Page 27 of Dark Desires

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.”