Chapter 24

CHAPTER 24

A leksander

"Would you stop worrying and go to your meeting?" Raphaella was studying me with amusement on her face. She'd returned completely to being a coy and mischievous woman. I had a feeling she was pushing her boundaries on purpose, already trying to rule the roost of our upcoming household.

I threw on my jacket, refusing to wear a tie this go-around.

"Come here," I told her.

She just shook her head slowly.

"I said. Come. Here." I even pointed to the floor as I'd done the night before.

"Nope. Come catch me."

If she honestly thought she could run from me, she was losing her mind. I tingled just hearing her laugh. It was damn good to see her playful. If the mysterious sharpshooter had caused any permanent mental or emotional damage, the fucker would wish I'd kill him. I allowed her to race down the stairs from the bedroom we shared.

Shared.

I still couldn't get used to the thought.

After grabbing my main weapon, sliding it into my shoulder holster, only then did I go after her. She usually went outside, unable to keep from giving her position away. The fact she was being quiet, very quiet, almost had me reaching for my weapon.

When I couldn't find her easily, my nerves pushed to a different level. "Raphaella. Don't do this. I'm late."

I didn't want to elaborate on the fears continuing to rush through me. As a man not prone to them, it suddenly felt as if claws were wrapped around my throat. Jesus. Was this what falling hard for someone entailed?

The search would have been fun given a different place and time. Who was I kidding? I didn't want her hiding from me under any circumstances.

I felt another rule coming on, one she might hate me for given her playfulness.

"Raphaella. I'm not kidding. I need to see you before I leave."

The silence was starting to become deafening. Did she really think her bad behavior was going to endear me in the slightest?

Hell, everything about her usually did. I was just worried security wasn't tight enough, which was ridiculous, but the bad feeling remained in the pit of my stomach.

I moved stealthily, tracking her through the house. When I started to get even more frustrated, I stopped in a location where I had no doubt she could hear me. "If you don't obey me like a good girl, I will take the time to punish you before I leave. You won't like it." Why was it that I had a grin on my face? If she didn't learn certain rules were meant to be followed for a reason, anything could happen.

A single creaking sound was all I needed.

She'd been hiding in a room neither one of us had gone into, skirting by me with ease. I was having none of it, although I couldn't keep a smile off my face. I managed to snag her arm almost as soon as she'd run into the living room, placing my foot on one of the bookshelves. It was fun to hear her joyful glee as I tossed her over my bent knee. There was no time to waste, including baring her bottom.

At least she was wearing thin shorts, which meant every time my hand connected to her rounded buttocks, she would feel it.

Hopefully painfully.

"Ouch. Ouch! What are you doing?" She was a strong girl, wiggling to the point she managed to fall off.

I scooped her up into the air before she had a chance to scramble away, placing her back in position. All I needed to do was press my arm across the small of her back to hold her in place. She continued to flail but wasn't making any traction.

"You know the rules." I allowed my voice to dip into a low tone.

"I was playing."

"There are dangerous men out there. Did you forget about that?"

"Like you?" She was still half laughing, which meant she wasn't taking this seriously.

I picked up the intensity, moving almost feverishly as I covered every inch of real estate. All the while, I couldn't seem to stop grinning like some kid. Her defiance was adorable but worrisome. I had to remind myself of that.

She squirmed and moaned as I continued peppering her cheeks with one after the other. If I had the time, I'd spend much longer.

But the clock was ticking.

I finally righted her, noticing how flushed her face was. She was even more beautiful when she was flustered.

Her smile was still mischievous. "I was just playing."

I hadn't told her all the gory details about Tillman's murder. It was possible I would need to. "I know, little lamb, but the next few days are going to be dangerous."

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes briefly. "I understand. I really do. I was just trying to help remind you that there is more to life than anxiety about what your enemy is going to do next."

She was correct. There would always be some enemy hiding in the shadows, thinking he could break through the defenses easily, destroying all that was important to me.

But this asshole was unhinged.

Or very calculated.

"Stop worrying," she tried to convince me. I'm not going outside of this house and you have an entire army out there guarding me." As if to make her point clearly known, she pulled away, heading to the patio door and pointing outside.

I flanked her side, already knowing what my men's orders were. "I would have dozens more surrounding you if that meant keeping you safe."

"You can't be everywhere at one time," she commented. "You'll figure this out. You'll find the bad guy."

