Page 120 of Break Me

My phone chirped indicating an incoming call. Since it wasn’t Halle’s special ring, I had every intention of ignoring it.

Halle. Goddamn it, I’d left her alone. Where the hell was the closest toy store? Or maybe just a bookstore. They carried children’s books. Right?

Shit. She was what, five? What did five-year-olds read? Maybe if I remembered what I’d read to her that night, I’d figure it out. What the hell was the name of it?

“Maybe we just need to finish destroying Papadakis.” Kazimir’s suggestion was met with snorts.

“What’s the chatter on the streets?” Maybe one drink would calm my anger. I headed to the bar, suddenly thinking about Halle. I’d hated leaving her alone. While I felt secure in the protection offered by two of our best men, I couldn’t stop thinking about how abysmal and austere the surroundings were for a child. Hell, for me. I’d spent such little time in the condo that I hadn’t paid any attention to my surroundings.

Plus, there was almost no food. I’d need to make a few stops before returning.

But only after talking with my agent to see what she’d come up with. If I could do a quick closing with all cash, perhaps by this time next week we’d be in the house.

Together.

As a little family.

I rubbed the scruff on my face, remembering the irritation on her inner thighs I’d caused this morning when feasting on her sweet pussy. Resisting adjusting my already aching cock, I finished making the drink, taking a sip while my thoughts drifted to the goddamn Russian saying left in Emily’s backpack.

“Earth to Alexsey.”

“What?” I hated when my thoughts were interrupted, but I turned my head toward Mikhail.

“You zoned out. Did you hear my answer to your question?”

“I don’t even remember the question.” Which was truthful. “Not a word. I’ve had a few rough days.” The phone rang again. Goddamn it. Why was I so popular this afternoon?

Kazimir grinned. “Made up for by a few passionate nights?”

“Ooh-la-la,” Sasha growled, even offering a slight howl.

“Shut the fuck up. Halle is in danger because of me. Who the fuck kidnaps a child? Of all the shit we’ve done in our lives, all the stories we’ve heard about our dad and Uncle Ivan, not once had they harmed a child on purpose. That’s barbaric behavior and I will kill the bastards responsible for putting Emily and Halle through that nightmare. Period. And if any of you say a damn thing about the possibility she’s working with Liam O’Leary and Viktor Papadakis, you can fucking suck my dick.” You bet I was hot under the collar.

A grin spread across Mikhail’s face very slowly. “Halle must be very special for you to defend both her honor and her life in one long sentence.”

I felt myself puffing up even more. “Stop right there, Mikhail. I know you’re my Pakhan, but?—”

“Jesus!” he interrupted. “If you trust her then we do. However, Liam is far enough into debt with Viktor that it’s likely he won’t hesitate to hurt her or worse if ordered to do so. Keep her away from the O’Leary clan until we can figure this out.”

“I plan on it. Whether she likes it or not.” My brothers and cousins were all smiling. “And my love life is none of your goddamn business!”

All four of them were laughing.

Days like this I hated having a large, obnoxious family.

“My answer is that the chatter on the street indicates potential for increasing violence. Plus, a few people are talking about a new regime in town.” Mikhail kept his eyes locked on mine.

“New or combined?” I threw out.

Mikhail smiled. “Could be either. Your theories hold merit. Let’s explore every avenue. You know what they say about greed.”

“They will always make a mistake,” I answered. It was something our mother used to say.

“I can guarantee you that the Papadakis brothers are getting ready to strike in retaliation of the warehouse fire,” Vissarian said through gritted teeth.

Mikhail nodded. “If there’s anything gained by planting the bugs, it’s checking to see if everything is business as usual.”

“They’ll strike when least expected,” Sasha offered.