Page 49 of Crown of Hate

“Maybe I’ll make you my whore, Alexei. Let’s see how well you can suck a dick.”

The room vibrates with his laughter. “Thanks for the offer, but I’d rather eat pussy and spank a fat ass. No offense, man.”

If I didn’t like Alexei, he’d be fertilizing daisies for how much he taunts me. That bastard knows I enjoy his banter, and he milks it for all it’s worth.

“Now, back to Alya,” he says, suddenly serious. “Why did you really marry her?” I know it’s not just because you needed a wife and heirs. You’ve got some sick plan brewing in that twisted mind of yours, don’t you?”

I hate it when others can read me like an open book. Most people can’t, but for some reason, Alexei made a hobby out of it, and there’s nothing I can do about it. “What makes you think so? Maybe I’m just smitten.”

He snorts. “That’s something I can believe, but it’s not reason enough. I know you, Mikhail. You don’t breathe without a plan.”

Alright, Alexei is smart, but not that smart. My gaze snaps to Semyon. “You told him?”

“Um, he asked,” Semyon mumbles, sounding like a toddler who has just been scolded.

“Fucking snitch.” I drag my attention back to Alexei. “You’ll know soon enough. Now, back to more important things. Did you confirm that Akim met Luca?”

Alexei nods, all business now. “They met in a private hangar two weeks ago.”

“So Nikolai wasn’t lying.” Interesting. I’ll make sure that bastard regrets siding with traitors like Boris and Akim.

“We should talk to Luca,” Semyon suggests. “Maybe we can flip him to our side. Ilya won’t object; it’ll benefit him too.”

I laugh, but it’s a sound devoid of humor. “And offer what?”

“We can offer him business deals. I heard they had problems with their gun dealers in Mexico. We could swoop in, give them something?—”

“I’m sure Akim’s already offered him that, plus our territory.” I lean back in my seat and think. “Talking is a waste of time. Let’s pay him a visit.”

Alexei’s eyes widen. “When?”

“Right now.” I nod to Semyon, “Get twenty men ready. We’re hitting Luca’s warehouse.”

Alexei sighs. “You’re insane.”

“I know. I wouldn’t have become Pakhan if I wasn’t.” I flash a grin.

“Are you sure this is smart?” Semyon asks, his tone laced with concern. “They’ll be expecting us.”

“Makes it even more fun.” When his forehead creases even more, I add, “They’ll be expecting us, but not today.”

They both fall silent, heavy with unspoken doubts. I can practically hear their thoughts—it’s suicide. Which, to be fair, maybe it is. But I don’t give a shit.

“Hurry up, Semyon,” I bark. “I have to get back to my wife tonight.”

I told her I wasn’t sure I’d make it home today, but I think I’ll shrivel up and die if I don’t get to see her beautiful face by tonight. Maybe I’ll spice things up and get her a rose.

I’ve never bought a woman flowers. Might as well start now.

I can see Luca’s men standing guard outside the warehouse from where my car is parked. They seem busy scanning the area for an intruder, oblivious to the hell about to rain down on them. I wonder which lucky bastard will be the first to taste my bullet.

“This is an insane plan, Mikhail,” Alexei says, tucking an extra gun into his holster. “You’re going to get us killed.”

I chuckle darkly. “We’ve been through hell and back. If I didn’t get you killed then, there’s no chance it’s happening now.”

“You’re married. Poor Semyon and I are going to die without ever tying the knot.” He twists his neck to Semyon. “Ain’t that right, Semyon?”

“You never wanted to get married, Alexei,” Semyon answers while inspecting his AK-47.

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