My phone rings, breaking the moment that I'm trying to create with Mia, which makes my jaw clench. When I pull it out, though, I see Henry's name, making my chest tighten, knowing I'm going to have to leave Mia behind. I'm halfway down the hall when I remember I had Imogen pick out a few books for Mia.
I turn back around, taking large strides toward the bedroom. Thankfully, she hasn't disappeared into the bathroom yet, when I quickly blurt out, "Oh, by the way. I had one of my staff members bring in a few romance books, she put them on your nightstand."
She doesn't say much except, "Okay" in a breathy tone. Knowing I need to go, I can't help but smile to myself as I leaveto call Henry back. I dial his number the moment I enter my office, closing the door.
"Kieran," Henry says, picking up the phone.
"What do you have for me?"
"Daniel has heard that the Carrino family is trying to move into our territory," he says with no fanfare.
"Shit. What do you mean moving into our territory?"
"Daniel reported—"
I interrupt him. "You know what? Bring him here. I want to hear what he has to say in person."
"Good idea. I have Liam, too."
"Bring him."
"Got it," he says, hanging up. I sit down at my computer, turning it on, and pulling up the information for our legitimate business. Our family owns an art gallery that we use to help move our illegitimate goods, but we also sell real art, too.
I open up my email, and let out a sigh because Aidan, the one who runs my art galleries, has been busy. I mean, it's great because he's sold so many pieces, and has a lot of new artists coming in, but I don't want to deal with this. No, I would rather just spend all of my days inside Mia.
While I wait for Henry, Daniel, and Liam, I begin going through the paperwork Aidan has sent me. Looking at one of the emails in my inbox, I see it's an inquiry about using the gallery for a gala from none other than Mikhail. I'm shocked because usually he tries to keep his business away from me. Besides, he has his own club. Why would he want to use the gallery? So many questions run through my mind when Henry walks in the door, saving me from spiraling about Mikhail.
"Hey, Kieran," Henry says, walking into my office.
I look up from my computer when all three of them walk in. "Close the door."
As they settle, I look over at Daniel who has the information about the Carrino family. "What do you have for me?"
"I'd been asking around at the docks about our warehouse, when someone let it slip that Elio, one of Carrino's sons, was trying to pay the harbor master off. To get a shipment in without anyone knowing."
"Were they successful?" I ask. Right now this is a rumor, and I work in facts.
He shrugs his shoulders and I move to Liam. "What have you heard about the Bratva?"
"Word in the club is that Mikhail knows Mia is back in town, and that Ella wants to see her," he states, making me lift my brow.
"What about the warehouse does he know anything about it?"
"It doesn't seem like it. They've been focused on the kinkier side of Midnight Blue. There is an auction next month."
I nod at what he has to say. My brain is moving in overdrive. The auction must bewhy he wants to use the art gallery. Grabbing my phone, I call Mikhail.
"Kieran. I guess you've seen my request for the art gallery?" his voice grumbles over the phone.
"What do you want it for?"
"Ella's birthday," he clips.
"What do you know about my warehouse being destroyed?"
"Nothing. It was not Bratva. But I have heard you have one of my brothers in your custody."
He doesn't pose it as a question.
