What about her?”
After filling him in on the events at the theater, I tell him my concerns. “I think those three assholes are responsible for the kidnapping attempt you foiled. They may believe that whoever claims your sister will be the one to take over your father’s position. You said yourself that there is a precedent. I think your sister needs more protection than what your father is providing her.”
“I’m with Anya now. I’ll bring her with me,” Alexi’s tone tells me he’s angry, which he should be.
When Alexi ends the call, I just stare at Dominic.
“What?”
“He went to see Anya.”
“That’s good, isn’t it? He went to his home and risked exposure to see his sister. Maybe he’s coming around?”
“Maybe. He was upset about the attack on Anya this evening. He needs to understand the danger he places her in by not coming forward and claiming his inheritance.”
While we waited for Anya and Alexi to arrive, I placed an order with room service for a late-night snack and requested a few items that I thought Anya would enjoy.
“It’s good to see you again,” I say to Anya when she and Alexi arrive.
“Why didn’t you tell me that my brother was alive?” Anya demands. Her blue eyes sizzle with anger as she stands before me. Her fire excites me, but I manage to keep my expression neutral.
