Page 66 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

Dominic said although Alexei was lacking, he had potential. But the man across me doesn’t look lacking in anyway. He carries himself like a mafia boss should. Cruel and arrogant. I think I like him.

He shrugs, his lips quirking into a smile. “I get that all the time.” He shifts his attention to Dominic. “Seeing as you came all the way here despite your looming war with Elio, I’m assuming you need my help.”

“I need to speak to your brother,” Dominic says. He’s always straight to the point. “He must know something useful about Elio.”

“Hmmm.” Alexei leans back in his seat, his brows lifting to his hairline. “The boy was merely a cover for Elio Valentes, I doubt he knows anything.”

Dominic frowns, clearly unimpressed with Alexei’s answer. “That is up to me to decide.”

“On the contrary, Mikhail is my brother and it’s up to me to protect him.” He reaches into the pocket of his suit and brings out a pack of cigars. “You’re also in my territory so I suggest you mind how you speak to me.”

Dominic chuckles sardonically. “Your territory? The whole of this city belongs to me, Alexei. The throne you sit on was given to you by me, don’t you dare forget it. I can take you down as quickly as I put you up there.”

Alexei lights his cigar and inhales, then he breathes out a ring of smoke. “Yet, you can’t find one man hiding in your territory without my help.” He purses his lips. “I find that amusing, Dominic.”

“We don’t have time for this shit, Alexei. Are you bringing the boy or not?” It’s obvious Alexei feeds on anger. Dominic doesn’t seem to understand that yet, but I won’t let him get me worked up. “Think carefully before you answer.”

Alexei's dark eyes flicker with amusement as he takes another drag from his cigar, the smoke curling around him like a sinister halo. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table as he regards Dominic with a calculating gaze.

“You're right, Dominic. We have a long history together and I would rather not make an enemy out of you,” Alexei says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I'll bring Mikhail to you, but on one condition.”

Dominic's brow furrows. “And what might that be?”

Alexei smirks, the corners of his lips curling into a cold, predatory grin. “You owe me a favor, Dominic. And I intend to collect it someday.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes at Alexei's arrogance. Of course, he would use this opportunity to leverage his power over Dominic. But if it means getting closer to Elio and finding a way to stop him, then I'll play along.

“Fine,” Dominic says through gritted teeth. “You have my word. Now, where's Mikhail?”

Alexei chuckles, a sound that sends a wave of fury down my spine. “I'll have him brought to you in a minute.” Picking up his phone, he makes a call in Russian.

Minutes later, the door to his office flies open and two men walk in. I recognize which of them is Mikhail from his features. He has dark hair and eyes. His jawline is sharp and his glare is filled with venom.

The boy looks at least twenty-five. He’s in good shape, as if he’s been training for combat.

“Brother,” he says, looking directly at Alexei. “You called for me.”

Alexei nods. “Our good friends here wants to know if you remember anything about Elio Valentes. Perhaps his whereabouts?”

Mikhail and Dominic stare at each other. “You look a lot better than you did the last time I saw you,” Dominic says.

“He’s in training. My brother will be my second-in-command soon and he can’t become that if he’s a weakling.”

“Interesting.” Dominic peers at Mikhail intently. “You’ll do a good job. Is there anything you can help us with.”

Mikhail looks at Alexei and Alexei nods at him to speak. “I know he smuggles diamonds out of the country.”

“Illegal diamond trade?” I ask.

Mikhail nods his head. “That is as far as I can tell. He was pretty private with his illegal businesses. But I think you can trace him if you find someone who deals in diamonds on the black-market. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help to you.”

Dominic stands to his feet. “That will help.” He glances at Alexei. “Thank you.”

***

Isabella is sitting on the bed when I get home. She’s reading a book on pediatric nursing, only dropping it when I walk to her and kiss her forehead. “How are you, amore?”

“I’m good. I didn’t want to go to sleep without you.” She pouts. “How did it go?”

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