Maybe it’s just because I’m lonely. Or because he knows exactly what my body needs every single time. It might be the fact that he could drop the casino business tomorrow and make aliving with modeling, considering his build and perfect facial features.
But I think it was more the way he protected me tonight, making sure I was safe, physically and emotionally. He did that, in a way, from the night we met. Always checking to see he wasn’t crossing a line, always making sure I got home safe, at least as much as I’ve let him. The bar must be in hell if basic human decency makes my jaded heart beat faster, but I can’t help the way I feel.
Drying myself off, I walk into Sophie’s room and grab a pair of comfy flannel pajamas from her dresser. It doesn’t feel right to sleep in her bed, but wearing her clothes brings me comfort. The soft fabric envelops me in her scent, and once again, my tears well up. Out of the purse, I extract my black tourmaline gemstone, which is supposed to keep me safe, and place it on the coffee table in front of me. Grabbing a blanket, I make my way to the couch, forming it into a cocoon around me. The TV clicks as I press the button on the remote, and I scroll through the streaming service’s menu, finding my favorite show. The sound of monsters being murdered lulls me to sleep.
CHAPTER 12
Leon
Ipinch the bridge of my nose, letting out a loud sigh. Dom sits across from me on an extravagant chair in my front office, giving me the bad news. The location is the only novelty because what he’s saying is exactly the same thing he said the last five days.
“There is no new information on Luka’s whereabouts.”
“Where the fuck is he?” I mutter to myself.
“We’re doing our best. We hired five new people, all of whom are professionals. But it’s like he disappeared from the face of the Earth.” He winces, realizing what he said.
The thought crossed my mind more times than I could count. My brother, my only remaining family member, could be dead. Still, the more I think about it, the less I think it’s a possibility.
It wouldn’t make sense. If the Russians had killed Luka, we’d have already found him by now. What’s the point of killing him if they didn’t rub it in our faces?
But none of this makes sense. Why take him and not use him as leverage?
With another sigh, I grab the bottle of rakia that is now a permanent fixture on my desk and pour the two of us a glass. I sip the drink slowly, reveling in the way it burns my throat and chest.My gaze picks up, and I barely suppress a laugh. Even though he’s wearing an expensive, tailored to perfection suit, he doesn’t look like he belongs in here. He’s too large, too rugged for the polished features of this office. He was surprised when I asked for the meeting to be upstairs, but ever since I made Alex come on this very desk, I’ve been opting to spend my time here, rather than underground.
“Let’s move on,” I say, ending the topic of Luka’s disappearance.
“Toma’s men are still bitching about the fact that his death wasn’t avenged.”
“I would be more surprised if they weren’t.” Stipe, Uncle Toma’s main guy, has been trying to start a mutiny after he found out his precious leader is dead. Though I couldn’t care less about his opinions of me, I still have to be careful of him turning my men against me.
Dom continues. “We’ve replaced the two warehouses we lost, and it should be business as usual by the end of the week.”
“Unless someone leaks the address.” It wouldn’t be the first time. While Luka was still here, we had multiple warehouses destroyed, along with all the merch. Someone was leaking information, and we never really found out who.
“Only the select few are in on it, and they were all personally checked by Ivan or me.”
“What about Williams? Does he have any new intel?” A streak of red catches my eye on the surveillance feed that’s been playing on my computer twenty-four seven. My focus turns razor sharp, looking for the girl I can’t stop thinking about. Disappointment washes over me as I realize that it’s not her.
“Sir?” Dom asks. I was so focused on looking for her, I completely shut out what he was saying.
“Sorry, can you repeat that?”
He purses his lips, showing his annoyance.
“Is there a problem?” I ask, intertwining my fingers on thedesk.
“You were looking for her, weren’t you?”
“What if I was?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. She appeared out of nowhere. Just now, when everything is going to shit. Don’t you find it suspicious?”
My tongue makes its way over my teeth. “Your point?” I get what he’s saying. The thought crossed my mind before. Where the hell did she come from?
“We still have no idea who she is.”
I dip my head. “No progress on that part either?”
