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"She was pregnant," I growl. "My wife was pregnant."
Silence descends, then Nikolai murmurs, "I am sorry, brother. How can we help you?"
"By helping me track down the bastards behind this."
"I’ll spread the word… Hell, if your speech earlier hasn’t gone viral within the underground network…in a manner of speaking, that is," JJ offers, "I’ll make sure I alert all of my sources. It’s only a matter of time before the perpetrators are found.
I jerk my chin, "And you, Nikolai?" I train my gaze on him, "What are you thinking?"
"Whoever did it was, clearly, after your life."
"That's no secret. He’s the Capo. Hell, they want him to step down from becoming the Don." JJ frowns. "They were trying to finish him off before he took the position."
"Is that all it was?" Nikolai drawls.
"What else could it be?" JJ replies.
"You tell me," Niko holds my gaze, "you sure you’re looking in the right place, Michael?"
My heart begins to race and my pulse pounds at my temples. I lean back into the chair, and the handle of my knife that’s tucked in at the small of my waistband digs into my back. "You’re implying—"
"That it may have been one of your own." Niko nods. "Don’t tell me the thought hadn’t occurred to you?"
It had, but I am not going to own up to it. "You let me take care of what happens with my clan." I tip up my chin. "I simply need you to spread the word among your men and their contacts. I want the culprits to be brought to heel before Christmas."
JJ whistles, "That’s only a few days away."
"More than enough time, if the two of you get behind the effort."
"You threatening us, Michael?" Niko asks in a soft voice.
"I am…" I glance between them, "reminding you that when we embarked on this partnership, it meant that you prioritize my…request before anyone else’s."
"Your brother was killed; it’s like my own was taken from me." JJ raps his knuckles on the table, "Consider it done."
I turn to Niko whose gaze narrows. He seems like he’s about to say something, then changes his mind. "I’ll get my men on the job."
I rise to my feet and so do they. JJ turns to leave and Niko follows.
"Nikolai," I call out and he pauses, "I am counting on you."
He glances at me over his shoulder, "Partnerships are almost as important to me as family." He touches his forefinger to his forehead then stalks out.
I walk toward the bar and pour the rest of the whiskey into my glass. The door opens and her scent reaches me. I stiffen, then place the now empty whiskey bottle down on the counter. The door snicks shut and footsteps approach. I sense her pause behind me. She touches my arm and I pull away. I walk over to my chair and sink down into it.
"What are you doing here?" I ask as she stands there, still dressed in that black dress that outlines her every curve. She reaches up, removes her hat with the netting and places it on the bar counter. Instantly, my gaze is drawn to the wound on her forehead. Her features are pale, her frame too slim. There are dark shadows under her eyes, and fuck, if she doesn’t look like she’s going to collapse any moment. As if on cue, she sways and I curse. I slam my glass down on the table, then lunge forward. I reach her just as she puts out a hand to steady herself.
I swing her up in my arms and she protests, "Put me down, Michael."
"Not a bloody chance."
She chuckles, "You’re swearing like a true Brit."
"God forbid," I snap as I walk toward the door.
"Where are you taking me?" she asks in a soft voice.
"To bed, which is where you should have been all day."
