Page 52 of Hunt Me (Dmitriyev Bratva #1)

M ikhail

Eyes of fire and a body meant for sin.

That was the way I envisioned Bristol every time I closed my eyes. I’d been unable to stay away from her, my possessiveness no longer catching me off guard.

She remained curled on the couch with her legs under her, wearing nothing but a tee shirt that left little to the imagination. With her eyes pinned on mine, I sensed she was searching to see if I’d suddenly awakened my soul.

“I’m so sorry about Sergio. I thought about coming to the funeral, but I didn’t think you wanted me there.”

“There are some things in life you shouldn’t have to endure. At this point, death is one of them. He will be missed.” I took a sip of the whiskey, enjoying the burn down the back of my throat. When she reached over, wrapping her fingers around my hand, I took a deep breath.

“Death is inevitable, Mikhail. That’s why we need to make the most of every moment of life, because it’s so precious.”

I turned toward her, cocking my head as I studied her face. “You’re right, of course.”

“Why are you really here? Is it because you know I walked out on my father?”

“I’m here because of you, Bristol. You’ve done something to me and while I’m not certain our relationship is good for either of us, I can’t seem to stay away from you. You are precious to me, but keeping you around me won’t be in your best interest.”

“You can’t have it both ways, Mikhail, and I’m a big girl. You’ll keep me safe. I know you will.”

“Things will become… more difficult. The man you watched on television claiming I beat him up was murdered.”

“What?”

“While I had nothing to do with it, I have no doubt I’ll be blamed for his death.”

“O’Shaughnessy.”

“He killed one of his own men to try and frame me. Tristen is using other methods, but while I’m locked away in prison, he’ll slowly try and take my empire.”

“You aren’t guilty.”

“Tell that to your father. I’m certain he’s chomping at the bit.”

She looked away, pulling her hand free. The faraway look in her eyes was disturbing.

“What’s wrong?” When she didn’t answer me, I cupped her chin, pulling her head forward. Seeing tears in her eyes nearly broke me. “What, Bristol?”

“That’s why the chief of police was in my father’s office this morning. That’s why I left. He didn’t fully admit that he was on the take, but he did tell me what he’d done in the past and what he is doing now was about protecting his family. I don’t know what to believe any longer.”

“I have no doubt he was threatened. Whether or not he took a bribe I will discover. I have connections, Bristol, and I need to know. Unfortunately, that won’t stop me from being arrested. But don’t worry. I have a good attorney, even if the two of you have had your run-ins before.” He laughed.

“Mark Jenkins? He’s a snake.” I was able to laugh.

“Well, maybe one day you can become the Dmitriyev attorney.”

“That might be the only place that will hire me. That is if I don’t go to jail.”

“Don’t worry, baby. The tape was destroyed.”

Her smile was bright at first, but she frowned almost immediately. “Sergio did say something to me, but it was in Russian and garbled. I think it was important and I’m so sorry, but I can’t remember.”

“Why don’t I try?”

“Okay.”

As I rattled off a few statements in my native language, including various phrases used for Irishman, she shook her head each time. I could see her anxiety increasing.

“I’m sorry. Nothing at all like that.”

“We’ll keep trying.” If that was even going to be necessary. “I want you to pack a bag and come with me.”

“You’re kidnapping me again?” The teasing lilt in her voice was a good surprise.

“No, I want you to come of your own free will, but that doesn’t mean I won’t lock you in my bedroom.” I rubbed her face and almost instantly my cock was hard as a rock.

“I don’t think I’d mind that.” Her smile turned into a frown. “You’re worried I’m in danger.”

“I’m concerned things are going to become difficult and I need to keep you close until everything comes to pass.”

“You’re going after the O’Shaughnessy family. Aren’t you?”

“I’m going to do what I need to protect my family. Unfortunately, that could mean your father will be caught in the crosshairs.”

She thought about what I was saying and nodded. “My father knows the difference in right and wrong. He asked me to trust him, so maybe we’re wrong. But if not, I can’t stand behind him while he destroys you. I won’t allow that to happen.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Then pack.”

Leaning forward, she pressed her hand against my chest. “Just remember that you’re a good man deep inside. Don’t forget who you are and what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I waited where I was as she left the room, frustrated there’d been no word, no inclination of where Connor was hiding. But I would find him if it was the last thing I did.

The ringtone of my phone indicated Kazimir was calling. I answered without hesitation, maybe hopeful he had some news that wouldn’t irritate me more than I already was. “What did you find?”

“We have a source. He’s not happy about being in a holding position, but he knows something.”

“Then I’ll be right there.” I immediately dialed Alexsey’s number as I stood.

At least we were getting somewhere. “Alexsey. I have a guest coming to stay with me. I need you to look out for her and to let her in the house. Kazimir found a source who has some information. I want you to stay with her until I return. Can you do that?”

“Sure. Is this the mayor’s daughter?”

“Da, and she’s become even more important. Keep her safe.”

“With my life, brother. With my life.”

I ensured Bristol wasn’t paying attention before continuing the conversation. “What about our mayor’s finances?”

