Page 85 of Dangerous Beginnings

He leans against the wall of the bathroom as he watches me with a grin.

“What?” I ask in defense. He comes closer. My breath hitches,like every single goddamn time. His thumb reaches out to wipe toothpaste off my nose. Can’t even brush my teeth like a normal person. The intimate gesture sends a shiver down my spine, and I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

“That’s embarrassing,” I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper, a sleepy smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

He walks behind me towards the big mirror in the bedroom, and I realize that either I’m extremely tiny or he is extremely tall. While I make eye contact with him in the mirror, the door downstairs suddenly opens with a loud bang. Footsteps come up the stairs as Dominik appears in the doorway, a sly smile on his face. A grin I would want to wipe off. He approaches me and squeezes my cheek, adornment in his face.

“Really Dominik? I’m not five,” I hiss irritated while rolling my eyes. It’s the makeup-free face and pajamas, I swear. I get a hold of a pillow resting on the chair next to me and before Dominik sees it coming, I slam it onto his face. He groans.

“That’s for leaving me alone in that stupid building!” His eyes widen and his finger points toward Aslanov. Of course. Irritation is visible on my face as Aslanov shrugs.

“Really?!” I yell at him as I toss the pillow at him, but he catches it. “Asshole!” He nods to Dominik, and he immediately leaves the room.

“Such foul language,” he states while striding over to me with the pillow still in hand. There is a hint of amusement in his voice. My attitude immediately backs down.

“You.” I grin through my teeth. He smiles so evil.

“Me?” He points at himself with an innocent facade. I stride back as he comes closer. He lets out a laugh before grabbing a bag and putting on a coat. I don’t have to ask what he’s going to do. Bad things, always bad things.

“I’ll be back at 4 p.m., I expect you home as well.”

I raise my eyebrow at his demand. He raises his eyebrow too.

“Of course Sir, whatever pleases you,” I reply sarcastically.

A chuckle escaped his lips as his finger brushed a strand of hair out of my face, “that is exactly what I like to hear.”

A text message pops up on my screen, it’s from Dominik.

Are we still friends?

I look into the hallway, and he pouts at me before turning the corner. A little smile forms on my lips before rolling my eyes yet again.

Sure, but you owe me.

With that, I exit his room and close the door. What to do today until 4 p.m.?

Aslanov

I stand at the window of my opulent office, peering out at the cityscape below. The sun shines, casting a glow over the streets of Moscow.

The building is tall, giving me a view of the entire city. The remainder of the power I hold in this unforgiving world yields at me.

But today, my mind is consumed by one thing: Mikhail Petrov. He’s been a constant thorn in my side, challenging my authority and disrupting my operations. With a clenched jaw, I turn away from the window, my thoughts racing with plans and strategies. Finding Petrov won’t be easy—he’s cunning and elusive—but I refuse to be outsmarted.

I gather my most trusted lieutenants, outlining our plan with a determination that brooks no argument. We’ll search every corner of the city, leaving no stone unturned until we find Petrov and bring him to justice. Tomyjustice. I know the risks involved. Confronting Petrov will likely lead to bloodshed and chaos. But I can’t allow him to continue threatening my empireunchecked. He’s been hiding in the shadows, creating his own network. It’s not nearly big enough to beat mine. Just as I sip my third morning coffee, the door opens.

“Boss,” the younger man speaks with his gaze low, “we are ready for your arrival in the basement.” Setting down my cup, I focus on the gravity of the situation. Our capture of an infiltrator from Petrov’s camp could provide more crucial intel.

“Lead the way,” I command, my voice firm with authority. Following the young man through the labyrinthine corridors, my senses sharpen as we descend into the basement. The air grows cooler, anticipation building with each step. Upon entering, my gaze falls upon the man bound to the chair, his features obscured by the shadows. I approach him, his expression unreadable as I study him for a moment. The man meets my gaze with fear, his eyes burning. Sure, he’s had a rough night. He immediately panics, and I smirk. He remembered me.

“Rough night?” I light up a cigarette as I mention towards the cage in the corner. He swallows and avoids my gaze. I slam my fist on the table in front of me, and he flinches.

“N-no,” he mumbles immediately. Today I have no time for sweet talk. I haven’t slept an hour; my patience wears thin. With a nod to my men, they move forward, seizing him and dragging him to a nearby tank filled with water. His hands bound behind his back. He starts struggling, he and I both know what time it is.

“I suggest you start talking,” I warn, my tone icy. “Or things are going to get very unpleasant for you.”

“I know nothing!” He immediately screams as my men hold him down above the tank, icy water in it. With a sigh, I gesture to my men, signaling them to drown him in the water. The man struggles against his bonds, his muffled cries echoing through the room as I watch, my resolve unyielding. I know that he will not break easily. Petrov’s men are notoriously loyal, willing to endure any torture rather than betray their leader.Unfortunately for this man, I have no patience, and he will talk.

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