Page 7 of Dark Desires (Chicago Bratva #1)

ALEXEI

“ B arnes,” I say, folding my arms over my chest, “what do you know?” I raise my finger. “And no bullshitting.”

We’re at the police station, and I’m sitting in the interrogation room with Lev and Luk, all three of us facing Detective Barnes.

It’s all meant to look like he’s interrogating us, but it’s actually the other way around.

He’s sweating already, glancing nervously between us. I know Barnes well enough—he’s on our payroll. And his help had been invaluable during the war with the Molina Cartel. But I can tell he’s uncomfortable with the heat of this case.

Tonight, however, we’re not in the mood to fuck around. Our family was attacked, and we’re going to get to the bottom of it.

He pulls at his collar, as if the room is suddenly too warm

“I told you, Alexei. My hands are tied. This shooting is high-profile. All eyes are on it. It’s not like the usual cases I can help with.”

“You help because we pay you to help,” Luk cuts in. “This doesn’t change because someone’s got you feeling twitchy.”

Barnes’ eyes dart between us. “This isn’t your typical situation. The Feds are sniffing around, sent an agent over. You know what that means. This is going beyond Chicago. My ability to help is limited.”

Lev smirks, shaking his head. “You think we care about the FBI?”

Barnes shifts in his seat. “I just can’t give you details on this one. They’re all over it. Agent Patterson’s brought in a team. The whole thing is locked down.”

I lean forward, lowering my voice. “Barnes, we don’t care how tight Patterson has you tied up. You’re going to tell us what you know, or you’re going to explain to our people why you don’t remember who you work for.”

Barnes’ eyes widen, his face flushing. “Come on, Alexei! I’m doing my best here.”

“Your best isn’t good enough.” My patience is wearing thin.

Before Barnes can respond, the door to the interrogation room swings open, and a woman strides in.

She’s around my age, tall, with sharp, scanning eyes. She’s wearing an FBI badge clipped to her blazer, and a no-nonsense expression on her face that practically dares someone to challenge her. Her dark hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail.

I get the sense she’s going to be a pain in my ass, but for the moment, I admire the no-bullshit attitude she gives off.

“Gentlemen,” she says, “Detective Barnes won’t be speaking with you anymore about this case. I’m Agent Jamie Patterson, FBI.”

Lev glances at me with a smirk. “Well, isn’t this a surprise? DC’s bringing out the big guns for our little crashed party.”

Patterson crosses her arms. “Surprise or not, the FBI is stepping in, and that means you three can take a step back.”

Luk speaks up. “And why would we do that, Agent Patterson? Our family was targeted.”

She flicks her eyes to him. “Which is exactly why you’re not to be involved. We don’t let involved parties run their own investigations.”

I let out a cold laugh. “Involved? You think we’re behind this?”

“You all have a lot of enemies, Mr. Plushenko. Maybe you’ve made some waves, and now you’re dealing with the fallout.”

Every time someone says my last name, I’m reminded of how miffed Domenico was that I kept it, instead of changing it to Ivanov. The old man and his old ways.

Lev jumps in. “Agent Patterson, we’re family men, here to protect what’s ours.”

Patterson’s gaze narrows. “Family men, right.” She looks to Barnes, who looks on the verge of passing out. “Barnes, escort them out. Our investigation is closed to them—and to you.”

I get the sense she knows just who Barnes is.

Barnes clears his throat. “You heard her. Time to go.”

I open my mouth to speak, but there’s no point in protesting. If the Feds are in, that’s the end of it—for now, at least.

We get up and head out of the room with Patterson watching our every move.

“Needless to say,” Barnes adds, “no more coming around asking for me right now. Things are too hot. The last thing I need is an internal affairs investigation.”

“Got it, Barnes. Enjoy your time off,” I say with a grin.

Once we’re out, Lev can’t hold back anymore and bursts into laughter. “Agent Patterson has some spine, I’ll give her that. I’m so used to people cowering before us that the way she spoke was almost refreshing. Almost.”

“Annoying as hell, though,” Luk says, looking back over his shoulder. “Thinks she knows everything.”

“She’ll learn,” I reply. “She doesn’t get to tell us how to protect our family.”

Luk gives me a sidelong look.

“Speaking of family, are you sure you’re ready for this whole marriage thing with Stephania? I imagine things are going to get right back on track when she’s released from the hospital. Domenico’s eager as hell to get this all taken care of.”

I shoot him a hard look. “What difference does it make if I’m ready or not? The family’s asking me to forge an alliance, so that’s what I’m going to do. I knew what I was getting into when I joined the Bratva. It’s fine for the good of the family.”

Lev chuckles, shaking his head. “Come on, Alexei. You’re really going to pretend this is what you want?”

“What I want isn’t the point,” I snap. “We’re at war here. We need allies, and Stephania is part of that. I agreed, and I don’t break my word.”

“There’s another woman, isn’t there? Come on, don’t lie to us. We can see it in your face.”

I don’t respond.

“So who is she?” Lev presses, grinning. “Must be some woman to get you all twisted up like this.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “I wouldn’t stand a chance, because I’m not a full-blooded Ivanov. I’m the bastard, remember?”

“Alexei, where is this coming from?” Luk raises an eyebrow.

“Oh, there’s definitely one hell of a woman involved,” Lev chuckles. “And I think I know who it is.”

“This isn’t a joke, Lev. It doesn’t matter if there’s another woman. I gave my word to Stephania and to you. That means something to me.”

Luk raises an eyebrow. “And what’s it mean to you, exactly?”

“Family, duty, honor—they come first. I don’t get to choose my path here, not this time.”

Luk shrugs. “Maybe you’re making it harder than it needs to be.”

“Or maybe I’m the only one keeping my promises,” I reply. “A man is only as true as his word. And I gave mine.”

Lev studies me for a moment. “You’re right. You agreed to do this for the good of the family. It’s commendable, brother, and appreciated. You never know, maybe this could grow into something good for you.”

Before I can respond, the doors swing open and out strides Agent Patterson. She’s flanked by another couple of agents after having finished working over Barnes.

She pauses, eyeing us like we’re a group of schoolboys caught cutting class.

“Gentlemen, let me make something clear—you’re not going to interfere with this investigation. I know who you are, and I know what you were doing here. You’re lucky I don’t bring obstruction charges.”

I smirk. “Threats, Agent Patterson? Bold. You don’t know the first thing about our relationship with this department.”

She narrows her eyes. “I don’t need to know the details to get that it’s not on the level. I know trouble when I see it, and you three are practically the poster boys.”

Luk raises an eyebrow. “Trouble? We’re just here to help.”

She doesn’t blink. “Help yourself right out of this investigation, then. This is your final warning. Stay out of my way, or there will be consequences.”