“What is going on?” Anton asked, raising his voice and his eyebrows. “What do you want us to do?”
Rubbing my chin, I grinned. “They want to harm us. But I think we could give them a run for their money, don’t you agree?” My tone was cold and ruthless. Akim pulled his face into a knot and Abram shook a tad as if a shiver had run throughhim. “I want you to find out who they are dealing with. We must hit them hard. To do so, it is time to take their clients. Can you handle that?”
Akim, Abram, and Anton stared at me. “What will you be doing while we handle business? It’s been a while since you’ve gotten your hands dirty?” Anton questioned.
I let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, brother, don’t worry. I’ll be handling our partners and finding the traitor.” I loved how Anton could get concerned so quickly. Glancing at Tasha, I realized she had never seen this side of me. She had been too young to be involved in such matters. Akim had heard the stories Anton told him. Even though he had not witnessed it, he had an idea.
The last time we took drastic measures was about eight years back. She was still a teenager and wasn’t part of the operations. “Am I going to meet the monster I’ve heard about growing up?” Tasha asked jokingly.
“Not if I can help it,” I replied. “Let’s grab lunch, as I also need to discuss things with Mila. But after lunch, the three of you should get moving.” My brothers nodded as they rose, and we headed down. We had lunch outside. Once we were done, my brothers left.
Neither Mila nor Tasha knew what I was capable of. I didn’t want to shock them, but had to prepare them. “Ladies,” I said as soon as we were alone. “We are being threatened, as you know. I have a past that is hidden. But with this threat, I might have to bring out a part of me I have buried.”
Mila and Tasha looked at each other, then Tasha spoke up. “We can assist. I know we can find the leak. Give us a chance.”
“This could get dangerous, and I would prefer you two stay out of it,” I added, giving Tasha a stern look.
“We are good at what we do, you know that. Let us help the family,” Mila added. “As long as it doesn’t involve the Morozov family, I am game for any move you have to make.”
“Okay,” I said, giving in. “Today you do the hacking; if you find something, relay the information to Anton and Abram.”
Mila stood sharply as she spoke. “Aleksandr, I know how Bratva families work; I can prove more valuable with Anton and Abram.”
Shaking my head, I inhaled sharply and closed my eyes. “Abram,” I huffed. “If you see the slightest inclination of trouble, you get her out. Do you hear me?”
I watched as Abram nodded. Turning to Anton, I continued. “I know you’re my go-to man. But I am asking, hear her out, listen don’t just dismiss.”
Anton nodded reluctantly, but I knew he would follow orders. Turning to Mila, I had to take another deep breath to calm my racing heart. I didn’t want to let her go. But I knew she could be valuable. “You will follow Anton’s orders. If things heat up, you go with Abram, okay?”
Mila sighed but nodded in agreement. “Right,” I continued. “Mila and Tasha will pull the building plans and find a safe way in and out. This afternoon, you head in. Make sure all the earpieces and mics, as well as the cameras, are working. Each of you will be wearing one. That is not optional.”
Anton and Abram smiled at each other and left. I knew they would ensure everything worked. Pulling Mila into my arms, I held her tightly. “Please be careful, don’t take chances. I don’t want any harm to come to you.”
She smiled and kissed my cheek. I didn’t want to let her go. I wanted to stand here and hold her forever. But I knew with my brothers, she would be safe. “Right, let’s get to work,” I said, stepping back.
I watched as Mila left to find Tasha and formulate a plan. There wasn’t much time, but they would get it done. Picking up the phone, I dialed Prim. He was one of our weapons dealers. He had recently done some trades with Jason. I wanted to find out how things went. I had to confirm if Jason was still trustworthy.
Prim was at his usual hangout and ready to see me. Wasting no time, I jumped in the car and headed over. The meeting didn’t take long as Prim knew why I came. “Jason is a snake, better watch your back,” Prim said after I asked him what he thought about Jason.
“Thanks, good to know. I’ve got to run, but we’ll catch up soon, okay?” I said, heading back out again.
Driving home, I knew I would have to call a meeting with Jason. I had to send a warning. I decided that would be our next step as I pulled up to the mansion.
Back in my office, I watched the video feed. The three had just pulled into an upper-class parking lot. “So, how did your meeting go?” Anton enquired.
“Not now, concentrate on the job at hand.” I huffed.
“You think you can persuade the dealer to switch sides?” Anton asked Mila.
“I can,” she replied, smiling. “You giving me the chance?”
“Not yet,” Anton replied sharply. “We’ll see after this.”
“Who have you reached out to?” I interrupted, noticing the tension between them.
“First, we have a kingpin, then a gun dealer, and lastly, there is a guy we’ve never met who trades in exotics.” Abram relayed.
Thinking quickly, I gave instructions. “Anton will deal with the kingpin. Abram, you take the gun dealer. Then let Mila speak to the tradesman.”