Chapter 24

Lev

" A ny leads on Plushenko?" I ask, steering through an intersection with practiced ease.

As I navigate through the bustling streets of downtown Chicago, I'm deep in conversation with Yuri. We're unraveling the threads of our current predicament—specifically, the role Alexei Plushenko might have played in the recent attacks.

Yuri's voice comes through the Bluetooth, tinged with the same frustration I feel. "I've had the lieutenants digging everywhere, asking around. But nothing substantial, nothing that directly points to Alexei, at least."

I grip the steering wheel a bit tighter, my gaze fixed on the road ahead but my mind racing with possibilities. Alexei's a cunning player, his motives as murky as the waters we find ourselves wading through. If he's involved, he's covered his tracks well.

"Keep pressing. He's got to slip up somewhere," I insist, my voice firm, the city lights streaking past.

Yuri assures me they're on it, but the uncertainty gnaws at me.

I let out a sigh of frustration, the sound lost amidst the hum of the engine and the faint crackle of the call. Despite our efforts, we're no closer to clarity, and it grates on me, this not knowing, this strategic blindness that puts us all at risk.

Yuri's tone conveys his unease. "It's all so strange, Lev. It’s clear this is the beginning of a war, and not just any war, but one with a formidable enemy. Yet it's so quiet."

I can't help but chuckle, despite the gravity of our situation. "I wouldn't exactly call assassination attempts quiet," I retort, keeping my eyes on the road as I navigate through a particularly congested area.

"You have a point there," Yuri concedes with a sigh.

"Whoever’s behind this, they're probably trying to weaken us, put us on the back foot before they launch the main push of their offensive.”

"That means there’s likely another assassination attempt on the way," Yuri adds.

"I agree. They’re not going to let up until they're successful. We need to be vigilant, increase our defenses, and not give them another opening."

Yuri switches gears, bringing up a lighter subject. "What's your plan for tonight? It's Friday, after all."

I grip the steering wheel a bit tighter, my mind already on the evening ahead. "I'm taking Dalia out for a night on the town. She deserves a break from all this."

Yuri sounds concerned, his voice lowering slightly. "You worried about taking her out, with everything that's going on?"

"I'm always vigilant," I assure him firmly. "But I refuse to let Dalia feel like she’s trapped. We’ll have a close perimeter, and Vanya will be with us.”

"That's good to hear.”

I grin. “I have a little something special planned for her.”

“Is that right?”

“It is. A little resolution of the past.”

He chuckles. “Cryptic as always. Just try not to scare the poor girl, she’s already having a hard time easing into this new world of hers.”

“I’ll do my best.”

As I pull up to the building, I spot Dalia in the lobby through the glass doors. She’s dressed in a dark blue cocktail dress. The sight of her stops me in my tracks; she's stunning, her dress accentuating every curve with tantalizing precision.It sets off a raw pulse of desire through me. For a moment, the thought of skipping the night out and taking her straight upstairs crosses my mind.

I step out of the car, my attention immediately captured by Dalia emerging from the lobby.

As she approaches, a pair of guards follow closely behind her, a necessary precaution that I've insisted on. I catch a glimpse of Grigori’s car parked nearby, a silent confirmation that everything's set for tonight.

When she reaches me, I place my hand on her hip, a familiar touch that brings a smile to both our faces. I lean in to greet her with a kiss, feeling the electric connection that always sparks between us.

"Are you ready?" I ask, filled with the anticipation of the evening ahead.

Her smile widens, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes, I am," she replies, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Tonight is about us, a brief escape from the looming threats and complications. As I lead her to the car, hand resting gently at the small of her back, I'm determined to make every moment count, for both our sakes.

I open the door for her, and she gracefully slides into the passenger seat. Once I'm settled behind the wheel, I place my hand on her thick, gorgeous thigh as I pull away from the curb. The contact is electrifying.

She turns to me with a mischievous smile. "What do you have in mind for tonight?"

"We're going to do a little shopping, grab some dinner, and then..." I let the words trail off suggestively, giving her leg a gentle squeeze as I say, "who knows."

She catches the hint, her smile widening as she licks her lips in a tantalizingly playful response.

"I want to take you to get some new clothes," I continue, "but first, I've got a special surprise for you."

Her interest piqued, she asks, "What kind of surprise?"

I chuckle, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road. "Now, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore, would it?"

The city lights pass by, a blur of illumination as we drive through the bustling streets, the night laid out before us like a promise.

We pull up in front of a jeweler's shop, the soft glow of its elegant storefront lighting up the early evening. Dalia looks out the window, her expression shifting from curiosity to shock as she recognizes the place.

She gasps, her eyes wide as she turns to me. "What are we doing here?"

I flash her a reassuring smile, my confidence unwavering. "I think it's time for Claude to make amends," I tell her. "He's got some things that rightfully belong to you, and we're here to get them back."

Dalia looks unsure, her gaze flickering back to the store. I reach over and take her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"Trust me," I say, looking into her eyes. "I've taken care of everything."

After a moment's hesitation, she nods, placing her trust in me. Together, we step out of the car, our steps synchronized as we approach the entrance.