Page 69 of The Don's Hidden Heir

“Find him and bring him to me tonight.” I tuck my hand inside my pockets, my breath heavy as I try not to let my anger slip through. “Clean up this mess and make sure their families are taken care of.”

***

“I heard about the attack on your warehouse,” Alexei says. He’s different from the last time I saw him.

Way too different for my liking.

He’s wearing a black tailored suit, one of his legs crossed over the other and an arrogant smirk on his lips as he sips on my expensive whiskey. There are ten men behind him, all ten looking fierce and ready to give up their lives for him.

I’m tempted to point my gun at him, just to make sure they will.

It’s been a month since he snooped around my territory. Thirty fucking days since my men captured him and brought him to me like a fucking nobody, tied up with rope.

He doesn’t seem like the same guy he was that night, though. His aura is darker and his presence commands respect. I don’t like the guy, but I must say I’m proud of him.

At any rate, I think he’s going to make on hell of an ally. That is, of course, only if he had nothing to do with the attack on warehouse. If he does, then I’ll make him food for worms tonight.

I spread my arm out on my chair and a dark smile parts my lips. We’re in the office at one of my clubs, away from the blaring music and neon lights I detest. It’s the only reason I can even muster a smile.

Those flickering lights bring me to the edge of insanity whenever I’m around them.

“Is that sympathy I sense in your voice?”

“More like a condolence. Forgive me, Mr. Romano, but my life has been hell. I sadly do not have any more sympathy to spare.” His voice is thick with a Russian accent. I hate it.

“Careful, Alexei. You’re not king yet.”

“I’m not a pauper either. I’d like to consider myself a king without a throne for now.” He takes another swig of his drink. “To what do I owe this invitation?”

“I suppose you know already. I cannot wait any longer for your answer.”

“I’m afraid I still do not have a reply to your offer yet.”

I stare at him for a moment. This little shit somehow knows how to get on my last nerve. “I understand,” I tell him. “I believe you also understand why I can’t let you walk out of here alive.”

He stills in his seat, his eyes flickering between anger and something I can’t quite place my finger on. Then an outburst of laughter trickles through his lips, thickening the air.Fucking psychopath.

“You have no sense of humor, bro. Relax, I was only joking,” he says sardonically. “You can’t be sure my father had anything to do with the attack on your warehouse.”

“I know. I won’t attack unless I’m certain, but I don’t want to wait until then.”

Alexei leans back in his chair, studying me with those sharp, calculating eyes of his. "So, Dominic, tell me, what's your plan now?"

I steeple my fingers in front of me, my gaze never leaving his. “First, I need to know if you had any involvement in the attack on my warehouse. Be honest with me, Alexei.”

He meets my gaze squarely, his smirk fading into a more serious expression. “I didn't touch your warehouse, Dominic. My grudge is with my old man, not you.”

His words hold conviction, but in our world, sincerity ca be a façade. I have to take his word for it, at least for now.

“All right,” I say, cautiously accepting his answer. “But if I find out otherwise, this alliance will crumble faster than a house of cards.”

Alexei nods, his expression grim. “I understand the stakes, Dominic.”

“Now, as for the missing shipment,” I continue, shifting the conversation back to business. “I need you to find it and retrieve it for me. It's worth a hundred million, and its loss could have far-reaching consequences.”

Alexei leans forward, his eyes narrowing with focus. “I'll do my best to track it down. My contacts should be able to help. But don't expect me to do it out of the goodness of my heart, Dominic.”

I chuckle softly. “I wouldn't expect anything less. You'll get your share, of course. But remember, we have an understanding. You won't interfere with my operations, and I won't interfere with yours.”

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