Chapter 44
Chapter Forty-Four
A lex hadn’t wanted to leave Madison, not after what had happened the week before.
Since the fire, he’d worked from home every day, barely letting her out of his sight. He needed to know she was safe—needed to hear her voice, see her face, feel her presence near him—to keep the storm in his chest at bay. Madison, of course, had pushed back, insisting she was fine, but it was Alex who wasn’t fine.
Then there was Cami.
The petite brunette had all but taken up residence at their house, hovering over Madison like a protective sister. Alex liked her. She had the same spine of steel and no bullshit attitude Madison had.
Her husband was a different story.
Apparently, James had decided that Alex’s home was a den of iniquity, too dangerous for his pregnant wife to visit alone. The man had shown up with a laptop in hand and simply announced that he’d be working from Alex’s kitchen until his wife was ready to leave.
Madison had been so delighted to see her best friend he hadn’t argued. At this point, Alex would offer to paint the man’s nails if it would make her happy. But that didn’t mean he liked James Bloom hovering in his space, watching him with suspicious eyes.
It had been a week, and life was feeling normal again. They’d received news that Felix had failed his most recent drug test, and because of the injuries from his mugging, he had willingly passed on his visitation time.
After the run-in Madison had with him at the hotel, Alex had tasked Liev with finding out which lab was handling the drug tests for the court. When the person faking Felix’s results for the past several months was identified, Alex offered them double Armstrong’s bribe to stop.
Everything had been relatively peaceful until the summons came that afternoon. Now, he and Liev were heading toward Mikhail’s estate, leaving Madison behind. He’d stationed a full security detail around the house with one man inside, but it still left a bitter taste in his mouth.
The iron gates of Mikhail’s palatial estate opened, and after a quarter mile drive up a tree-lined lane, the sprawling mansion appeared. Gleaming Grecian columns framed the entrance, and a giant four-tiered fountain of swans centered the motor court. The place was ostentatious, built for intimidation as much as luxury. It was hideous and always felt a bit like stepping into enemy territory, even if it was owned by his own blood.
Alex got out of the car, already on edge. Liev scanned the perimeter before giving Alex a nod. His cousin didn’t bother to speak. Mikhail’s guards were listening, and Alex could read the tension in the air as well as Liev could.
A servant opened the door, bowing slightly. “Mr. Kovalyov, he’s expecting you.”
Alex stepped into the cavernous foyer, his footsteps loud on the polished wood floors.
The door to Mikhail’s study was slightly ajar, a low hum of conversation drifting out. He pushed it open and found Mikhail seated in a high-backed leather chair, a cigar resting in one hand and a glass of vodka in the other.
“Ah, there he is,” Mikhail said, gesturing for Alex to sit. “The man of the hour.”
Alex stayed where he was. Two of Mikhail’s vors stood near the windows, their gazes cold and watchful.
“What’s this about?”
Mikhail leaned back, taking a slow sip of his drink. “I wanted to congratulate you. The landscape company—what’s it called again? Hawthorne & Sons?”
Alex nodded once.
“Nice name, by the way. Makes it sound so wholesome.” He laughed. “It’s made the short list for that new government contract. A major coup, considering how competitive the process is,” Mikhail said with a satisfied smile. “And with Armstrong on the committee overseeing the approval, I’m confident we’ll get what we want soon.”
Alex pushed down the anger the man’s name brought to the surface. Mikhail knew about the fire, knew that Madison had almost been killed, but because they had no proof, Mikhail still was in business with the man.
“That was fast. I only finished the paperwork creating a paper trail for the company a few days ago. Somehow you already wrote up a bid and passed all the required committees?”
Mikhail was being reckless. He was rushing the process, and they would all end up paying the price.
His brother waved a hand in the air. “There’s time for all that. All that matters is the name is on the list.”
Alex wanted to shout at his brother not to be stupid, but instead he forced his lips into a smile.
“Impressive work, bratan .” Mikhail studied him for a moment, then set his drink down. The room fell silent.
“There’s one more thing I need from you.”
Of course, there is.
“Tell me.” Alex kept his stance relaxed, even though his instinct told him something bad was coming.
“I need you to join me for a meeting with the Albanians.”
The last meeting Alex had attended with Mikhail and the Albanians, twelve years ago, had ended with a pile of dead bodies.
“It’s a delicate situation.” Mikhail said, his tone casual. “The Albanians are… let’s say… a bit restless after my intervention regarding Declan Bloom.”
Alex’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t forgotten what happened with Declan or what he owed Mikhail for it. The attempt on his friend’s life had forced Alex to ask his brother to intervene.
“They trust you.” Mikhail spread his hands. “You’ve got that lovely clean reputation. So many years spent in the legitimate world. They’ll feel safer with you there.”
Alex didn’t believe it for a second. This was Mikhail flexing his power over him.
“You don’t need me for this.”
“I do.” The words cracked like a whip in the room. “Because it’s not just about the Albanians. It’s about reminding everyone who we are. After those articles, this bullshit with Armstrong… You’re my brother. They need to see us standing together.”
Alex refrained from reminding his brother that it had been his own decisions that led to this.
The air in the room grew heavy. This wasn’t a request. It was an order and everyone knew it.
“And if it goes sideways?”
Mikhail’s grin widened. “Then we’ll do what we always do—fight or die.”
Alex’s mind raced, weighing his options—but there were none.
“When?”
Mikhail gave him a slow smile and made a show of looking at his watch. “Now.”
The phone rang twice before Madison picked up. “I’m making dinner. You coming home soon?”
Alex glanced at the warehouse district they were passing through, his jaw flexing. “No. Something’s come up.”
A pause. “What kind of something?”
“My brother needs me at a meeting.”
The silence on her end stretched for a beat.
“Alex.” He hated the worry in her voice.
“Everything is fine, but I’ll be late.”
“Liar.” He didn’t respond, and he heard her sigh. Then in a quiet voice. “I love you. Come home to me, Charming.”
“Kiss Jax for me, Angel.”
Alex exhaled, slipping his phone into his pocket. His eyes flicked to Liev, who sat next to him, expression unreadable.
Liev cut the engine as they rolled to a stop outside the warehouse behind Mikhail’s SUV.
“Want me inside?”
“No. Stay out here,” Alex said, reaching for the door.
Liev hesitated. “You think Mikhail might set you up?”
Alex’s hand tightened on the door handle. “It crossed my mind.” He shrugged, his tone calm, almost casual. “If I’m killed, get my family to Declan Bloom. He’ll know what to do.”
Liev’s jaw clenched. “Alex, I’d?—”
“I know you would,” Alex cut him off, resting a hand on his shoulder. “But you can’t risk it. You’ve got to be smart.”
Liev’s eyes darkened, but he nodded once.