Page 68 of Held Captive

“What?” I say.

“Lass, you’ve spent more time with Volkov than the rest of us combined.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know anything about Bratva transfer of power. Popov took over after his father. Does Popov have children?”

Patrick swallows the rest of his whisky. “No, that sadistic bastard would probably kill any woman he knocked up.”

I shudder. “Siblings?”

“None.”

I shrug. “Volkov didn’t mention anything about it. Though admittedly, he killed Dimitri, a few minutes later I killed Boris, and then you came. So we didn’t really talk about it.” I think back to the conversation that he’d had with Dimitri, right before he made his attempt on Volkov. “He was, ah, displeased with Dimitri’s actions. He didn’t like being out of the loop, thought his side project was risky, and didn’t appreciate that the profits weren’t being shared.”

The men seem to ponder what I’ve said for several minutes. Finally, Sean finishes his drink and stands, pulling me up with him.

“Well, Volkov wanted to talk soon. I guess we will have to wait and see for now. Patrick, have the boys keep an eye on the Russians.”

Patrick nods and files out.

Declan stands and clears his throat awkwardly. “I’m sorry, Rocky. I should have realized what was going on.” He looks like a whipped puppy. “Boss, her safety was my responsibility and I failed.”

Sean starts to speak, but I walk over to Declan and hug him. “I take responsibility for my screw-ups, Declan. What happened was a result of my decisions.”

Sean looks from my face to Declan and back. “Well, if you are all sorted out,” Sean scoops me into his arms, “I’m taking my fiancée to bed.”

CHAPTER44

Sean

I wake up still holding Roxanne in my arms. I’m positive I never want to wake up without her here, safe and warm in my bed. It’s been almost a week since she was taken. We’ve spent most of it in bed. It’s fucking perfect.

Roxanne doesn’t want Tasha alone in the apartment, so she’s staying in the guest bedroom for the time being. We finish eating dinner, and I start the dishes when my phone rings. Patrick.

“Aye?”

“Boss, we’ve been keeping an eye on the Russians. Well, one of Volkov’s men just walked up to the car and knocked on the bloody window. Crazy wanker handed me a bloody business card with Volkov’s name and phone number on it. Says ‘Call me’ like we’re all a bunch of teenage girls.”

I snort. I can picture Patrick’s incredulous face.

“What’s the number?” I ask.

“You’re calling him?”

“Not sure why you’re surprised. We expected to make contact.”

Patrick starts to mumble but then reads the number out to me.

“Alright, I’ll call you when I’ve got something.”

Roxanne and Tasha look at me expectantly. “Volkov wants to talk.”

Roxanne nods. Tasha pales a bit. I nod to my office and Roxanne follows me.

It takes a few minutes to get my secure phone up and running. Volkov answers on the third ring.

“Good evening, Mr. O’Connell,” he says formally.

I don’t return his cheerful greeting.

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