Page 20 of Brutal Promise

I walk around the car, looking for anything suspicious. I bet someone touched it to fuck with me. City life feels more like an urban jungle between the car alarms, the sirens of the police, and the wails of ambulances. It’s a constant noise that makes me miss my home in Russia.

Kirill looks around for his men.

“Fuck.” He gets on his phone and calls Tito to see where everyone is. They reply that they were diverted from Alena’s detail. “What the hell is going on, Tito? I want you to get men here now. I’m not leaving until someone shows up. Better yet, find out who decided this because her father will be pissed, and there will be hell to pay.” Kirill is livid. “I need a smoke. This has never happened.”

He pulls a pack of cigarettes from his leather jacket and puts one in his mouth. He offers me one, and I decline. It’s a habit I gave up a long time ago, and I’m only tempted when I’m around others smoking. Besides, I’d rather be tasting the sweetness of Izzy’s pussy than an ashtray.

“What now?”

He lights his cigarette, blows out smoke, and we square off, eye to eye. “We’ve been compromised somehow. That’s my take. You?”

“Same. What would be the motive?”

“No clue. It’s the first I’m learning of the situation. We know Izzy was followed this week. Alena mentioned it to me, so we increased security. She’s Mikhail’s daughter, but the don has children who live at his compound on Long Island. It’s off the beaten path, but they are more likely to be kidnapped to obtain information on the elusive don. What would anyone want with Alena or Izzy?” He nods his head in the direction of the apartment building.

“No clue, but we need to get to work, and we can’t leave until someone is here with them. Do you trust the men who will show up?”

Finished with his smoke, Kirill drops the butt on the ground and grinds it out with his shoe. “Probably not. I’m sorry, I had no idea shit was brewing before you got here. But I’m glad you’re here. You’ve been up the food chain and are more adept at the political game.”

“Well—”

“Oh, yeah. What the fuck happened last night?” Kirill perks up in anticipation of details.

“That’s off limits.”

His face falls in disappointment, and I can’t help but feel bad for him. “Fine. She’s fucking amazing, but I can’t be distracted.”

“Oh, I know you. All work and no fun makes you a fucking drag most of the time.”

I kick at the weeds growing through the cracked sidewalk. I pretend to look at my military boots and sneak a peek at the men on the curb.

Kirill gives a slight shake of his head. “They’re playing it cool. I don’t think we can leave the girls. Alena has to go to her father’s until we resolve this. I doubt Izzy has anywhere to go.”

“She’s pretty much alone,” I agree. “Did you know about the tattoo on her wrist?”

“I’ve seen it when I visited the flat, once when it wasn’t covered. I’ve only been there a few times.” He adds the last part to let me know he’s not banging Alena.

“Is she honest?”

“Sure, never caught her in a lie. Why?”

“Something’s off. I don’t buy her innocent act. We need to get on top of the situation—the money that’s missing and the men following the girls. It’s difficult for me to trust strangers, you know how I am.”

“I do. I think Izzy is honest.” He paces the sidewalk. “Maybe we can park the girls at Mikhail’s brownstone. They won’t be happy about it.”

“Safety comes before happiness,” I snap.

“Huh, I thought you said it was just a fling. You’re acting more like a lion protecting his mate.” His face breaks out in a smirk.

“I don’t fall for women. You know that.”

“Yeah, sorry about that, by the way.”

I nod.

“Let’s get the girls. We can’t leave them as sitting ducks. You need information from Izzy, so you drive her. I’ll take Alena to her dad’s and meet you both at the flat. Just make sure you guys are dressed.” I don’t miss the smirk on his face.

“It will be noon soon, so make it one o’clock?” I reply and ignore his slight. He doesn’t think I can keep my hands off Izzy.

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