Page 35 of Claimed By the Boss

“I’m fine,” Radimir growls. “It’s just a graze.”

I trust him to know the difference.

Alek signals to two of our men flanking the outer lot. One peels left, the other slips along the side of the building, silent and fast. I move out from behind the truck and spot one of the shooters on the roof just as he leans out to line up another shot.

I fire once. The sound cracks like thunder. The man goes limp, his rifle clattering off the ledge before his body follows. One down.

The second shooter moves quickly, too fast for me to aim, but not fast enough to cover himself completely. Alek takes him out with two quick rounds to the torso.

Silence returns almost instantly. Just the low hiss of adrenaline and the faint echo of boots over gravel.

“Clear,” Alek calls.

“Clear,” I confirm.

Radimir exhales roughly. His jaw is tight, but he hasn’t dropped his weapon.

I kneel beside him. “Let me see.”

“It’s nothing,” he mutters, but I pull back the jacket anyway.

It’s just a graze, as he said although deep enough to bleed like hell, but not enough to slow him down. Still, I don’t take chances with my men.

“You’re going to see Viktor,” I say.

He doesn’t argue with me. I keep Viktor on the payroll just for moments like this.

Ten minutes later, we’re in the car. Radimir leans back, pressing a cloth against his arm, while Alek rides up front with me.

I don’t say much. I’m still replaying the events of tonight. The Vasilievs are getting bolder and sloppier by the day. This was messy and loud, a direct hit. A trap. Either they know exactly what they’re doing or they’re desperate to catch me off guard.

Neither option sits well with me.

We pull up to the private clinic through the rear alley. Viktor meets us at the door, already gloved. He says nothing as he takes Radimir inside. I stay in the hallway. Alek lights a cigarette next to the rear door and leans against the brick.

He waits until the door closes behind them before speaking.

“So. How were your ‘plans’ tonight?”

I glance at him. “And you’re tracking my movements now?”

He shrugs. “I put two and two together.”

I don’t answer right away. I just watch the trail of smoke curling up from his hand.

“It was a nice night,” I finally say, keeping it vague.

Alek raises an eyebrow. “Is she worth the effort?”

This catches me even more off guard. Am I that transparent?

“Yes,” I say.

He watches me for a beat, then grins. “Are you gonna break your one-night rule for her?”

I consider it for a moment then nod.

Alek exhales smoke and shakes his head. “Well, fuck.”