Page 75 of Dark Desires

“You’re playing with fire,” I warn. “And you just put a lot of people in the line of it—including civilians. If he goes scorched-earth on this city, there’s going to be a hell of a lot of innocent blood spilled.”

Her jaw tightens, but she doesn’t back down. “Sometimes, fire is necessary. If you’re looking for sympathy, you won’t find it here. My job is to bring De la Rosa to justice. And I’m going to do it—by any means necessary.”

I take a step closer, lowering my voice. “This isn’t going to help your overtures of cooperation.”

“Cooperation doesn’t mean letting you call the shots,” she snaps. “You’re not in charge here, Plushenko. The FBI is. And it’s my job to prevent the De la Rosa cartel from getting a foothold in this city. Believe it or not, we’re on the same side.”

I laugh. “I’m sure. Until you decide we’re next on the chopping block.”

Another shrug. “You’re surprised? You’re a criminal, Alexei. Only a matter of time before you end up behind bars.”

I place my hand on my chest, feigning being scandalized.

“Me? Agent Patterson, we’ve been over this. I’m but a humble financial planner. Crime is the last thing on my mind.”

“The routine that never gets old,” she says. “Anyway, the only reason the heat’s not coming down on you and your operation is because the De la Rosas are a bigger threat. For right now, at least. But don’t worry—you’ll have our attention again before too long.”

I grit my teeth, the urge to tell her exactly where she can shove her authority bubbling just beneath the surface.

But I hold it back, knowing it won’t get me anywhere.

Instead, I straighten. “Good luck, Agent Patterson. You’re going to need it.”

With that, I turn and leave. My anger simmers as I head back to my car, my mind racing.

If Christian lashes out, if he sees this as a provocation, the fallout will be catastrophic. And now, with Isabella and the baby in the picture, the stakes have never been higher.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I grip the wheel tightly, my knuckles white.

I need to be prepared for anything.

CHAPTER 25

ISABELLA

The Uber glides to a stop in front of Alexei’s high-rise, and I step out, smoothing my dress and ignoring the lingering buzz of guilt.

Mario’s probably losing his mind right now, but I’ll deal with him later… maybe tell Dad that he deserves a raise for all the gray hairs I’ve given him.

Once inside, my heels click against the polished floor as I make my way to the front desk, where an employee looks up, all polite curiosity.

“Hi there, Seth,” I say with a glance at his badge. “I’m here to see Alexei Plushenko.”

His brow furrows. “Is he expecting you?”

“Nope.” I lean on the counter just enough to seem easy-breezy. “But I promise you, he wants to see me.”

He hesitates, clearly torn between doing his job and not wanting to piss off someone who looks like she belongs here. Smart kid.

He reaches for his phone. “Let me call him.”

My hand shoots forward, my fingertips landing on his wrist, stopping him.

“Look, Seth,” I lower my voice conspiratorially, “do I look like I’m here to cause trouble? My visit is meant to be a surprise. Just let me go up, and I promise Alexei won’t have a reason to complain.”

His lips twitch, and I know I’ve got him.

He sighs. “Fine.” He presses another button to unlock the elevator. “But if he says anything, this conversation didn’t happen. You snuck in before I could catch you.”