Page 22 of Flames of Ruin

“Ah, so whatever had you rattled had to do with Parshikov.” Shado is looking at me as if he expects me to give him more details.

When I don’t, he continues, “If we’re going to work together, you’re going to have to tell me your little secrets.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything.” I growl. The office chair rolls away as I forcefully stand up.

Following suit, he stands up, facing me and says, “I can’t work with a man I don’t trust, Drake. Not if I’m going into battle blind.”

Sighing, I run my hands through my hair.

He’s right.

I hate it, but he is.

“Thirteen years ago, the terrorist attack on Raventown, my father was the brains of that entire operation. His partners were Parshikov, Enzo Silvestri, and your ‘friend’ Demassi.”

Shado’s face remains emotionless as he says, “They made up the Fourth Circle.”

I nod.

“I thought your father died in that attack? I found it odd that no one ever found his body.”

When I look at him, surprised, he shrugs. “Espionage.”

Clearly, he used the military databases to look into the incident.

“My father didn’t die in the attack. He was killed.” I pause. “By me.”

Completely dismissing my admission that I killed my father, Shado’s eyes widen as he solves the equation between me and my mission.

“The Dragon appeared months after the incident. This whole crusade is your way of avenging the people the Fourth Circle killed.”

“Dimitri and Enzo pulled out. They didn’t want to dishonor their organizations. Demassi is the only one who stuck to my father’s plan. Had they not, the casualty count would have been much higher.”

“I need to know why Dimitri is back in town and what he has planned. He may have backed down years ago, but he’s not a good man and I don’t trust him.”

Shaking my head, I snap my Glock securely into its holster. “His son isn’t here to talk him off the ledge this time.”

After the attack, Daniil retreated to Brooklyn, New York to separate himself from Dimitri. He knew there would be backlash for his father’s actions and he did not want to be a part of the repercussions that would be carried out by Mikhail for his betrayal by bringing unwanted attention to the Bratva.

Looking down at his gun, Shado nods, “Let’s go, then.”

***

Settling into my normal booth in the corner of Raven’s, Shado sits across from me, scoping out the occupants of the bar.

“Well, I don’t see their leaders, but the goons are out tonight.” Shado nods in the direction of the stage.

Looking around the bar, I recognize men from all three of the organizations. Most are sitting watching the entertainment in front of them.

“Normally, the Bratva isn’t so public with their meet-ups.”

“That’s because the three must be meeting somewhere.” Feeling unnerved, I grip the glass holding my whiskey as I continue scanning the bar.

I don’t see CiCi anywhere. She isn’t standing next to Miranda like usual, but the way Miranda is staring at me, she looks terrified. Her eyes quickly bounce between me and the stage, as if she looks like she just got caught doing something wrong.

The song changes to a more sensual rendition of “In Your Eyes” by Jessie Ware flowing through the speakers. My attention turns to the stage when I hear whooping and hollering. There stands CiCi, barely dressed in a lacy black negligee.

The top is a lace-cropped camisole that pushes her breasts together. A gothic cross is placed delicately in the center, dainty chains attaching it to the clasps of the bra straps on her shoulders. She has a tiny black thong on, with a garter belt attached to black tights. The ensemble is topped off with black stilettos and a black collar around her neck. My body is fighting over if my brain or my cock is going to explode through my pants, seeing her move her body like that for another man.

---