She had more faith in me at this point than I had in myself. "I plan on it." I'd still debated on whether to hand her a weapon, but I knew it was prudent. Knives weren't brought to a gunfight.

When I pulled it free, she gave me another stern look. I could tell she didn't want anything to do with the gun but I took her hand, placing the cold steel onto her palm.

"I'll feel better if you take this. I know you can shoot. I might not like your father but I'm pretty certain he made certain his children could protect themselves in the case of an unforeseen situation."

She nodded. "He did. I just don't think guns are the answer."

"We're both from a world they often make the only sense. This is likely one you used before. There's a full magazine clip. Only use it if absolutely necessary. I also have a burner phone, one that can't be traced. I've programmed my number into it as well as Kristoff's and Ivan's. Also, Kraven is the man in charge today. Do not hesitate to contact him if you think anything is out of place. And I do mean anything. Hear me now. Do not do anything stupid that could get yourself killed."

She took the weapon, showing me she could use it with ease.

"I know the drill. I've been around the block more than once."

I rubbed her face and sighed. "I know. But now, you're my responsibility."

"Don't make it sound so torturous." She gave me another one of her saucy smiles. "I'll make something for lunch. How about that?"

"I'd like that."

Just having her walk me to the door seemed so… normal. Maybe too much so.

"Lock the door when I'm gone."

She even saluted, which drove me crazy.

Ivan was waiting by the door to the SUV, his dark shades barely able to hide his amusement. "You're a little late, boss, which isn't like you. I was about ready to send in all the soldiers. Oh, that's right. You have a woman now who controls the scene."

I laughed before issuing a fake growl. "Get in the car."

"Yes, sir."

I slunk into the passenger seat, realizing my hand was aching. The spanking wasn't that hard. Maybe the desire was just that strong.

A full ten minutes passed and I was already close to checking on her. Christ. Maybe I was already a little wrapped around her finger.

"I don't like leaving her alone," I hissed as I stared out the window, the passing buildings for some reason providing more angst than normal.

"She's not alone. There are like a dozen soldiers watching, waiting and walking the property," Ivan told me. I could tell he was amused at my reaction. I never questioned my men. When I'd accepted the role of Councilor, I'd had the opportunity to train with them, spending a couple of months watching their techniques.

It was a way of bonding, creating more loyalty and had worked with Vadim and his men.

I tapped my index finger on my forehead, gritting my teeth. "I don't care. I want this over with quickly."

He chuckled as he headed out of Brighton Beach. "You got it bad, buddy. I thought this was an arranged situation."

"It is!" My harsh snap was telling on its own.

His chuckle continued and there was no reason for it to irritate me.

"Just let it go." Why? The arrangement was real, the adoration for her increasing. Maybe I really did have it bad.

After rubbing my tired eyes, I wanted to keep them closed, but that wasn't the best thing to do. I continued to think not only about how many times I'd taken her the night before but also the silliness she'd brought to the evening.

But it was the mental images of the woman on her knees in the moonlight that was driving me batshit crazy. The fact she'd let go around me was… special.

Fuck me. I did have it bad.

It was fascinating to me that things my father had tried to teach me from an early age were suddenly flowing in my mind.

When you least expected an attack, it always happened. It had been proven true more than once during my life. Not that I'd paid attention.

I wasn't unlike any other kid who was ready to take on and beat the world. I'd thought I was invincible, wearing some kind of hero cloak. As if I wasn't a bad man. As if I could be anyone's hero.

Which is why my thought of protecting Raphaella continued to weigh so heavy on my mind. Leaving her alone, even for a short period of time, was making me more anxious than usual. I'd checked the security system before leaving myself, the cameras showing nothing. No odd activity. No strange people walking by the front or back of the house more than once. Yes, the area was more protected than just about anywhere else in the state.

The fact I'd been greeted as if some revered god had surprised me. It would seem my reputation had preceded me. That meant hundreds of residents would have my back if called upon. However, putting them in danger wasn't what I'd intended on doing.

And just thinking about Raphaella, the passion we'd shared the night before continued to drive my cock to the aching point.

Too many times.

Hell's Kitchen was approximately the size of Brighton Beach, the quaint area established generations before. Various immigrants had settled into different, downtrodden areas, making them their own. Over the years, the imaginary lines indicating the size and location had been used by the five mafia families after the first wave of brutal men had made the area their own.

