Chapter One
Who Dared
Misha
“I want to know truth,” I snarl at Shura, as I tug on the shirt he has brought me to hospital.
I was reluctant to leave the waiting room. We’ve not gotten news on LaSalle’s wife or Tasha yet. The only thing that caused me to step away was the look in Shura’s eyes when he came to give me news.
Shura has been my head of security for four years. He was with me in Ireland, when my family was harmed. I know he’s taking all of this as personally as I am.
Shura has been almost as loyal as my cousin Czar. I don’t trust a word anymore, unless it comes from one of the two. The look Shura gave me said he had a hell of a lot to say and I’m not going to like any of it.
Val saw the look as well and secured a private room for me to talk in with Shura, as I put on a shirt. She also took my nervous little Milanie with her. I will definitely have to address my daughter’s mental health at this point.
“Your father did not hire Russians for this. Everyone home is still shaking in their boots, after what you did to Pavel. Word has spread, no one would dare. This was Serbians. Your aunts are to pay them when your fiancée, girl from your past, and their sister are dead,” Shura replies as he holds my gaze.
I stop mid-buttoning of my shirt. I narrow my eyes, as something in his words catches my attention. It feels like doors in my brain are trying to open and shut, as I play Shura’s words in my head. I rewind my father’s final threat.
“I planned for this. If I die she dies. You are obsessed with those brown faced women. Especially, the original one. I know where she is, you kill me, she is next.”
It clicks into place for me. I assumed my father meant brown faced women, as in black women. Yes, I know Keisha and Tasha could pass for twins, but I hadn’t thought about his words then. I was too angry.
“What are you not saying, Shura,” I growl.
“They are sisters. Czar doesn’t even know he has twin sisters. Or should I say had,” Shura stiffens in rage. He and Keisha had a bond. Shura treated her like his own daughter. “His oldest sister knows; she has been spending time with other sister.”
I stagger back into the conference table behind me. I grip the edges as his words settle in my brain. How could I not know this? I had my assistant dig up everyth…
Fuck! Keisha and her sister were adopted. I close my eyes, as my thoughts race in circles. How did my father know this? Where is this other sister? We had such a hard time tracking her down when I found out about her in the beginning of my relationship with Keisha.
I didn’t protect Keisha and I may have failed moj malen’kij kotenok. Maybe it is better this third sister stays hidden from me. I shake my head. No, that’s not right. Keisha would want me to protect her sister.
“Find this sister, Shura. Guard her with your life,” I hiss.
“Already looking,” Shura nods.
I start at the buttons on my shirt again. I flip through my thoughts, matching what I know with what has happened. Czar asked me to keep his sister safe.
My cousin has proven to be better man than I gave him credit for long ago. It enrages me that I have failed at this simple task. Czar has kept my business in America, afloat for the last four years, while still holding his position with LaSalle. Never once have I had to question him, since I let him back in my organization.
“The first attacks. Those were not Serbians, who were they,” I demand.
Shura frowns. “Not family problem. Pavel’s men just arrived yesterday. Miss. Gabriel has other enemies.”
“Who?”
“Mother of dead fiancé,” Shura grumbles. “She blames your little one for son’s death.”
“I thought that was covered up,” I say with knitted brows.
When I found out truth about Tasha, I dig for answers. I know her fiancé was found in his car. It was never linked to Tasha or my men that were returned to Russia in boxes.
“She’s mother, Misha. Mother’s know things. This woman lost her boy and your little one is living her life. She can be dangerous. It has taken her time to arrange money and connections. I will keep watch,” Shura says firmly.
“Send message,” I say through tight lips. “Tasha walks out of this hospital,” I pause and swallow hard at the possibility that this may not happen. “Anyone dare to touch a hair on her head, they lose their life, but not before I cut out hearts of their family in front of them, Da.”
“Da.” Shura says simply and turns to leave the room.
I turn and place my palms on the table top. I feel like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I did not expect to come to America to this. I don’t think I can handle another loss right now.
I’m too old for this shit. I’m holding on by a thread. I am Misha on the outside, but I have become the beaten boy from my youth on inside once again.
I clench my hands into fists. I think of my little girl. She has been through enough. I think it’s time I take her home. I will have Czar text me with updates.
I need distance from this place. If this turns for the worse, I will break in front of these people. That will never happen. I cannot allow it.
It’s time I be a father. Milanie comes first this time. Moj malen’kij kotenok will survive for me. I have taught her to do so. She will never lose her life at hands of another. Not my little Kitten.