Page 49 of Kidnapped Bratva Toy

“Ivan.” I watched the scowl on his face deepen. “This better be good.”

Chapter 20 - Pietor

Tension gnawed at my gut instantly when I saw Ivan’s contact flashing on my phone. The Unholy Trinity had one job right now, and if he was calling, that meant that he’d learned something about Emiliano’s plans.

“Your boy’s making his move soon.” Ivan’s tone was gruff and sharp as always, but the fact that he’d spared no time dicking around spoke volumes.

“When?”

I adjusted in my chair, looking straight down at the shield-like logo stamped into the center of the steering wheel.

“I don’t have an exact date yet. But,” I heard the shuffle of papers in the background and the familiar low grunt of Vlad, which was about as much as you’d get from the mute fucker, “we pulled records of shipping manifests and money transfers through his several shell corporations. He’s buying up merch and stocking cash to make a purchase.”

I squeezed my hand into a fist, doing everything I could to resist the urge to slam my hand down on the wheel. It wouldn’t do any good.

“Fuck. How much?”

“Enough to buy and stock Delerium the second it gets foreclosed on. He’ll no doubt keep it from hitting the public market, and I’m sure he’ll pay off any judge who might grant an appeal.”

“Dammit!”

My restraint failed me at that point, and I punched the dash like it’d do anything to fix this fucking problem. Billie yelped slightly beside me, and I sighed, raising my hands up on the wheel in apology.

“Thanks, Ivan. Keep digging. If anything changes, let me know.”

“Done.”

He hung up, and I set the phone back down on the charging panel in the middle of the console. Hanging my head for a moment, I turned over the ignition. The SUV roared to life, and I was quick to turn down the music that wanted to do the same. As I threw the thing in reverse, my foot pressing down on the break like it owed me something, I glanced over at Billie.

“Our timeline just expedited. But we can’t get into the club any earlier, so…” Pulling out of our parking spot, I briefly considered what would be the fastest way home, “I have exactly one way I want to spend the time. And you’re going to let me.”

Billie’s eyes flared, her cheeks darkening with a lovely shade of red. She just nodded at me for a second, but then that devious calculation in her eyes lit up, and I paused as I pulled up to the parking lot exit.

“What?” I smirked at her from across the car.

“Oh, just wondering if it’s a good idea. You might be too tired to go to the club afterward.”

Growling low, I drove forward, hanging a left toward the interstate. “I assure you, sweetheart. I have plenty of stamina for both. But excellent job setting yourself up for a punishment.”

“Bring it on, baby.”

Billie winked at me as I glanced, and a tiny part of my heart felt like it cracked open. I didn’t let people in there—not even Lev. But this remarkable woman was doing something to me.

And I was afraid that it was much too late to stop it.

***

When it was time to hit RainBooms, I fought against every urge to just find Emiliano wherever he was and beat the shit out of him. While not necessarily elegant, the solution was quicker than this blackmail and exposure nonsense, and I liked it better.

Still, I needed him gone in a way that sent a different message this time. That coming for the Vadims from any angle was a dumb fucking idea.

I slipped on my leather jacket over my black tee, which was naturally paired with a pair of ripped black jeans and combat boots—traction, of course.

“How come I’m the one who has to dress up like a glorified dildo?” Billie glared at me as she stepped out of the bathroom.

She’d borrowed a few of Parker’s things to straighten her long brown curls and swipe on some very overt makeup. The straight length of her ponytail hung in a thick line down her back, and the fuck-me red lipstick she wore was bright enough to see even in the dark club, most likely.

“As stated, darlin’.” I stalked toward her, wrapping my arms around Billie’s waist and yanking her close. “You are the eye candy. I’m just the thug.”

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