Everyone usually honored the rules laid down by the different cultures and mafia leaders. The areas brought safety and sanctity to so many just trying to make ends meet. Brighton Beach was no different.

"Stop worrying," Ivan said from beside me. He was driving, which he'd insisted on. Kristoff was in another vehicle with two other soldiers but they were under strict orders to remain outside the meeting place.

"Yeah, it's in my nature to worry. With Tillman being shot, and a goddamn threat making it seem like other exterminations are right around the corner, I can't let my guard down."

"Fine. Kill the Irish bastard."

Of course he was joking since doing so would start a war. I knew Vadim well enough to know that wasn't his intention at all. He was trying to make peace, to establish boundaries while enlisting their help. The Armenians were next. The Italians? I was ready to laugh. Luciano wouldn't lift a single finger to help anyone, including his own family.

The smaller drug cartels who'd attempted to move in were not yet on our radar. They had only established small areas that hadn't been claimed. However, they were the up-and-coming bad guys.

"You know better." I glanced over at him as he headed closer to Hell's Kitchen. The small restaurant selected as a meeting place was typical. Mafia leaders often found a more neutral territory, so everyone felt more comfortable.

Back in the heyday when the five families had full control of the city and surroundings, they secretly met on a regular basis at various family-owned restaurants, only allowing their closest soldiers to learn any details. It was one reason the heavy bloodshed had all but stopped.

They broke bread, drank wine, and made an unwritten pact not to interfere with the other. That allowed them better control of the non-family members including law enforcement. When everything with the five families started to break down, the Feds coming on strong and able to make arrests, the alliance had ceased to exit.

I'd spent time studying the world of mafia, mostly because of the men and women I'd defended over the years but also because of my position with the Bratva. I'd already understood there were protocols when meeting with an opposing force. Breaking bread was more calculated than people realized.

What I'd learned and shared with Vadim had made him a great leader in my mind. Maybe this meeting was more appropriate than I cared to admit, the limited alliance good for both parties. Well, in truth the entire city. Few innocent people knew how fragile their world could be.

"Interesting area," Ivan said in passing. We might as well be in the heart of Hell's Kitchen we were so close, but I refused to be worried.

There were both wide and narrow streets located within the five hundred plus acres of land, the location as busy as all the rest. We found a parking place on the street about a block from the restaurant. Or I should say a pub complete with Irish music. I had a feeling Shane was ensuring we knew Hell's Kitchen was owned.

Once we parked, the five of us regrouped, checking on the plan we'd talked through. Which was essentially no action, especially violence of any kind unless absolutely necessary. Shane and his men weren't stupid. They knew we were coming to the table with information.

Vadim and Sergei were already inside, the ability to see them from the sidewalk a bit disconcerting. Granted it was easy to detect the Irish soldiers. They weren't very good at hiding who they were.

Maybe ours weren't either.

I took a minute before opening the door. Yes, the music was entirely different, but the atmosphere reminded me of the Russian restaurant from the night before. History and heritage were two important and distinct aspects of my life and past I'd tried to shove aside.

No more.

Both Vadim and Shane stood, my Pakhan's eyes glimmering already, which meant he was pleased to this point. While maybe he could breathe a sigh of relief, it was my job to ensure his safety, not just mine.

"You reputation precedes you," Shane said, nodding to one of his men. "My soldier has spoken of your first highly."

"Don't tell Congressman Tillman that," I retorted.

"Ah, yes. When you play with fire, you will get burned. Sit. Have a cold one," Shane said. His accent seemed heavier than I remembered, but boosting our native tongue was just another tactic used to keep power. There was no need for formal introductions.

I nodded to the waiter eager to take my order along with Ivan. We agreed with a respectful nod. You drank what was offered. Period.

Small talk was made until our drinks were brought to the table. While Shane's soldiers were keeping a watchful eye, they were doing their best to pretend they were enjoying whatever sports game was on.

"So, I understand this congressman was killed by a madman who could strike again," Shane interjected.

"Possible," Vadim answered. "Whoever is responsible went after Aleksander and his bride to be."

Shane chuckled as did his first in command, who was also sitting at the table.

"I must admit, the move to bring the Don's daughter into your fold was a damn good one." Shane lifted his glass out of respect.

"In truth, a bit impetuous," I said, the admittance surprising me.

