Chapter 29
Alexsey
There were times when a grandiose response was required. Then there were times prudence would best benefit the situation at hand.
Maybe what was about to occur was a little of both. What term did some people use? Ah, yes, a proportional response.
Liam had been true to his word, making the arrangements we needed. I’d listened in on his phone call, admiring his acting abilities. With his connections to both Papadakis brothers, they wouldn’t feel the need to pull in extra protection.
He’d also pledged an allegiance to us, promising to let us know if and when the O’Shaughnessy clan decided to try to make good on their insistence on returning to Las Vegas.
Liam knew better than to cross us and we knew that it was only a matter of time before we’d need to end the war with O’Shaughnessy.
I kept the engine idling, remaining away from the entrance, ensuring that we hadn’t been compromised.
There was one SUV full of our men on each crossroad.
They would remain on watch to ensure our meeting wasn’t interrupted.
Although there was no reason for it to last very long.
We were simply offering the Greeks a deal they couldn’t refuse.
“You seem pensive,” Mikhail said. He’d chosen to ride with me, likely to try to keep my eye on the ball. He of all my family members knew when my mind was elsewhere. And I had to admit that this was merely a formality. I was eager to return home. Tonight would be special.
The next few days would be even better.
“Just thinking. My real estate agent sent me a few pictures of potential houses I might be interested in.”
“So you’re serious about Halle.”
“I did announce our engagement.”
“But have you asked Halle yet?”
Grinning, I rolled down the street to try to find a parking spot, casually glancing at the remains of the building that had been partially saved by Halle and her firefighters. What goes around comes around. “She knows my intentions.”
“So damn romantic of you. There’s a space right there to park.”
“Not in front of the fire hydrant. You should know better than that.”
He laughed. “She’s the one. Perfect for you. A girl who can keep you in line. By the way, Bristol found the perfect companion. You should talk to her when we’re finished.”
“I’ll do that.” When I was parked and out of the car, I pulled my briefcase into my hand, still smiling.
“Do you have the contract?” Mikhail asked and buttoned his jacket.
“Oh, I do. And a special pen.”
I unbuttoned my jacket while Mario and Vladimir joined us. They would remain at the front.
There was no need to knock. As I’d done several times before, I simply opened the door and Mikhail and I walked inside.
The Papadakis brothers were obviously expecting Liam and whoever else he usually brought with him, both men standing with their faces highlighting their surprise.
“What are you fucking doing here?” Viktor asked.
I shifted my jacket, showing them I was armed.
I knew the trick of having a weapon attached under the table.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Viktor.
As a matter of fact, Liam O’Leary made that mistake right after he confessed to doing your dirty work and torching my house.
He also mentioned that I was supposed to die in that fire. ”
Petros managed to toss a single look at his brother.
“Let me give you a tip,” I continued. “Don’t hire a conman to become an arsonist. It never works. Especially when you have the city’s best firefighter on duty.”
“What the fuck do you want?” Petros finally found his voice.
I turned toward Mikhail, allowing him to explain while I pulled out a fresh contract and the pen I’d brought with me.
“We’re here to offer you a deal,” Mikhail said.
Viktor snorted. “The time for deals is done.”
After placing the contract on the table, I gingerly placed the pen in the center. “I think you’ll want to read it. The terms are lucrative and in continuing a partnership with us, you will both remain alive.”
“If not,” Mikhail added, “then we’ll be forced to destroy your entire business. But that’s up to you.”
We took a step back, knowing exactly how the two would respond. Viktor simply shoved the contract to the edge of the table.
Sighing, I shrugged for effect. “Why don’t we leave the contract with these fine gentlemen and give them a little time to discuss.”
Mikhail pulled back, taking a few seconds as if thinking it over. “Fine. If you don’t have the contract returned signed to us within twenty-four hours, we’ll need to have a different discussion.”
Since the two men were at a disadvantage and they knew it, they didn’t attempt to retaliate. But left alone too long, they would.
Viktor snorted. “Fine. We’ll think about your kind offer.”
“You do that. Keep the pen,” I told them, sliding it forward while pushing in the plunger for ease of use. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”
As suspected, we were able to walk outside without issue, taking long strides toward where I’d parked, which was just far enough away.
“Is Halle working today?” Mikhail asked while I checked my watch.
“Nope. I required her to take the day off.”
“A good thing since her engine company would be called to the scene.”
Laughing, I pulled out my sunglasses. “Three. Two. One.”
Boom!
The vibrations rattled the street as we walked, the whooshing sound continued for several seconds as the explosion rocketed through the warehouse. The pen bomb had been a handy little gadget the Costa family had discovered. It was activated within thirty seconds of the plunger being pushed in.
I had to admit I was impressed. Mostly because I didn’t need to turn around to realize there would be nothing left but rubble and bone.
Issue concluded.
For now.
Halle
“I cannot believe we’re sitting front row at a Lainey Rose concert.” I glanced over Emily toward the man in the handsome suit.
“Well, she finally started her residency here in Las Vegas and I had a feeling you would enjoy it.” He inhaled, his nostrils flaring. He’d insisted Emily sit between us. Already, he was so protective of her it was insane.
And I loved every second of it.
Sasha and Nina were sitting beside him, the two little girls trying to make friends.
“Don’t get me started,” Sasha threw out. “But she was worth waiting for. We are booked solid.”
“God, you are so right. She’s an even better performer in public. She’s gotten me through many a dark night after Sean’s death. What do you think, little mighty might?” I squeezed my daughter and winked.
