Page 10 of Taming a Ruthless Heart

Dave

Itake a deep breath, trying to steady the storm raging inside me.I push off the wall and stride down the hallway, my steps echoing off the polished floor as the old boards creak beneath my boots.My mind races with thoughts of Alexia and the danger she’s in.I need to keep her safe, no matter the cost.But I also can’t ignore the simmering tension between us, the unresolved history that hangs heavy in the air.

That is a distraction I can’t afford.I have to keep my head in the game if I want to take down Igor once and for all.

I head downstairs and stride into the kitchen, where Moira is already bustling about, preparing breakfast.She glances up at me, her lined face etched with concern.

“Everything all right, sir?”she asks, her Irish lilt soft and soothing.

I nod curtly.“Moira, can you take some clothes up to Mrs.Lenko?She’ll need something to wear.”

“Of course.I’ll see to it right away.”She wipes her hands on her apron and hurries off.

I pour myself a cup of black coffee.The bitter liquid scalds my throat, a welcome distraction from the turmoil.

I move to my study and close the door behind me, the soft snick of the lock grounds me for a moment.I need a moment to think, to strategize.I walk over to the large mahogany desk that dominates the room and sit down heavily in the leather chair.The familiar scent of wood and whiskey lingers as I stare at the ceiling.

My thoughts drift to Alexia, to the way she looked at me with those hazel eyes filled with desperation.It’s been years since she left me.And now she’s back, thrown into the middle of this dangerous game.

I can’t let my feelings for her cloud my judgment.I have to focus on the task at hand.But the thought of her and Rose being in danger makes my blood boil.

My phone rings, and when I see Tommy’s name on the screen, I answer with a grunt.“Hey, brother.I was about to call you.I just got word that Igor is involved in the flesh market.We need to strike back and hit him where it hurts.”My voice betrays my anger.

“I’ve been hearing the same thing.What’s your plan?”

“We need to gather intel on Igor and his twisted operation.Call in every favor you can, even if it means cashing them in with interest.”

“Don’t worry, Shelby and I are already on it.You take Alexia to the safehouse while we handle this.”

I hang up with a determined sigh, my mind already spinning with contingencies.I stand up and walk over to the window, looking out at the sprawling grounds of the estate.The sun is just starting to rise, casting a soft glow over the manicured lawns and hedges.This peaceful scene is just an illusion.There’s a war brewing, and I’m right in the middle of it.

I fish my cell phone from the inside pocket of the jacket and dial my dad’s number.

It rings twice before he answers in his familiar gruff voice, “Jack here.”

“Hey, Dad, it’s Dave,” I say, returning to my chair and smiling at the fact that my old man never checks caller ID.

“What can I do for you, son?”

“We need to talk,” I reply, keeping my tone even despite the turmoil inside me.“About Igor.”

He sighs, and I can almost picture my father’s weathered face, his brow furrowing in concern.“What about him?”

“Igor and his family were kicked out of the Syndicate when they went bankrupt, correct?”

“That’s right,” Jack agrees, serious.“It was a mess.But why are you bringing this up now?”

“Apparently, Igor’s been rebuilding his wealth by dipping his toes in human trafficking.”

The silence on the other end is deafening, and for a moment, I wonder if the call has been disconnected.But then Dad speaks, his voice low.“Human trafficking?Are you certain?”

“Alexia told me herself,” I confirm, my jaw clenching at the memory of her fearful expression.

“Alexia?Your Sandy?”

His words awaken more memories of my past with her, which I push to the back of my mind.

“Yes.Two days ago, she called me, begging for help.Today, I’ve found out her life is on the line.Besides, Igor’s already made a move.He had Alina murdered.Tortured and butchered her like an animal.”

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