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Smirking, I pointed toward the produce room. “Go. You know I don’t talk about my personal life with anyone.”
“That’s because you no longer have a personal life, my friend.” He backed away, his two hands in the air. Unfortunately, he was right. Other than for glitzy appearances, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d given a damn about anyone.
I had my reasons. I just didn’t care to share them with anyone.
As I headed to my Mercedes, my thoughts drifted to Cassidy. If I’d known her real identity, would it have changed my mind?
Likely not.
I enjoyed living dangerously. However, the last thing I needed to do was to get involved with the woman, even if my sadistic needs were only breaching the surface.
Following my own rules could prove to be difficult.
I remained in the parking lot, not surprised when Alexei Kozlov screeched tires as he pulled into the parking lot. The Russian had a flair for life, his cavalier attitude similar to mine, but our hatred of each other would never change.
Even if our families were not united.
Smirking, I slid my sunglasses into place, forcing him to come to me.
“Valentin,” Alexei stated, eyeing me through his dark shades as I was doing with him. “Your phone call held interest.”
“Interest.” There was sense in taking his bait. My baby sister Giada was happy with her new husband, Alexei’s younger brother, the woman still trying to convince me that she was living in the lap of luxury instead of being treated like a pawn. The bitter taste of the deal my father had made with the Pakhan would remain with me until the day I died.
“What are the Polacks doing now?” he asked, glancing at the warehouse with interest. The damn rehearsal dinner had been at La Travitorria, Alexei acting as if he couldn’t tolerate the food. The evening had almost turned into a brawl. However, his dislike of Casimine was as strong as mine.
“Picking off several of my soldiers as a warning.”
He turned his head slowly. “That is more than just interesting. For what reason?”
“It would seem they are planning a takeover.”
“Dur’ nesusvetnaya,” he huffed.
Bullshit.
I’d learned enough Russian to understand the bullshit they tossed in our direction. “If I had to guess, Alexei, I’d say they were coordinating with other family members.”
He snarled, realizing I could be right. The Poles had a heavy hand in the politics of Chicago, their numbers and control much more significant. While there was distance between the two cities, there was also the potential for hundreds if not thousands of soldiers. If they formed a single crime syndicate, they would be difficult to eradicate.
“What do you need from me?” he asked.
“Nothing. Not a damn thing. For now. There may be a time I need your assistance. For the family’s sake of course.”
His grin was laced with his usual contempt. “Of course. Keep in mind assistance comes with a price.”
I walked closer, removing my sunglasses. I wanted him to see the lack of anger in my eyes as I made him a promise. “I suggest you tread water very carefully, Alexei. I’m not my father who succumbed to using negotiation skills based on scare tactics. I prefer the old school way of handling things.”
He tipped his head, a wry smile crossing his face. “A formidable enemy. That will make it much more enjoyable when I bring you to your knees. I will provide you with assistance, my brother. And I suggest that you remember the favor will be returned.”
When he stormed off, I took a deep breath. On the day the Italians declared war on the Bratva there would be celebration in the streets.
And the rain coming down from the sky would be tainted with their blood.
* * *
Cassidy
“There you are, sweetheart. I was getting worried about you.”
