Page 70 of Wicked Embers

I tell myself it’s safer under Radomir’s protection, especially if I’m in danger. But the truth is clear—I’m not just under his protection. I’m under his spell—and right where I want to be—for now!

Chapter 26

RADOMIR

Gunner’s voice drones on, but I’m barely listening.

“Olive hasn’t said a word worth a damn. All she keeps repeating is that the Molchanov, Mirochin, and Fabri time is coming to an end. That soon, a new king will rise in Vegas and all the other territories you bastards rule—sponsored by two of the most powerful corporations in the world.”

I frown, my chest tightening. My eyes snap to him, but my thoughts are spinning. Olive’s cryptic words rattle me, and I don’t like feeling unsettled. Who is this new rising king? How has he managed to infiltrate mine and my cousins organizations. That’s the part that sticks.

Nikolas? My gut says no. If he’s involved at all, it doesn’t make sense for him to answer to anyone—let alone someone with power to rival ours. Olive had said king, not queen.

I clench my jaw, pushing the thought aside for now.

Movement catches my attention. Across the room, Oleksi steps toward Gavriil, who’s standing with Tara, Sabrina, and Leigh. The conversation looks harmless, but Leigh’s reaction isn’t.

She stiffens. Fear radiates off her, pale and unmistakable, as she inches away from Oleksi’s towering form. She’s terrified of him. I noticed it earlier, too, but now it gnaws at me. Why Oleksi? Why my cousin?

“Boss?” Fredrik’s voice pulls me back. He claps a hand on my shoulder, a smug grin in place. “Congratulations. It’s about damn time you put a ring on that firecracker. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Fredrik,” I warn, my voice clipped.

“Relax,” he chuckles. “She’s a handful, but a beautiful one. You’ve outdone yourself.”

I nod absently, scanning the room again.

Dolph joins us then, all business. “We need to talk about the replenishment plans for those shipments that were hit.”

I make a noncommittal grunt, already losing interest. “Tomorrow.”

Dolph narrows his eyes but doesn’t argue. “Fine. Tomorrow.”

“Where’s Viktor?” I ask, suddenly aware of his absence. I haven’t seen him once today, which isn’t like him.

“With Judy,” Dolph answers. “She’s trying to root out any more traitors. Viktor’s helping.”

Satisfied, I nod, my focus shifting back to Leigh.

She hugs Sabrina first, then Tara, murmuring something I can’t hear. Her face softens, her shoulders relax, but then she excuses herself briskly and leaves the room. Tracy falls into step beside her.

My fists clench as I watch her go.

I turn and make my way toward Oleksi and Gavriil, ignoring whatever business they’re eager to discuss. “We’ll do this tomorrow afternoon,” I cut them off. “I need a word with Sabrina.”

They nod and drift away, leaving me alone with Sabrina.

Her dress is scarlet, not black, and I raise a brow. “Scarlet, Sabrina? I thought you were going to wear black?”

She grins, sly as always. “I’m wearing red because my heart bleeds for my best friend.”

Despite myself, I laugh. “You’re insufferable.”

“Thank you.”

I let the smile fade. “Leigh’s had episodes today.”

The humor drops from Sabrina’s face. “What kind of episodes?”

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