13. Valentin
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
VALENTIN
I stand before a small building that seems abandoned at first glance. However, the cameras surrounding it reveal a different story.
My feet remain firmly on the sidewalk until Lev reassures me, “All clear.” He opens the metal door, and I step into the building.
Taking a moment to glance around, squinting in the low light, I see three doors upstairs. I ascend the metal stairs, each step amplifying the sound of my shoes. I quietly slip off my loafers and, now in my socks, quickly make my way to the second level.
The first two doors stand slightly ajar.
In the first room, I spot a girl with black hair—the masseuse whom Lev held at gunpoint when I stumbled upon Lexi, vulnerable and naked on a massage table, waiting for me.
The second room reveals a blonde, the very girl who assisted Lexi in nearly drowning me.
A mental note to myself—kill her after Lexi.
The third door is closed. I push it open, expecting to find Lexi, but instead, I’m met with a different girl sprawled on the bed, surrounded by medical prescription bottles on the nightstand.
She must be Ruby, the girl Petrov hurt. As she stirs, soft screams escape her throat.
Recognizing her innocence in this tragedy, I close the door.
The reality is that the lives of innocent people often become tragic collateral damage in the ruthless world of organized crime, a brutal lesson these girls will soon learn.
I make my way down the stairs, collecting my loafers along the way, when a soft snore catches my attention from just around the corner.
Beyond the open kitchen, I find an open two-door slider. On the couch, Lexi’s peacefully asleep, the blanket slightly slipping off as her legs stretch comfortably over the cushions.
I gaze at her, captivated by the way her nipples are peeking from beneath the blanket, drawing me in. I watch her sleep, fighting the urge to touch her.
She looks up at me, her long lashes fluttering, and her soft pink lips parting slightly. Her chest rises and falls with rapid, shallow breaths. Suddenly, her eyes flutter shut again, and her snoring deepens.
I pull away from her and approach the conference table, where the scattered folders catch my eye. Each folder contains pictures of different men, indicating that the girls did something to each, as suggested by the dollar amounts written on the folders.
How the fuck did these young ladies get involved with organized crime?
No one chooses a life of violence. It’s either thrust upon them or born from deep-seated trauma.
These girls are far out of their depth. Dangerous men like Petrov will inevitably destroy Lexi and her friends, and it’s heartbreaking to think their lives will end in this brutal reality.
Their innocence is at stake, and I fear I may not be able to protect them, especially now that the Savins know who Lexi is.
As I sort through the paperwork on the table, I discover a balance sheet revealing that she has paid every cent of Ruby’s medical expenses—except for one canceled check to a medical facility.
It seems that these medical bills have become a burden for them. She’s loyal to her friends for sure.
I settle into the chair, leaning back comfortably with my boots resting on the edge of the table as I assess the board before me. What do we have here?
With the light from my phone, I scan the board and discover a compelling business plan to renovate an old casino in a struggling part of New Jersey. Written on a sticky note, I read: ‘$3 million needed to fund casino.’
This could be a game-changer, and I could watch her more closely if she’s in one place.
I chuckle to myself. I piss $3 million, so I could easily give her that money. However, I can’t help but ponder why I would even consider it. That thought quickly fades when I look at her.
Even if I gave it to her, she would only throw it back in my face, wouldn’t she?
She appears to be fiercely independent, a self-preservationist who has learned that her only faithful ally is herself. But I know what you really want, Krasotka. I have looked beyond the fierce facade of those fiery eyes and recognized the girl beneath, the one longing for safety.
She deserves so much more. To be taken care of. Honored. Cherished.
I’m the only one who can give her all of that, cursing under my breath at the thought.
I told myself I’d get her out of my fucking head when I left her in that hotel room, also that she was no one. Then she saved me, sending me into a fucking spiral.
Shit! She’s made me break every rule I live by. I think I’m fucking falling for her.
As though it’s poison, I swallow the truth.
The sound of muted footsteps comes, making me quickly turn to see Lev standing there with something in his hand. I nod at him, and he places it on the table. “It’s time to go, boss,” he whispers.
I walk over to her for one last glimpse before leaving, my demon roaring within me.
Gently, I wrap her in the blanket, her breathing soft and steady. One of her hands lies on her chest, fingers curled as if she’s instinctively reaching for me, even in her dreams.
It tempts me to kiss the top of her head, and she stirs slightly when I do.
“Valentin,” she whispers, her eyes still closed. With a sigh, she settles back into sleep.
“See you tomorrow, Krasotka,” I whisper, sneaking out quickly as darkness begins to fade with the rising sun.