“Yeah. Maybe Mr. Boyfriend can get an autograph,” Mikhail suggested.
I’d never seen her so bright-eyed or happy.
“What do you think, Mr. Boyfriend?” I cooed.
“Can you make that happen?” The first half of the concert had been incredible and the entire time Lainey had been singing, I’d felt the heat of Alexsey’s stare.
He’d made the evening special, purchasing yet another fabulous dress not only for me, but one for Emily as well.
He took a deep breath, holding it while making a face. When he blew out by puffing his cheeks, Emily giggled. “I don’t know. Maybe I can make that happen.”
“Pu-wease?” Emily did know how to egg it on with the man.
“There you go, Mr. Boyfriend,” Sasha teased.
“I just might…” Thankfully, my sexy Russian didn’t finish his sentence since there were two children sitting beside him.
I pressed my hand over my lips to try to squelch the laughter.
Mikhail leaned over at that point, laughing his ass off. “Yes, Mr. Boyfriend. Can you make that happen?”
“These men are terrible, Halle. They’re incorrigible and usually act like children. But you’ll get used to it.” Bristol wasn’t the kind of woman to hold anything back. I adored her already and while it was so early in my relationship with Alexsey, I already felt like they were family.
I’d heard all about the others and hoped to meet them soon, but right now, I was overwhelmed enough.
“Don’t worry,” I told her, leaning over so she could hear me. “I can handle him.”
“I bet you can. They’re like little marshmallows.”
Nodding, I agreed with her.
“She’s got your number, brother.” Mikhail did enjoy making fun of his brother. It was good to see how close they were. That’s the way it should be in families.
After Alexsey had returned earlier that morning, he’d insisted we do nothing but go out to lunch, do a little shopping for Emily, and he had purchased a beautiful bracelet for me.
“We shall see about that. I think I’ll try and get that autograph right now so my woman will be put in her place.”
I gave him a dirty look as he stood, sizing him up with my heated gaze.
When I’d asked what he’d been up to that morning, he’d simply said putting out a fire. That was funny since when he’d walked in the door, I’d gathered a slight hint of smoke.
He’d promised me he wouldn’t hurt Liam and I believed him. As of eight-thirty this morning, I’d had access to the trust fund he’d set up for Emily. At least my brother-in-law hadn’t lied about that.
Now my little girl had a tidy nest egg.
“Intermission is almost over. You won’t be able to talk with her,” I reminded him.
Alexsey buttoned his jacket, rolling his eyes as dramatically as Emily always did. “You forget I can make anything happen when I want.”
“Ha. You just think you can.”
The grin on his face meant he was up to something. I knew him far too well.
Yet as he walked away, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was far too handsome for his own good.
I bit my lip as Emily fidgeted in her seat, eager for the concert to continue.
“I’m glad you’re going to be a part of the family,” Bristol said.
“I’m not family. Just… Someone who might tame him.”
“I heard he asked you to marry him.” Her eyes were open wide.
“No, he stated it in a room full of men, some of whom likely wanted to kill him for various reasons.”
Mikhail laughed. “I did mention to my brother it wasn’t very romantic.”
“Well,” I said. “You might be surprised.”
“Now, you must tell us,” Bristol said, laughing just as the lights began to dim.
“We’ll see.” I squeezed Emily, hoping he’d be back soon.
Of course, the man was late, missing the first two songs. When he missed a third, I had to admit I was getting aggravated. He’d promised me no business tonight.
Lainey walked to the edge of the stage and I thought Emily was going to have a heart attack.
“How is everyone tonight?” Lainey screamed out, waving her arm.
Both Emily and Nina were squealing so loudly I was shocked anyone could hear themselves think.
Lainey walked closer to where we were sitting, waving to both little girls.
“I’m so glad you’re here and you two look adorable,” Lainey commented.
It was a good thing Alexsey had insisted we buy a couple of tee shirts. I had a feeling Emily would sleep in hers for a week.
And I would need hearing protectors if she screamed like that one more time.
“I am so happy to be in Las Vegas. I’m also thrilled to have a guest artist with me tonight.
One night only and one song only, written with someone very special in mind.
I am so honored that he’s allowed me to perform with him on this stage and who knows.
He also might allow me to record it as well for my upcoming album. If we encourage him.”
“What?” I knew I said out loud as I leaned forward.
“This special guest will be accompanying me on the piano and vocally this evening,” Lainey added.
I turned to look at Sasha first who shrugged, then to Bristol and Mikhail. The powerful Pakhan tried his best not to have any emotion on his face.
But Bristol failed. She already had tears in her eyes.
“Please welcome to the stage, Alexsey Dmitriyev. And the song is… ‘Unexpected.’” She faded into the shadows.
As the lights came up on the center of the stage, I could feel my entire body beginning to quiver. I knew I’d stood, both hands placed over my mouth as soon as I saw him.
The insanely gorgeous yet frustrating man had taken the time to quickly change into a tuxedo with a white jacket, taking his place behind the grand piano.
Lainey approached as he moved his long fingers over the keyboard and I was instantly mesmerized by the beautiful music, the melody haunting yet so very romantic.
Yet when she began to sing, I was lost not only in the incredible lyrics, but the sight of the man I’d fallen so hard for.
Love was nothing I’d expected, yet here it was. And somehow, he’d managed to capture every emotion, every feeling that had been tearing through me since the day we’d met.
Anger.
Desire.
Irritation.
Surprise.
And love.
No longer could I ever call him unromantic.