Page 55 of The Russian's Kidnapped Bride
Whether he promised them limitless wealth or something akin to godhood in exchange for serving his cause, I don’t know how he has such loyal men by his side, willing to die before they utter anything remotely useful to us.
Either way, we need to know more, and we need to make sure Maxim isn’t gaining the upper hand on us.
“They’re twenty minutes out. I’m waiting to do a proper count,” Ivan says. “It sounds like the hit was more coordinated than usual. I’ll see the full damage soon enough.”
Absently rubbing at my chin, I turn away and leave the bedroom, closing the door softly behind me. “Maxim’s obviously upping his ranks, but we need to know by how much and what else he might be planning.”
“Not to mention how he’s even managing it.”
“That’s right…We need more eyes on them. Maxim may be better at hiding these days, but soon enough, we’ll find him,” I say, hoping that voicing it might bring the notion to fruition.
“I’ll do some digging and see what I can find.”
“Good. If you find anyone connected to Maxim, don’t hesitate to pull them off the streets. Nik will have some work to do,” I murmur, knowing he’d like nothing more than that.
“Got it.”
I hate every moment of knowing that bastard is out there making these bold moves against us. Intercepting our shipments and claiming half.
That’s far more than he should ever have.
I don’t know where he’s getting these reinforcements, but he sure as hell didn’t disappear just to lick his wounds.
He has more up his sleeve, and he’s waiting.
But the problem is, I don’t know what for. And the moment Roman catches wind of what happened, he’s going to be pissed.
***
When work wraps up, I meet Lily back at the condo before taking her out.
Even if the issues with the Nikolaevs have been on my mind for most of the day, I don’t tell her about any of it. I simply tell her I need a distraction, and that we’re going to a gathering at a private lounge. Since it’s one of ours, it’ll be private and high security, and at least then, I’ll be able to take a breath or two.
Lily puts on a deep green dress with a flattering neckline that certainly serves as its own kind of distraction. It’s understated but fits her perfectly, and I can’t keep my eyes off her.
She doesn’t say much on the way there while she stares out the window, seeming tired, and as if she’d rather be anywhere else.
I imagine she’s tired from school, and a touch of guilt moves through me at the thought, but I don’t say anything.
I try to ignore it, and the subtle disappointment at knowing spending time with me isn’t exactly high up on her list of wants.
As we arrive, music drifts from the rooftop terrace. It’s jazzier than our other spots, alive with the hum of expensive conversation. Glass chandeliers gleam in the low light, crystal glasses clink in the distance, and the scent of cigar smoke lingers from within those hidden corners.
It might seem like a bit much to Lily, especially given the hours she has already spent with her nose in the books, but it’s familiar. It’s more refined than the club, and at the very least, I hope that makes being there easier for her.
Sergey’s already here, sitting on a leather wraparound couch with a drink in one hand and a young woman draped over his other side while they chat—shameless and typical.
He grins as we approach.
“It’s about time you showed up,” he says, taking another sip from his glass before handing it to the woman. “I was already preparing a search party.”
“I’m sure you were,” I say, vaguely amused by his buzzed state.
Lily hangs back somewhat, still more reserved around my siblings. As friendly as Sergey can be, I don’t blame her for being more hesitant around him. His charm isn’t always as innocentas it seems, and it certainly comes with an edge sharpened by excess.
“You’re a vision, Lily,” he says, rising to kiss her cheek with careful affection. She just barely flinches, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
But of course, I do. My jaw tightens.