“Interesting would be the word. I can’t find a single offshore account and there are no large deposits for years.”

“But…”

“But the story is different twenty-two years ago. A large deposit of two hundred thousand dollars was made right around the time then-prosecutor Rork had Connor’s sentence reduced. But it gets weirder.”

“Keep talking.”

“The exact same amount was written as a check only a couple weeks later, the money returned. You’d need to check the dates, but I’ll take a wild bet the transaction occurred around the time you torched the amusement park.”

“O’Shaughnessy didn’t take kindly to his bribe being returned.

” Yes, the news was fascinating, but didn’t mean Sebastian hadn’t discovered a different and more clever way of taking payoffs, including through a dummy corporation and through…

charitable donations similar to what his wife was handling.

I laughed. “Keep looking. There are anomalies. Sebastian Rork isn’t going full court press against us without a reason.”

“I have some people working on it.”

“Let me know what you find.”

After ending the call, I found her number, which I’d programmed before, texting her my address. This chapter would end tonight one way or another.

I headed toward her bedroom, taking another look at the beauty I’d claimed as belonging to me.

Maybe I would please my father and settle down.

The thought brought a filthy image to my mind.

“There’s been a change of plans. I’ve texted you my address.

You will go there where my brother will meet you. As soon as you pack, head there.”

“What’s going on?”

“A needed interrogation. Don’t worry. I did hear what you said.” Although tonight I wouldn’t be the hero in anyone’s life.

I was the Pakhan.

“Be careful, Mikhail. I don’t want to lose you.”

Her statement, her admittance was as surprising as the woman. “Don’t worry, moy ideal’nyy angel . Tonight there will be no deaths.”

But I wouldn’t lie and tell her there wasn’t a possibility of that happening tomorrow and beyond.

Bristol

There was no reason for me to shake uncontrollably yet I was. Maybe from anxiety. Perhaps from excitement. Or perhaps because my mind was working overtime. I glanced at the television in my bedroom as I continued packing. I had no clue how long I’d be staying with Mikhail or what I should bring.

A part of me was giddy inside. How ridiculous since less than a week before he’d kidnapped me.

How things had changed. The ten o’clock news was on, the reporter droning on about the upcoming weather.

A bad feeling had pooled in my stomach that my father thought he was controlling whatever he was in the middle of.

I worried for his safety and for Mikhail. What if he was arrested? I couldn’t allow that to happen. I tossed a few more items into my suitcase, every few seconds stopping to think about Mikhail.

And my father.

Had I done the right thing? Should I have listened to him or placed my trust in him? I wasn’t certain, but I knew whatever my father was doing was dangerous and not only for his career.

A different story appeared on the television screen and caught my eye. I flitted a quick look toward it. Seeing the small headline underneath, I was intrigued and moved closer, increasing the volume.

“The funeral of Sergio Pavel, longtime friend and employee of the Dmitriyev family was held today.”

As the reporter droned on about a private, sad affair, I concentrated on Mikhail.

He was somber as were the other family members, waiting patiently as the minister officiated the sermon.

I couldn’t believe reporters had been allowed to cover the tragic event as if it were a glitzy party instead of a funeral.

I couldn’t even hear what the man was saying.

My God. What had we come to in this country? It was a man’s funeral, for God’s sake.

If only I’d been able to be with Mikhail. Maybe I could have offered comfort.

A groan left my throat. Who was I kidding? The entire situation was a whirlwind of insanity leaving disaster in its wake.

Being a celebrity meant always being in the limelight.

As the minister stepped away, the entire family stood, Mikhail taking the lead and walking closer to the casket.

The quiet was eerie, only birds chirping in the background.

When Mikhail spoke, he did so in Russian.

His voice was haunting, the sadness represented allowing me to see yet another side of the man.

He wasn’t so different than anyone else.

He laughed.

He enjoyed time spent with friends and family.

He went to work every day.

He paid bills.

Just watching him, seeing his strength as he said his last goodbyes kept me tingling all over. I was about to turn off the television when something he said before turning away caught my full attention. I repeated the Russian words.

“ Mladshiy brat .”

Then I repeated it again. And again. They were the exact words Sergio had whispered.

I was certain of it. Where the hell had I left my phone?

Shit. Where was it? As Mikhail turned around, I noticed he’d been standing beside someone else.

A blond guy. As the man lifted his head directly toward the camera, I gasped, immediately bending over and quickly studying every inch of his face.

Oh, my God. Turning away, I scanned the room, finally noticing my phone dumped in the middle of the bed. I scrambled to grab it before I forgot the words. I repeated them over and over again as I tried to find Mikhail’s number.

I finally remembered he’d programmed his cell phone under Master. The bastard. As I dialed, I turned back toward the television. A new story was already being told.

When the call went directly to voicemail, I hissed, fisting my hand and pressing it against my forehead.

“Mikhail. I remember the words Sergio told me. They were ones you said at the funeral. Plus, the man standing beside you was in Sergio’s house that night.

The man standing beside you betrayed you.

Please be careful. I’ll be leaving here soon. ”