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He tilted his head, laughing under his breath. “Even the woman hasn’t been able to soften you.”
I checked the other rooms before heading back into the main area.
“I heard about the attempted kidnapping. Any idea?” he asked.
“If I had to guess, I’d say it’s the same people who wanted to make certain I knew there were more of them waiting in the shadows.”
“What in the hell do they want, the girl?”
“I honestly don’t know.” That was the sole reason for my continued rage. Now I knew someone was interested in trying to keep me on that precipice. If there was anything people outside of the family knew was that my anger was often uncontrollable. Up until now, it hadn’t been a weakness, but everything involving Candy was shifting that way.
“Maybe she’s more valuable than you know,” he continued.
“Maybe.”
“I’m serious, Kirill. Maybe the attack and the crap being pulled on Alexei’s jobsites are connected.”
“Already thought of that.”
Dimitre walked closer, the damn smug look on his face something I was ready to wipe off with my fist. “I hate to say this, but did you also think about the possibility that Candy isn’t who you think she is?”
It was all I could do to keep my anger in check. “I’ve checked on her information. She’s exactly who she said she is. Do not mention this to me again. Ever. I’ll hunt down the people responsible and handle the situation. That’s what needs to be done. The girl stays with me and anyone who fucks with her will face my wrath.”
He glared at me but nodded. “You can’t handle this with three men and no backup.”
I wanted to laugh. He made the operation sound as if I couldn’t handle a few Irishmen who thought they could infiltrate the Bratva. “Then what are you suggesting, Dimitre?”
He looked away. “I know you don’t think the men who work for me have the same elite capabilities as the men who were killed, but they know their shit and could prove to be useful.”
It was the first time I’d realized that Dimitre took pride in being tasked with keeping the family secure. He’d been a street kid himself, working the streets of Russia then finding a way to America all by himself. He’d done damn well. Vladimir trusted him without question.
“If additional men are required, I’ll keep that in mind.” I gave him a respectful nod, although I could see doubt in his eyes. While the Kozlov Bratva wasn’t as structured as most still holding power in Russia and other Eastern European countries, clout and position both had value.
“I’ll stay here tonight, but Vladimir has a party tomorrow night.”
A party. It was more like a reminder to those the patriarch had in his pockets that the Kozlov family was owed their loyalty. There wouldn’t be a single invitation that wasn’t accepted. “Any invitations sent to the Walsh family?”
Dimitre narrowed his eyes then grinned. “I can find out.”
“Do. I might attend myself.”
“Alexei won’t like it.”
“Ask me if I give a shit if Alexei approves or not. I’m getting a few of Candy’s personal items. Then I’m heading to the safehouse.”
“Vassily does have a sense of humor.”
“Let’s hope for our unlucky informant that this isn’t a wild goose chase.”
“Be careful, Kirill,” he said in his more jovial tone.
“As I said, I can handle any situation.”
“I’m not talking about business or the goddamn bloodlust you have. I’m talking about the girl. You might need to make a decision that you won’t like. I know you. That will drive the final stake into your heart.”
I took a deep breath before answering. “Then so be it. I’m already dead.”
As I headed toward the door, the same demons I’d been fighting my entire life breached the surface again.
Through my eyes I could see only one color. Red.
Blood red.