He laughed and half the people inside the pub did as well. "Take a piece of advice from an old man. Often the greatest decisions are those considered impetuous. It will strengthen our position against the incoming thuggish cartels. What is your main concern aside from the attack on your organization?"

"My Councilor isn't buying someone is posing as a man from his past." Vadim sat back in his chair, taking a few seconds to glance from one side of the pub to the other.

"You're thinking this is an excuse being used."

"I am," I told Shane. "I don't doubt there's a vendetta list, including taking out some bad actors, but I doubt the two families want to waste time trying to explain why the streets are no longer safe."

Both Vadim and Shane thought about what I was saying, Shane leaning forward. "You're suggesting a combined hunt?"

"Possible. The only trouble is we don't have much to go on except for a threat that reminds me someone has watched too many slasher flicks."

"I like this guy," Shane told Vadim. "He has good opinions. Maybe we could share him as our Councilor in the future."

Vadim shook his head immediately. "He's going to have his hands full once he's married just like I do."

"You are right about that. Take my advice, Aleks. A happy wife really does lead to a happy life."

At least the man had some decent advice. "I will keep that in mind."

"Oh, and if you're a cheating kind of guy. Don't get caught."

I studied Vadim for a few seconds before responding. "You know, Mr. O'Donnell? It's taken me almost thirty years of my forty-three to weed out my playboy desires. And I had plenty. But not a single one of the one-night stands or even week-long adventures left me feeling anything but empty. I'm not sure I'm going to be a good husband, and if God willing, a decent father, but one thing I have no desire to do is to cheat."

Once again, he lifted his glass out of respect. "Then you truly will live a happy life. If you also agree with her more often than you argue with her."

Everyone at the table laughed, but something was sticking in my craw and I couldn't put a finger on it.

Before we were able to conclude our meeting, three men stormed inside, staring at our arrival before rushing to Shane's side. They immediately drew Shane's attention, one of them crouching down to speak with him quietly and show him something.

Vadim and I looked at each other. From where I was sitting, I could tell it was a note written in red.

In blood.

"Fuck," Shane hissed. "It appears you were correct." He jerked to a standing position, tossing the note across the table.

More to come. Get prepared…

"My son was just gunned down." The severe sadness in his voice was gut-wrenching.

"Why would he be targeted other than the obvious?"

He closed his eyes, his body swaying back and forth. This had just gotten very personal for him. It was also another telling statement.

"Your partner, Roman Whitfield used to work for me almost exclusively."

The connection was stronger than I'd originally thought.

I wasn't shocked hearing this, just miffed I wasn't told. "When was that?"

"Fifteen years ago."

I did the math. That was two years prior to us meeting by chance, becoming friends then business owners. Vadim and I were also on our feet, both of us on edge. "Go on."

"He was the only person in the world who could have defended my son against a heinous crime. It was a horrific situation, the notoriety causing great turmoil in the ranks since he was a brutal kid. But he was my son. What was I supposed to do?" Tears slipped past the old man's lashes and it was easy to tell he was a broken man. "He's different today. He has a wife. Kids. He's… responsible."

"I'm sorry, Shane. Both of us are," Vadim said. "If there's anything we can do, let us know. We're going to find this fucker."

"Help me find the man who did this and I'll give you anything you want." The promise was based in the man's deep sorrow.

"We plan on it," I told him. "We'll leave you as I know you have some things to do." Plus, I had a bad feeling the sniper was just getting started for the day.

The men in the pub crowded around their leader as we were leaving. I took one last look before rushing outside.

"Don't be so worried," Vadim told me as I was pulling out my phone.

"You're shitting me, aren't you? My own partner didn't mention his association with another mob? He acts like my association is harmful."

"It was before you two met. People often change their stripes."

I grimaced and dialed the man in charge of eleven highly qualified soldiers. That didn't mean I wasn't still violently angry. He could have mentioned his affiliation. I'm not certain how much that would have helped, but at least all the cards would be placed on the table. Instead of indulging in passion the night before, I should have spent more time narrowing down the list I was preparing.

After three rings, I was ready to bolt to the house. Finally, Kraven answered. He sounded either groggy or in pain.

"Boss. There's been… an issue."

"What the fuck?" I was headed toward the vehicles.

"A goddamn sharpshooter on a boat. A fucking boat."

"Please tell me you killed him."

"I'm sorry, boss. He came ashore after killing several men, injuring others. She's… gone."