Page 58 of The Don's Hidden Heir

Four of them run to him and try to drag him back, but Alexei manages to hold them off. He kicks one in the crotch and I wince.That’s got to hurt.

Headbutting the other, he twists his arm to the back and shoves him into the other two. The fight goes on for a few more minutes before I’ve had enough.

Pulling out my gun, I cock it and point it at him. “As much as I love you see you put your talents to use, I have to get back home. My woman doesn’t like it when I’m late.”

Alexei breathes heavily. His arms twitch and I can tell he’s holding himself back from beating the other bodyguards. “I’m listening.”

Good.

“You want revenge on your father and to claim your rightful place as the head of the Bratva. I can help you.”

“In return?”

“Your father’s life will be mine, and we’ll form an alliance against our enemies.”

Alexei’s laugh echoes in the air. It’s violent and sardonic. “Your offer means nothing to me. I don’t want to be boss, I want my dignity back.”

“The only way you can do that is by taking the throne for yourself. You’ve lived a meaningless life so far, now it’s time to make something out of it.”

Alexei’s expression hardens. “And if I refuse?”

“Then you’re just another Vadim to me.”

“I’ll think about your offer and I’ll come to you. Don’t try to find me before then.” He turns his back on me and leaves.

“You’re letting him go? Just like that?” Dante asked. “What if he betrays you? That fucker could snitch to Kirill just to get on his good side.”

“He could,” I agree, rubbing my beards. “But I doubt he will.” Alexei and I are similar in a way. Neither of us fear death, and both of us would choose honor over mercy.

Marcus stands beside me, watching as Alexei disappears into the darkness. “What next?”

“Keep an eye on him. The chances are slim, but kill him if he does something stupid.”

Chapter Fifteen

Elena

Moira gapes at me. “No way Mr. Peterson is Dominic’s uncle.”

I set a plate of brownies and a glass of orange juice in front of her. “I wish it was a lie, but I don’t think Dominic and Marcus would lie about something that serious.”

Moira wraps her hand around the glass I put in front of her and gulps it down. “Orange juice, Elena? Seriously? I need whiskey to digest news like this.”

I smile and push the brownies closer to her. “You’re driving home. Remember?”

She rolls her eyes and sighs. “I can’t wait for all of this to be over. I miss our girl’s nights and watching SpongeBob with Lucas.”

I nod, I’m not really certain I want all of this to be over yet. The part about the mafia war? Yes. But the thought of being away from Dominic makes my chest constrict.

It’s been two weeks since we moved in with him, yet it feels as if we’ve been here all my life. I’m no longer uneasy around him, and I’ve learned to accept the things I cannot change.

Like him being theCapoof the Cosa Nostra.

Moira picks one of the brownies andtakes a bite. “How are things going with Dominic?”

I try to bite back a smile, but it breaks through anyway.

“What’s that?” Moira gasps.

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