Chapter 25 - Aleksandr

I pulled up and studied the building. Mila and Tasha had pulled the schematics, so I knew what to expect. It was one of their offices where they kept our intel. It appeared like a neutral meeting. The place was open and filled with people.

Neither of us trusted each other but I didn’t want them anywhere near our places of business. The idea was to cause a distraction so Anton and Abram could seek out the file room and destroy it. Thinking about our discussion, I was glad to have Mila on our side. Her plans were always filled with greatness, even if some were drastic.

Walking into the lounge on the bottom floor, I headed to the corner booth. It was reserved. Entering it, I noticed I was the first one to arrive. I sat down and ordered a drink. Before my drink arrived, the boss man entered with Jason at his side.

“I’m surprised the room isn’t filled with your lackeys,” Jason spat in a cocky tone.

Grinning at him, I spat back. “Unlike you, I don’t need my men to fight my battles. I’m more than able to take care of my own business.”

Jason and the large man with him sat down as Jason continued to mock me. “I see some things never change.”

“Guess not,” I replied.

Jason folded his arms across his chest. “So, what is it you want, Aleksandr?”

I sat staring at the two men for a bit. I had to give my brothers time to get in and get out.

“I tell you what,” the older man eventually said. “You pull back from your new deals, and we may back off.”

Laughing, I spoke frankly, feeling the anger building. “You have nothing on me, but I have news for you. Your business in our town is no longer functional.”

“You stole from us, and we will not rest until you go down.” The big man spat. “Those girls belong to me!”

I wondered how my brothers were doing. “Excuse me,” I replied with a smirk. “You don’t own anyone or anything around here.”

“Look around you; you’re outnumbered,” Jason added, waving his hands through the air.

As I was about to reply, my phone rang. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was Anton. “I have to take this,” I said, standing and moving to the booth entrance. “It’s done. The fire alarm should go off any second. You can conclude your business.”

“Thanks,” I replied. Turning back to face Jason and the big man, I spoke clearly. “I don’t think we have anything to talk about. We have stopped our plans. I no longer need to be here. Good luck moving forward.”

My words were barely cold when the fire alarm rang. Jason and the man just sat as if they were expecting it.

“I never thought I would see the day you married,” Jason added suspiciously. “I heard she’s a real prize.” I felt my blood boiling as he spoke.

“You leave my wife out of this.” I hissed at him.

“We were aware of your plans,” the big man commented. “Therefore, we made plans of our own.”

I felt dazed as I looked from one to the other. “You see, I knew from the first time your lovely wife entered my building and hacked my system that this would come. I knew my plan would fail. But…,” He rubbed his chin as a crooked smile formed on his lips. “Once I knew who she was, all I had to do was give it some time. I knew sooner or later, we would get her alone.”

As the words left his mouth, I felt my world crumbling. ‘No,’ my mind screamed. ‘This couldn’t be happening.’ My heart raced as the thought of losing her entered my mind. I turned, needing to get out and confirm that Mila was safe.

Stepping out of the booth, I was confronted with about six guards. “You didn’t think I was going to let you leave, did you?” I heard the big man speaking from inside the booth. My blood was boiling, and my mind was empty of thoughts.

I had not lifted my hands in a long time, but no one was going to stand in my way. I made the first move and ensured it counted. Swinging left and then right, I watched as the two men before me dropped to the floor.

The other four stormed at me. I had no interest in fighting them. I just wanted to get to Mila. But if it meant I had to go through them to get to her, I would. My rage took over as I felt a fist connecting with my side. Swinging with all my might, I knocked down two more.

Stepping over them, I faced the last two. The building was flooding with smoke, and my eyes stung lightly. I heard movement behind me and saw Jason and the big man heading out towards the back. I didn’t care if they got out; my only goal was Mila.

Once the last two men fell, I ran out the front. In the distance, I could hear the sirens as rescue teams were on their way. Getting into my car, I headed home with speed. As I pulled out of the parking, I heard the gunshots. One of the bullets entered the rear of my car, grazed my arm, and flew out the front.

Glancing at my arm, I was relieved it was only a graze. Anton had always said I was the lucky one. No bullet had even entered my body. I rang Mila’s number, but she didn’t pick up. My heart was racing, and my lungs burned.

I feared the worst all the way back. By the time I pulled into the driveway, I was breathing hard. Jumping out of the car, I saw the butler coming closer. “Mila,” I gasped. “Where is Mila?”

“She left this morning, sir. Is everything okay? Can I get you something?” the butler replied, approaching me in a hurry.

“No, no, thanks, it’s okay,” I replied, feeling tears building behind my eyes.

Pulling out my phone, I dialed my siblings, pulling them into a group call as I walked to the door. Tasha picked up first. “What’s up,” she asked in a cheery tone.

“Wait for everyone,” I responded. I could hear the fear and contempt in my tone. “Sorry, but it’s an important call,” I added. I heard Akim and Abram join the call. Anton was the last to answer.

“Hey, how did the meeting go?” Anton enquired. “Wait, why are we all on? What went wrong?” I heard his tone change as he spoke, realizing something was off.

I ramble off the events. “I came home, and Mila isn’t here. She left early and isn’t answering her phone.” I sank onto the steps. My heart felt heavy. I couldn’t lose Mila. I loved her. My voice was shaking as I continued. “If any of you have an idea, please speak now.”

“The buildings we checked,” Tasha replied softly. “I would start there.”

Standing up, I felt hope creeping up my spine. “Okay, you lot go out and do surveillance. I’m going to contact her family.” I huffed and ended the call.