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“This explains why she wanted everyone else to apologize for her. She sucks at it,” Ivan said.
I couldn’t help but laugh at their responses. “Are you guys saying this just because it’s me and you all love me and want to protect me? You can tell me if I’m being the bitch here.”
“Noooo, Seph. That’s a terrible apology. She’s deflecting all responsibility on to her family, who has nothing to do with this. She’s old enough that she should be able to think for herself at this point in her life and make her own decisions about people. Blaming them is lazy. Quite frankly, I’m offended by her lack of imagination,” Stephen said.
“What was your response?” Ivan asked, looking at me. I took a deep breath again, trying not to get upset by having to retell it.
Misha answered for me. “In normal Sephie fashion, she verbally annihilated her. She asked if Giana was asking for the truth now. She even made Giana say yes twice before she told her about her uncle and how he was the reason she had so much knowledge about brawn. It went downhill for Giana from there.”
I could feel Adrik’s anger starting to rise, which wasn’t helping mine stay quiet. I put my hands on his chest. “It’s okay. Andrei threatened her life after I got done. That’s when you showed up and rescued me,” I said, grinning at him.
“Judging from what I felt in my office, it’s a good thing for Giana that I did. It was so strong and so sudden,” Adrik said, his eyes showing nothing but concern.
“I didn’t know I was that angry,” I said, looking down at my hands.
“When I got to you, it changed. There was a calm to you, but I could still feel it. It felt like mine, when I’m using it to intimidate someone. Like it’s just under the surface, only yours is much less chaotic than mine. Yours is focused,” he said, his finger lightly playing with the curls around my face. “But your eyes were dark. That’s one of the reasons I pulled you from the apartment.”
“There was more than one reason?” I asked.
He nodded. “I’m sick of things that stress you out and make you relive your past before you’re ready. Especially when it’s as trivial as this is,” he said.
“So, it’s not just me then,” I said, smiling. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him to me, so I could kiss him. He leaned back, smiling at me. “It’s not just you, solnishko. This is a ridiculous matter. I’m thinking of telling Armando to just keep her away from us for the time being. We have enough to worry about without having to worry about twelve-year-old girl drama,” he said.
“I think that might make him mad. He’s in an awkward spot and you need him. I don’t have an issue with Armando. I wouldn’t have an issue with Giana if she would act her age. Maybe wait on talking to him. Let’s see what today does for her,” I said. “She might keep herself away from us on her own. No need to put Armando into an even more awkward spot.”
Viktor’s phone rang. He checked the number, then walked toward me. “It’s Chen,” he said, handing the phone to me. I put it on speaker. “What’s up, Chen?”
“Sephie. How are you, my girl?”
“Good, Chen. How are you? Everything okay?” I asked, somewhat concerned as to why he was calling.
“Yeah, everything is fine for now, but it might not be for long. DJ has some info from his extensive networks through the city. Dude knows everything that’s going on in the city, I swear. The people in Sal’s part of the city are about to revolt. They’re organizing to fight back against Sal. Word has it that Anthony and Sal’s long-lost brother are coming back too.”
“Well, shit.”
“Accurate response. DJ seems to think that if Sal’s area starts to revolt, then other areas of the city will follow,” he said.
“Double shit. If that happens, they won’t even need the brawn. There will be chaos in the city without it. Does DJ happen to know if there’s clear leaders in this organization of the people in Sal’s area of town?” I asked.
“He didn’t say for sure, but I’d bet good money the answer is yes. DJ knows everyone. Everyone knows DJ. He’s like a rockstar of drug dealers,” Chen said, laughing.
“Can you see if he can find out that information? We can meet with them, same as we met with you. We’re trying to keep innocent people from getting hurt. If they revolt, I’m worried that there will be mass casualties,” I said. I glanced up to Adrik, who had a smirk on his face.
“I will get that info for you and get back to you.”
“Sooner is better, as I’m sure you know,” I said.
“Don’t worry, my girl. This public servant offers prompt service,” he said, laughing.
“Thank you, Chen. You’re the best,” I said, ending the call.
I handed the phone back to Viktor, then looked at Adrik, curious as to why he was smirking at me. “You’re a natural at this, solnishko. I don’t even need to tell you what to do. You’re already three steps ahead in any situation,” he said, smiling down at me.
“Told you. You were made for this shit, gazelle,” Misha said, his broad smile stretched across his face.
Adrik spent as much time in the penthouse with me and the guys as he could before returning to his office for the rest of his meetings that day. He promised he would make everything as quick as possible, so he could get back to me. He also made sure that Ivan, Andrei, and Misha knew to stay with me the rest of the afternoon.
“They can help me cook dinner,” I said, grinning at Adrik as he pulled me to him before leaving.
