Page 89 of Use Me, Daddy

“They’ll be here within the hour,” she said confidently. “Maxim doesn’t waste time, especially when it comes to family.”

The words made my chest tighten.

Ada placed a hand on my shoulder, her grip firm but not unkind. “Don’t worry, darling. With the Morozovs and us working together, the Orlovs don’t stand a chance.”

I nodded, although the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen. I wasn’t just worried about Aleksei’s safety—I was worried about what they might do to him before we got there.

“They’re here,” Ada said, pulling the door open just as four imposing men stepped out of two sleek black SUVs.

One of them, the tallest with sharp steel-blue eyes and a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward first. His gaze swept the room before landing on me, and for a moment, I felt like I was under a microscope.

“Where is she?” he asked, his voice low and clipped.

Ada nodded toward me, and he approached, his expression unreadable. His presence was overwhelming, his shoulders broad, his movements deliberate.

“You’re Amy,” he said, more of a statement than a question.

“Yes,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

“Maxim,” he said, offering a curt nod. “I’m Aleksei’s eldest brother.”

Behind him, the others followed. A man with dark, messy hair and glasses stepped forward next, his expression sharp and thoughtful.

“Ivan,” he said, his voice softer but no less commanding. “Aleksei’s mentioned you.”

My cheeks flushed, but I didn’t have time to dwell on what he said before the next one stepped forward. He was broad and stoic, his salt-and-pepper hair cropped short, and a scar notched his left ear. His piercing green eyes assessed me quickly, like he was sizing me up.

“Sergei,” he said simply, his voice deep and deliberate. “I’m the one who makes sure everyone stays alive. Including you.”

The last one, younger than the rest but no less intimidating, stepped forward with a confident smirk. He was built like a tank, tattoos peeking out from the cuffs of his sleeves, and his striking blue eyes held a hint of mischief.

“Nikolai,” he said, crossing his arms as his smirk widened. “The fun one.”

“Fun?” Sergei muttered under his breath. “You’re a liability.”

Nikolai shrugged, unbothered.

Ada stepped forward, her tone cutting through the tension. “Now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s get down to business.”

Maxim nodded, his sharp gaze shifting back to me. “Tell me what happened.”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I recounted everything—the meeting with Santini, the ambush, Aleksei’s capture. The brothers listened intently, their expressions hardening with every word.

When I finished, Ada spoke. “We’ve got leads,” she said. “Chatter about an Orlov safehouse on the docks. If he’s alive, that’s where they’re holding him.”

“Alive isn’t a question,” Sergei growled, his green eyes flashing. “He’s alive. Period.”

Shane stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll take two cars—my men and yours. Ada and I will coordinate onsite. But we need to move now. The longer we wait, the less leverage we have.”

Maxim turned to me, his expression softening slightly. “You’re staying here.”

“No,” I said immediately, surprising even myself with the strength in my voice.

All four brothers turned to look at me, their brows raised in unison.

“I’m going,” I said firmly. “I was there. I can help.”

“You’ll slow us down,” Sergei said bluntly, crossing his arms.

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