Page 137 of Sinful Wrath

“No shit, but that has added some serious fuel to the fire.”

“Perhaps, but he did reveal someuseful information.”

“It better be really fucking useful considering the price we’ll have to pay for it.”

I grind my teeth as I fight the urge to snap at Alexei.

“He told me that our brother is named Lev, and he’s still alive.”

“Are you serious?”

“I’m having Rosa look into it, but he seemed like he was telling the truth. And from the sounds of it, Lev might have had a bit of a shit time, so it’s likely he’ll be willing to turn against Igor if we can get to him.”

“He’s alive…”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t get much more.” I rub at my jaw.

“It’s still a lead, which is a hell of a lot more than we had before.” He takes a deep breath, and I brace myself for a lecture, but it never comes. “I’m proud of how you handled all of this, Mikhail. You’ve really stepped up in the last few weeks. Because of you, we’re one step closer to taking Igor down.”

I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding as I allow myself to accept the praise.

“I appreciate that, Alexei.”

“It’s well deserved. Now, please go and get rid of that fucking finger.”

“I was actually just about to send it to Dimitri for safe keeping.”

“Fucking hell.” Alexei laughs. “I think Lucia has been rubbing off on you.”

“I take that as a compliment,brat.”

31

LUCIA

I never thoughtI would get to wake up beside Mikhail again.

The thought makes my eyes sting, and I snuggle closer to him, inhaling his intoxicating scent as I wrap my arms around his waist.

“Morning,kisa,” he murmurs as he tightens his arms around me. “Did you sleep?”

His voice is rich and gravelly as he rouses from sleep.

“Pretty good, considering the circumstances.” I rest my cheek on his chest. “May I ask you a question?”

“Anything,solnyshka.”

“Solnyshka, kisa,what do those words mean?”

He kisses the top of my head and smiles. “Solnyshkameans little sun, andkisameans pussycat.”

Oh, my god, no way.

I burst out laughing.

He chuckles but sounds confused. “Lucia, what is it?”

“You have been calling me pussycat this all time?”

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