Page 152 of A Dangerous Proposal

Alex caught her hand, pulling her down so that he could kiss her hard on the lips, and then gave Jax a smacking one on his cheek.

“This is almost over.”

Chapter Forty-Seven

Alex placed the USB on Mikhail’s desk. His brother didn’t touch it, just stared, his expression unreadable.

“What’s this?”

“Open it. It’s illuminating.”

Mikhail gave a curt nod, and Sergei opened a drawer and pulled out a laptop, inserting the device.

“One of your games, Alexei?”

Before he could answer Sergei exploded with a vicious curse, his fingers clicking rapidly over the keyboard. “Fuckingmudak.”

Mikhail’s eyes sharpened. “What is it?”

“It’s Armstrong—bank statements, wire transfers, conversations.” He lifted his eyes. “There is video and audio, all labeled with times, dates and locations.”

Mikhail’s eyelid twitched. “How did you get it?”

“We suspected Madison’s sister had tried to blackmail Armstrong over something before her death. Felix let slip as much. I found this in an old purse that had been in storage.”

Mikhail didn’t need the true details about how it was found. It was better if he believed it was Alex.

His brother muttered under his breath.

“He obviously intended it for leverage of some type. Either to squeeze more money out of you or to save himself if the Feds came knocking.”

Sergei exhaled sharply. “How did her sister get it?”

Alex’s lips thinned. “No idea, but I think when she tried to use it against him, it got her killed. Does it matter?”

Mikhail didn’t blink. “No. Are there copies? Did he show anyone else?”

“I bet with a little motivation from someone in your employ he would give you those answers.”

“What about your wife?”

“She didn’t know.” Alex met his brother’s stare head-on. “But Armstrong doesn’t believe that. That’s why he’s been coming after her so hard. Keeping her distracted with the custody war.” His jaw clenched. “Trying to kill her.”

Mikhail’s fingers drummed once against the desk before stilling. “Armstrong will be dealt with.” His lips twisted in a smile. “A very clear and public statement will be made.”

Alex inclined his head. “Felix is mine.”

Mikhail waved a hand. “Do your worst.”

“I intend to.”

“I can’t decide if it’s more Picasso or Pollack.” Alex pressed a kiss to the top of her head and stood back to admire the large roll of butcher paper splattered with paint.

“From the splatter, I’m going with Pollack.” Madison laughed and gestured at the colorful dots covering her apron.

“Genius,” he said, ruffling Jax’s curls. “Angela would you mind watching Jax while I have a word with my wife.”

Madison cast him a worried look but immediately got to her feet, pulling off her apron as she followed him to his office.

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