Page 67 of Ruthless Bonds

“That’s not an option.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip, glancing from the photos to my Vors, then back to me.

“What is it,kotic?” I trailed my fingers along the inside of her thigh, a subtle reminder of who she belonged to. She grabbed my wrist, giving me a warning look.

“I’ve been here.” She held up a photo of one of the abandoned buildings. “I did a photography project on abandoned buildings, and—”

“Miss Wolfe,” Cheslav interrupted, “we’re dealing with a time-sensitive—”

I raised my hand for silence, making sure all eyes were on me. “The next person who interrupts my fiancée will find out how difficult it is to run their operations without a tongue.”

The room stilled, my captains’ faces carefully blank. They knew me well enough to know I didn’t make idle threats. They might be my local captains, but I would not stand for insubordination.

Alora tensed in my lap. I rubbed my hand up her back, attempting to let her know not to be afraid.

“Continue,kotic,” I murmured, my voice softening only for her. “Tell us what you know.”

They needed to see what I saw. That she wasn’t just another woman hanging on my arm, wasn’t just a pretty decoration. She was their future queen, and they needed to start treating her as such.

She cleared her throat, glancing around the room. “I’m sure in your line of work you’re aware of the network of tunnels beneath the city.” Everyone in the room nodded. We were aware, but none were an option at this point.

“Well, it’s not the only one.” Her fingers traced the outline of the building in the photograph. “During Prohibition, they built another system. It was deeper, more hidden. You can’t find it on any official city maps. But some tunnels even connect to the subway maintenance systems.”

“I’ve never heard of this,” Leonis scoffed, then caught himself as I narrowed my eyes at him. “Not saying you’re lying, Miss Wolfe.”

She laughed softly, leaning forward on the table. Her ass was pressed perfectly into my lap, and I wanted nothing more than to lift her pretty blue dress andclaim her as mine.

“I’m not lying, Leonis. I’ve been there. Photographed every inch of those tunnels. Would you like to see?” There was a smug satisfaction in her tone, and I chuckled.

This. This was what she needed—what I had been waiting for. For her to realize that she belonged right here.

“Call Alexi,” I ordered. “If anyone can verify this, it will be his grandfather.”

Cheslav pulled out his phone, stepping into the hallway to make the call. Leonis and Ezo stared at Alora intently, as if actually seeing her for the first time. I settled my hand possessively on her hip, tugging her to me.

“Look at you,kotic. You might have just stopped a war from breaking out,” I murmured.

Goosebumps erupted across her skin as my lips brushed across her ear. Suddenly, I didn’t care about the money, the guns, or the fucking tunnels. I just wanted everyone out of this room so I could devour her.

But my plan was ruined moments later when Cheslav burst back into the room, his eyes bright with excitement. “It’s been confirmed.”

Ezo relaxed in his seat, letting out a wolfish whistle. “Beautifulandsmart.” He grinned at Alora.

I narrowed my eyes, which only made him chuckle. He was lucky I needed him and his skills, otherwise I would have gouged his eyes out for daring to even look at her in such a way. As if sensing my anger, Alora leaned back and wrapped her arm around my shoulders.

We spent the next two hours working on a newsecure route. Alora showed us her old photographs on her camera, pointing out specific access points that could work. Her knowledge of the tunnels was impressive, even which ones were more structurally sound than the others. With enough details ironed out, I dismissed the three men.

Alora stretched her arms over her head, a yawn escaping her lips. My poor kitten must have been exhausted after such a long day. I’d love nothing more than to help her unwind. But I had a surprise that I couldn’t wait to show her.

“Oh! I almost forgot.” She grabbed one of her shopping bags and pulled out a pastry box. As she opened the lid, the rich scent of chocolate filled the air. “I know you’re not big on sweets, but this—this is the closest thing to perfection I’ve found.” She unwrapped a fork, and put a small piece of the cake on it.

I wanted to tell her that she was the closest thing to perfection, but I knew she wanted me to try the cake. She held the fork up, and I parted my lips, letting her feed me. It was rich and velvety, and I hummed in approval.

I took the fork, offering her a bite in return. Her moan of pleasure sent heat coursing through my veins. All I wanted in that moment was to push everything off the table—the maps, photos, and the cake—and feast on her for dessert instead.

“When I was little,” she murmured, her eyes closing, “every Sunday, Mom would take me and Jameson to this tiny bakery down the block. It was called Piece of Heaven. Their chocolate cake was more than just good, it was the best I’d ever had. It was one of my favorite traditions. But then Jameson died, and itdidn’t feel right going without him. They closed not too long after that, anyway. I’ve been chasing that taste ever since. This is the closest I’ve found.”

Watching her get lost in the memory, I made a mental note. If that recipe existed anywhere on this planet, I would find it. My queen deserved it.

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