Page 36 of Use Me, Daddy

Notyet.

She was far too stubborn, too independent, and strong willed to simply give in like that. And maybe that’s exactly what drew me to her—the challenge, the fire that flared up whenever she met my gaze.

But I knew better than to get lost in that kind of thinking. There was too much at stake, too many pieces on the board that needed my focus. I shook my head. I couldn’t be thinking like that. I shouldn’t be. I didn’t even know what Amy and I were yet.

Hell, I was still figuring it out.

I leaned back in my chair and turned my attention to my brothers, who were waiting, eyes sharp and expectant. The Iron Wolf was quieter now, just the five of us in the back corner booth.

Maxim drummed his fingers on the table, breaking the silence. “Let’s talk more specifics. We’ve got a problem at the docks,” he said, his voice low and measured. “The Orlovs are slipping in shipments under our noses. They’ve bribed a couple of our contacts, and now we’re losing control of a section that should be ours.”

“Not just the docks,” Sergei added, his green eyes narrowing. “I intercepted a message from one of their informants. They’re trying to strong-arm the Brattle Street clubs into cutting us out. They think they can siphon off our revenue streams quietly, hoping we won’t notice until it’s too late.”

Nikolai slammed his fist on the table, making the glasses rattle. “Let me handle it,” he growled. “I’ll make sure they understand that Boston belongs to us.”

“Nikolai,” Ivan said, adjusting his glasses with a calm precision that contrasted sharply with Nikolai’s outburst, “going in guns blazing is exactly what they want. We need to play this smart. If they’re moving into our territory, it means they’re confident. We need to find out why.”

Maxim nodded, his eyes flicking between us. “Ivan’s right. The Orlovs are testing us, seeing how far they can push before we push back. But they’re not just after territory—they’re trying to weaken us by causing chaos. We need to strike strategically.”

I took a slow breath, forcing myself to focus. Amy was still dancing around in the back of my mind, her dark eyes challenging me, but right now, I had to lock that away.

I had to focus on business.

“What’s their angle at the docks?” I asked, leaning forward. “If they’re getting shipments through, someone on the inside is looking the other way. We need to know who’s been bought.”

“I’ve already got our people looking into it,” Sergei said. “I’ll turn up the pressure, make a few examples if I have to.”

Maxim turned to me, his expression more serious than usual. “And what about the gallery, Aleksei? You’re sure it’s secure? The auction the other night drew a lot of eyes.”

I nodded. “I’m going to double security, and I’ve got men on the floor for every event. The Orlovs might try to disrupt things, but they’ll have to get past me first.” I paused. “If they’re planning anything, I’ll handle it.”

Ivan leaned back, studying me over the rim of his glass. “It’s not just about handling it, brother. We need to send a message that we’re not to be fucked with. If Mikhail Orlov thinks he can poach our clients and disrupt our operations, we need to remind him that he’s playing with fire.”

Nikolai grinned, cracking his knuckles. “Let me pay a visit to his men. Nothing too flashy—just a little reminder that this city is ours.”

Maxim held up a hand. “No unnecessary bloodshed. Not yet at least.”

I watched them strategize a bit more, my brothers each playing to their strengths—Maxim with his calculated ruthlessness, Ivanwith his analytical mind, Sergei with his silent efficiency, and Nikolai with his raw, unfiltered aggression. And yet, even in the midst of planning our next move against the Orlovs, my mind kept drifting back to her.

Amy.

The thought of her being caught in the crossfire sent a jolt of something I didn’t want to name through me. If anyone even dared to touch her, I’d tear them limb from limb.

“Let’s make one thing clear,” I said, my voice cutting through the low hum of conversation. “If the Orlovs want a fight, we’ll give them one, but it’s going to be on our terms.”

Maxim gave me a long, searching look. “And if they come after something—orsomeone—important to you?”

I met his gaze steadily. “Then they’d better be prepared to lose everything.”

There was a beat of silence before Nikolai let out a bark of laughter. “That’s the spirit, little brother. Let’s show them what happens when you mess with the Morozovs.”

Maxim stood up, signaling that the conversation was over. “Then it’s settled. We each know our part. Handle your territories, and let’s remind the Orlovs who they’re dealing with.”

CHAPTER 13

Amy

“The next time you come for me, it won’t be my thumb buried deep inside your bright red little ass. It’ll be my cock.”

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