His mouth grimaced as if reluctant to say his next few words. “Deva. You wanted to know why I kept close to Finch? I will tell you. My Pakan asked me personally and confidentially. He’s the one who asked me to connect with Finch, to gather as much information as I could. And he’s my most direct, most reliable source. He saw Finch circling and needed someone who could find out what he wanted. And he knew Finch is my father, so I was an easy choice. Now, I have to go see the Pakan, today. I’ve been summoned. And I’m bringing you with me. That way, you’ll see first hand if something is off. You can form your own opinion.”
Deva wasn’t sure of his decision. “Do you think it’s safe?”
“Safe or not, you’ve been invited. And that means that you must show up. You are the daughter of an established and respected MC president, nothing will happen to you.”
“Except if your Pakan is in with Finch. In that case, he’ll deliver me to my father in less than a minute.”
Aleksei’s expression turned hard as stone. “He’s not. I’m certain of it. I would never let anything happen to you, Deva.”
Deva softened her voice. “It may not be your decision in the end, Aleksei.”
Cursing, he got to his feet. “I keep my word, Deva. And I trust my Pakan to keep his. So far, I haven’t been deceived.”
She could have argued. After all, she had many doubts of her own but decided against it. It was their best opening so far, and she would seize it.
“Okay, but I bring a bodyguard.”
“I don’t like repeating myself. I can protect you, Deva.”
She shook her head. “Even if it has been awhile, I know how it works. Me, bringing a protector will send the signal that I’m not being delivered to him and that I’m not your pawn.”
“You are being protected, by me! And you’re certainly not a pawn!”
Undeterred by his outburst, Deva pushed her plate aside. “I know. It’s not you I doubt, it’s everyone else. I’m only giving them an unspoken message. Nothing more, but nothing fucking less. I’m not a man! And just that plays against me on so many levels. You may trust your boss, you have proven yourself to him, and he has shown his trust, but I’m not Bratva. No doubt that Mex has placed a price on my head, and yelled it to anyone who could listen. I’m going with you, but I’m showing a play of power by bringing protection. How many women have you seen entering your Pakan’s lair without anyone by their side? Except for whores and hostages?”
And she saw him accept her point with a look that suggested he’d had to swallow a lemon wrapped up in slime.
“Okay, I’ll relay that information to him. And if all goes well, we’re expected for coffee this morning.”
“Where?”
“Right here, downstairs. At nine.
Deva nodded. “I’ll make a call and ask Gabrielle.”
Stiff and clearly pissed, Aleksei got his phone out. But before he could walk out of reach, she touched his forearm.
His closed expression was telling, but it cracked a bit for her. “Thank you, Aleksei.”
He nodded stiffly and went to the bedroom to make his call.
Grabbing her phone and dialing Gabrielle’s number, she turned to the window to admire the sunrise. A new day, a new challenge. But she ignored her own doubts tightening her belly. She was about to enter the ring with very fierce lions, and if she wanted to succeed and keep Aleksei safe, she would need all her wits and all the courage she could find within her own damaged self.
