Page 58 of Deadly Protector
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Energy buzzed through Dimitri as he stepped into the restaurant with Viktor and Lyosha. It was a small diner, one Irene owned and frequented.
The place was quaint and the prices were low. It surprised him that Irene owned the place, let alone ate here frequently, because it was basically a dive—with incredible food. But he knew she’d come from nothing, had clawed her way to where she was now. If he had to guess, the place had sentimental value to her.
Lyosha went to the countertop and ordered a coffee while Dimitri stayed with Viktor, striding right up to Irene’s booth.
Two men stepped in front of them to intervene, but Irene simply said, “They’re fine.” She eyed them curiously, her gaze lingering on Viktor for a long moment, clearly assessing him. “This is a surprise.” Her tone was neutral as Viktor, then Dimitri slid in on the opposite side of the red Naugahyde booth.
“It shouldn’t be. You thought you could take one of my people for a job and not run it by me? Not ask for permission?” Viktor’s voice was low, even, and for anyone who knew him, that was a bad thing.
Irene flicked a glance at Dimitri, then looked back at Viktor. She was in a pale pink Chanel suit, a strand of pearls around her slim neck. And the pulse in her neck kicked up. “You left the business long ago. It was my understanding he was a free agent.”
Viktor was silent for a long moment, those ice-blue eyes staring at her with pure anger. He wasn’t hiding who he was today. Gone was the man who’d picked up his daughter this morning and kissed her little tummy until she dissolved into giggles. This was the man Dimitri had known long ago. And he was pissed. “Dimitri will always be one of my people, and if you think I’ve gone anywhere, you’re stupid. And I know you’re not stupid. Which leaves me with only one conclusion.”
Irene cleared her throat. “If you’re looking for his cut—”
“Be. Quiet.” Viktor’s voice was so low now it was a rumble in his throat.
Irene’s two men stepped forward slightly, pushing off the countertop where they’d been lounging in front of their coffees. She held up a hand, stilled them.
“I don’t want a cut. I don’t want anything from you—except that you leave my people alone. Dimitri is one of mine and he always will be. If anything happens to him, or anyone he cares about, you’re the first person I’ll come for. If anything happens at one of his businesses, the same applies. If your nephew does something stupid, you will be held responsible for his actions.”
“This is just a misunderstanding,” Irene murmured. Her expression and tone were neutral, but there was fear in her eyes. She couldn’t hide it.
“I don’t think it is. And I know it wasn’t a misunderstanding when your nephew pulled a weapon on Lizzy Caldwell.”
Irene went very still at that, her nostrils flaring. “What?”
Viktor’s mouth curved up, all predator now. “He didn’t tell you?” He jerked a thumb behind him to the opposite side of the diner. “Her husband Porter is over there with his brothers. Their father is waiting in the parking lot.”
Irene cleared her throat once, twice, and for the first time since Dimitri had known her, she looked unsure of herself. She licked her lips, an out of character nervous action. “I was not aware of this. When did it happen? And is Mrs. Caldwell okay?”
“She’s unharmed. Which is the only reason your nephew is still breathing.”
Irene glanced around him and Viktor, paled when she saw Viktor had spoken the truth about those sitting across the diner. Yeah, she didn’t want to make enemies of the Caldwell family. They were powerful, had reach well beyond Miami. “What do you want from me?” she finally asked, straightening in her seat. She might be worried now, but she was hiding it well enough.
“To stay away from my people.” Viktor squeezed Dimitri’s shoulder once. “From anyone who has any connections to Red Stone Security. And to make sure your nephew never steps foot in this city again. If I get a whiff—”
“He won’t.” Her words were whiplash sharp. “He will not be a problem for you,” she said, looking at Dimitri. “Or anyone in your life. He will never return to Miami. You have my word. I will personally take care of him, and if there are amends to make, I will make them.” She flicked a glance behind them again.
“If you need to, I’m sure the Caldwells will reach out. As far as I’m concerned, we’re good if you keep your family in line and stay away from me and mine.”
Irene held out her hand, shook Viktor’s once, then nodded politely at Dimitri.
Dimitri nodded back, then said, “The woman from the job last night?” He didn’t even know her real name, but he’d liked her.
“What about her?”
“She’s off-limits now too. Stay away from her.”
Irene gritted her teeth, very much looked like she wanted to argue, but finally nodded. “Done.”
Dimitri slid out of the booth, made his way to the glass door with Viktor and Lyosha. The Caldwells dropped a few bills on their own table, then stood and left as well. Though Porter lingered, eyed Irene for a very long moment. No one in the place said a word as they all cleared out.
Dimitri didn’t talk again until he was in Viktor’s SUV. “That went well.”
Viktor turned to look at him from the front passenger seat as Lyosha steered out of the parking lot. “It did. Who was the woman from last night?”
