Page 28 of Between Power and Passion

The scuff of boots on concrete cuts off my retort. Three figures emerge from the shadows, two burly men flanking a wiry older guy with graying hair and sharp eyes. He smiles as his gaze lands on me, crinkling the deep lines etched into his weathered face.

"Well, I'll be damned," he rasps, clapping me on the back with a calloused hand. "Little Dmitri Ivanov, all grown into a man. Should've kept in touch after what happened with your old man."

My muscles tense at the mention of my father, but I force a thin smile. "Micah. I didn't expect to see you again after you went underground."

Micah shrugs, leaning casually against the wall beside me. "I had to disappear for a while after Sergei's goons came sniffing around. That snake couldn't stand having loose ends."

The bitterness in his voice mirrors the anger burning in my gut. I meet Micah's steely gaze, letting the momentary silence stretch taut between us. His words ring true—Sergei has a vicious streak when it comes to loose ends.

"We have a common enemy," I say finally. "And I aim to make Sergei Makarov pay for what he did to my family... I need your help."

Micah meets my stare, giving a slow nod. "You know, I've been looking to settle the score with that snake for years. Got some plans brewing, but..." He shrugs, the dim light casting deep shadows across his lined face. "Never could get close enough to make an impact."

A muscle ticks in my jaw as I consider Micah as an ally. With Mikhail now in league with Sergei, we're facing even greater obstacles. I curl my fingers into a fist, nails biting into my palm.

"Mikhail Kozlov is working with Sergei," I grit out, watching his expression harden.

"Ah, shit." He exhales a breath. "That crazy bastard is about as ruthless as they come. We may not stand a chance if he's involved."

I shake my head, shoving aside the flicker of doubt. "I can't stop now. I'll see this through to the end if it's the last thing I do." My voice is low, fueled by a simmering rage that has burned for years. "I'll bring down their entire empire to get justice."

Micah studies me for a moment before giving a solemn nod of understanding. "So, what's the connection between Sergei and Mikhail? They joining forces against a common enemy?"

"Mikhail is set to marry Sergei's daughter, Valentina." I nearly choke on her name as memories flicker of stolen moments under the oak tree's shadow, of a life I can never have.

A harsh bark of laughter startles me from my reverie. Micah shakes his head, a humorless grin twisting his weathered features. "I'm not surprised that soulless bastard is ready to give his own daughter over to the devil if it means expanding his reach."

Micah eyes me appraisingly, giving a slow nod. "So, what's the plan then? You got something cooking to bring those snakes down once and for all?"

I straighten, meeting his intense stare head-on. "I plan to hit Sergei where it hurts, his pockets and his pride. I’m going to cripple his operations from the inside out before going for the kill."

Micah strokes his whiskered chin, contemplating my words. "I've got some capable boys ready to run when you give the word," he says slowly. "But I can't get too directly involved. Not if it means ending up on Mikhail's bad side should things go south." His gaze is apologetic but resolute.

Anger flares within me at his reserve. I open my mouth, ready to snap, but Alexei's firm hand on my arm stops me. I inhale a sharp breath, reining in my temper with an effort.

"Your men will be enough," I say, each word clipped. "Just point me in the right direction, old man."

Micah holds up placating hands. "Easy, kid. I want to see Sergei taken down as much as you do." His expression turns grave. "But you gotta understand. Mikhail's a whole different breed of vicious. If you've got a chance to back off, to walk away..." He shakes his graying head. "You'd be a fool not to take it."

I slam my fist against the crumbling bricks, sending a small shower of dust and debris raining down. "I can't stop," I snarl. "Not until I've made Sergei pay for what he did to my family. To me." My eyes blaze with a promise of violence. "I'll see this through to the bitter end if I have to tear down their entire empire with my bare hands."

Micah holds my furious stare for a tense moment before giving a solemn nod of acceptance. "Alright then. I'll have my men ready to meet you in two days' time." He extends a hand, gripping my forearm firmly. "For old times' sake, Dmitri. And for your old man."

I return the warrior's clasp, feeling the weight of his words, of this commitment. "Two days," I echo grimly. "And may God have mercy on anyone who gets in my way."

With that, Micah slips back into the shadows, leaving Alexei and me alone in the deserted alley once more. I eye Alexei skeptically as we linger there.

"You think we can trust that old fox Micah to hold up his end?"

Alexei shrugs, his casual demeanor a stark contrast to the tension thrumming through my veins. "He seemed genuine enough about wanting payback on Sergei. We'll just have to see if his men deliver."

I grunt a non-committal response, jaw clenched. My mind is already moving ahead, forging other plans in case Micah's support falls through. A heavy silence stretches between us before Alexei breaks it with a sly grin.

"Speaking of payback..." He bumps my shoulder conspiratorially. "How's our lovely Valentina holding up these days?"

With a look, I let him know I’m not going to engage, but he merely chuckles, undeterred.

"What? You two are practically sleeping in the same bed. Might as well ask the man who gets a front-row seat to the drama."

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