“What does that mean?” I bristled once again.
“Information that Kostya threw around about your business techniques. I would imagine it came from your inner circle. From what I’ve been able to tell, whoever is attempting to muscle in on your organization, and as you say perhaps the entire East Coast, has had a plan in place for some time using valuable resources in order to gain a significant position in order to strike. I believe, my friend, that the sights are set on your operations first. I would watch your back.”
“Rivera,” I hissed. I trusted almost no one, including the majority of the people my father continued to do business with. With my father retiring, I had to take into consideration that the leak was coming from a supposedly trusted source. Another reason for a conversation with my father.
“While there is absolutely no indication of his involvement that I was able to detect, I wouldn’t put playing a game past him. Whoever is responsible does have powerful connections. That much is obvious. I feel an electricity in the air I haven’t since taking over the operations.”
“Yes, I feel that same. Unfortunately, you don’t know Santiago very well,” I retorted. “He’s cunning and has enough connections that a level of caution is needed.”
“Then you should take extreme precautions. How is that… package? Were you able to secure your prize?”
I chuckled again, my thoughts drifting to Valencia. “I was successful, although there was an attempt on her life.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Her life holds another meaning.”
“Maybe.”
“Be careful, Miguel.”
“Yeah, I plan on it,” I snarled, my anger further riled, and fingered the envelope before shoving it into my pocket. This was no place to air dirty laundry. Given the crisis with the shipment, certain other enemies would be on high alert, even attempting to cut in on other operations. That shit just wasn’t going to happen. What had occurred with Danton hadn’t been enough of a warning. Perhaps it was time to clean house. “I appreciate your care with this particular matter. What do I owe you?”
Aleksei laughed, turning to study the last of the flames just seconds before they faded into the water. “You owe me nothing. However, there may come a day that I need a favor.”
“And you will have it,” I said with sincerity. What our fathers could never understand is that while we were the privileged princes of the underworld, all brutal and ruthless men, we also had honor and respect.
“You are a formidable man, Miguel, and anyone who opposes you will learn a hard lesson.”
“Why do I feel like you have more to say?”
“Ne der’mo, gde ty yesh’.” The Russian flowed off his lips.
I lifted a single eyebrow, amused given his gruff demeanor.
“Don’t shit where you eat. Very wise words.”
This time I laughed. “Why do I have the distinct feeling that the proverb is for my benefit?”
His eyes flashed again. “Be careful. When things are too quiet, that usually means a powerful operation. Someone is out to destroy you and your family.”
“Tell me something I don’t already know.” I took one last look out at the darkened ocean, my mind reeling with my own thoughts of revenge. If Santiago actually believed that he was going to best me, he would see find out that I would become his worst nightmare.
I’d talked to a few sources, runners whose livelihood would be affected by the shipments’ destruction. While they all seemed scared, there was no indication of further betrayal, at least as of yet. My personal warning to each and every one of them should buy me some time.
The penthouse was entirely too quiet when I walked in, barely acknowledging Enrique other than to tell him to go home for the night. With Castillo on ice and Kostya in some Philadelphia morgue, I doubted there would be any attempt of a hit for the rest of the night.
However, I’d remained prepared for anything.
I didn’t like the way things were occurring, as if someone held a grudge against my family first and was using my family’s business almost like a ransom without any demands made. As. Of. Yet.
I tugged the envelope from my pocket, rubbing my thumb back and forth. Whatever information was inside, I had no doubt the details would further increase the rage furrowing in my mind. I merely tossed it on the coffee table, along with my keys. I held the Beretta in my hand for a full minute before easing it beside the envelope.
Exhaling, I tossed my jacket and yanked the shirt from my trousers before heading toward the bar. Tonight was all about an aged scotch in order to calm my anger. After pouring a hefty amount, I held the glass to my head before walking toward the bank of windows. Even the ocean seemed tumultuous tonight, waves crashing against the shore. I leaned against the glass, able to see my reflection, albeit a mere half of my face. Everything seemed distorted, my features misshapen.
Even I’d always thought of myself as a monster, a truly evil man hiding behind a fa? ade of wealth. My head was pounding, the necessity for making alternative decisions absolutely vital. What they were going to be I wasn’t certain of.
I moved back toward the table, easing down onto the couch. While I was curious about what information that Aleksei had provided, exhaustion was settling in and I had the distinct feeling difficult days were ahead of me. I took another gulp before putting the glass on the table and opening the envelope.
A series of explicit photographs was nestled inside.
The images were horrific, bloody, and brutal, the kind of murders that even made my skin crawl. And what was worse? They included women and children. As I shifted from one to the other, I began to get a vital picture of Santiago in my mind. The manner in which he discarded of his enemies was reprehensible. He had no honor.
I shoved the photographs back into the envelope then grabbed my jacket, sliding the entire shit storm into one of the pockets. I rubbed my jaw, thinking about the next steps. Yes, the information could prove useful, placing a stranglehold on his operations, but at what price? Valencia could never know just how much of a monster her father truly was.
I’d yet to hear whether or not Santiago was still in the country. I could only assume that he’d remain, hiding until he finalized whatever plan of revenge he intended. I would make certain to remain a step ahead of him.
After a few seconds, I walked down the set of rear stairs, slowly moving toward her partially closed door. Using just the tip of my index finger, I pushed it open, peering inside, able to see the rise and fall of her shoulder given she was turned on her side. At least she’d been able to rest.
I took another sip, realizing my hand was shaking from the high level of toxic adrenaline. As I headed toward the bed, I held my breath. Perhaps my decision in taking her had been impetuous, starting a chain reaction that would lead to more violence, even additional deaths.
But I didn’t give a shit.
Her presence at least gave additional meaning to my life. I stood over her, gazing down at her unblemished skin, her back lithe yet so strong. Reaching out, I kept my index finger a few centimeters from her skin, tracing the line of her spine before disappearing into the silk gown she’d selected to wear. Sighing, I resisted waking her, merely easing the sheet up to her shoulders.
She certainly deserved a night of peace. Just before I closed her door, I heard her stir in her sleep, soft murmurs slipping past her lips. The sound was like sweet music, a lilting purr that sent a shower of sensations through every cell and muscle, engorging my cock. The woman made me so damn hard.
As I walked up the stairs, a moment of utter disgust filled my mind. While I’d been born into this world, the ramifications for certain decisions had never been this painful. She’d been right. I’d ceremoniously destroyed her life. Or was I actually saving her from another even more damaging situation? Maybe I needed to tell myself that in order to abate the guilt.
Only when I’d moved to the top of the stairs did I notice a light remained on in the kitchen. The warm glow was a reminder of something my mother had done when I was a teenager. She’d always left a light on for my return. As I walked into the room, the place setting for one on the island caught my attention immediately. A bottle of wine was open, a fresh crystal glass ready for my arrival. As I inched closer, I realized there was a note positioned in the middle of the plate.