Page 21 of Destroyer

"I do not want it. I have a life here. I am happy, but I thank you for the offer."

"Well, if you do ever find yourself in need of anything, I am only ever at the end of the phone."

"Thank you, uncle." I hang up and turn my watery eyes away from Gregory.

Gregory pulls the phone from my hand, hugging me into him. I'm not sure if he thinks speaking to my uncle should make me sad or remembering the face who fed me. I'm not sure how I feel right now.

My biological family was helping my mum survive on the street.

All she had to do in order to regain her life as a mafia princess was to go back, and yet they actively made it comfortable for her to remain away. Maybe not comfortable, bearable is a more accurate word.

"You don't need to tell me what he said, but I'm here if you want to talk. Even if you want to speak Romanian, so I don't understand." Gregory smiles kindly with his offer.

"There are so many things I want." All my big bad plans that Gavriil told me to never do. "I can topple everything with what I know."

"You should. I'm more than happy to help you topple any and all criminal families in this or any other country."

"My plan would topple all three families who have dared to control my life."

Gavriil was the only other soul who knew my crazy idea. I know enough about the three mafia families to take them all down from the inside.

"Do it," Gregory grins, an evil glint in his eye. “But add our father to that, and I'll help you every step of the way.”

Very well. I shall.

Chapter fourteen

Caeo

IdriveNicohomewith the words on my tongue, never making it past my lips. Knox and I have a plan, but we need Nico's help. His wonderful acting skills are being called upon.

"Nico," I begin.

"Just say it. Whatever you want from me, I shall call it punishment for not telling you about Paul." Nico pulls his legs up on the seat, tucking his knees under his chin.

"What makes you think it's bad?"

"You have wanted all the way home to tell me." Nico shrugs. "Not would it worry you if it was good."

"Knox has a plan to spy on Piotr in his club, but it is not a regular club we can just send a couple of guys into."

"It is Russian club. Not do I know anything about it."

"It's called Mal-en ka-ya Pr-int se-ss-a." I make my best attempt at the Russian title, but Nico is already laughing his head off.

"It is called Malenkaya Printsessa. It means Little Princess," Nico splutters through his amusement.

"Not is that funny," I mimic his adorable voice. "Anyway, you and I are going undercover. Your first duty with your new job."

"As translator," Nico sighs. "This is now only job?"

"Yes. And I am going with you as your bodyguard."

"This we can do. Maybe our cover will need some kissing?"

"It's a speciality club. It is for people with kinks."

"I am mind open," he shrugs.

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