Page 43 of Caged

The call goes directly to voicemail. Cussing, I throw my phone at the wall where it clatters down to the tile floor.

“Is everything okay?” Melissa steps out of the hall and glances at the cell still spinning where it fell.

“I can’t get a hold of Svetlana, and I need to go to a meeting. You said she was mad when she left? Did she say if she was coming back?” I trudge over and pick it up.

At least I didn’t break it.

“No. She was actually quite mean to Elena when she was playing dress-up. When I said something, she started rattling off in another language at me and then stomped out.” She hugs her arms around her waist, watching me.

“Russian.” That sounds like her.

I know she has some very traditional values, but I didn’t think she was being mean to Elena.

Maybe it’s best that she doesn’t come back.

But, now what the hell do I do?

“If it’s super important, I can hang out with her. I picked up some things with the money you gave me, and a phone.” She holds her palm out. “Give me yours, I’ll put the number in.”

“Fine, here. You wouldn’t mind? It’d just be for a few hours. I can find someone new starting tomorrow.” I slump back into the couch.

Why is this all so complicated?

I’d rather settle a brawl than interview babysitters.

It took forever to find Svetlana. Most of the women I talked to before her were looking more at me than Elena.

The tinge of possessiveness that Melissa had when talking about Elena is already a better option.

It makes my nuts tingle that she fought for my daughter.

Perhaps I’ve underestimated this American.

She hands me back my iPhone. “You can call any time to check in.”

Grunting, I toss it into my pocket. “I’ll have some men on standby if you need them. They’re shit with children, but can keep you safe.”

Her lower lip trembles. “Thank you.”

If only she didn’t cry so much. It quenches that fire in her.

“So tell me more about what happened at the club.” Mikhail’s eyes crinkle at the corners.

I’m guessing he’s smiling beneath his mask.

“Are you going to share?” Jax asks Alexei from the couch.

Alexei giggles. “I got the important stuff, didn’t I?” He rattles a piece of hard candy behind his teeth.

I think he’s imitating what Jax does with his tongue bar.

“We need to find this mystery biker.” Mikhail leans forward putting his elbows on his desk. “And, we have confirmation that Kirill is here. This is big.”

“Maybe we can use the diamonds to lure him out. Set up a drop?” I am getting tired of this cat and mouse game. If we use the bait we already have, I’m sure it will draw out Kirill and Knox.

Perhaps we can kill them both with one stone.

Mikhail nods. “Yes. It’s time that they move. We will set up a leak.” He swings his dark eyes to Alexei. “I want you to go out and spread the word that we’ll have the diamonds at the Grand Stand Bar next Saturday.”

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