The fucking whore of an enforcer. It makes sense. The Russians have been trying to make a move in Vegas for years. Father, the Italians, and the Gaelic Reaper MC all decided they didn’t want Russians on their turf. The second they killed the Pakhan and his wife and son, we all made it clear — no Russians here.
“So, this little wench somehow got to Father, poisoned him over time, and got into his head,” I mutter. “But that’s not all they wanted, is it?”
Max shakes his head. My mind starts racing, thoughts flying in a million different directions. Until—
“They want Onyx. We hold the most power here, and the MC and Italians count on us to keep things clean for them. If they had Onyx, they’d have Vegas.”
I laugh to myself. Barbra failed. She got nothing.
“That’s why she had you kidnapped. If you disappeared, she’d get it all.”
I nod at Max before I hear a bubble of laughter.
“Here I thought you put me as the beneficiary of your will and the company. You sneaky bitch!”
This time, I do smile. Fuck the pain.
Lily laughs, and Max stands there, looking between us, eyes wide.
“Always be prepared.” Max says with a laugh.
“Exactly. And now that I’m ‘missing,’ I can go hunting while she tries to leech her way in here. Then I get to watch her lose everything again.”
Lily beams at that.
“You little minx. So, you’re going to be a dog and play dead?”
I scoff. “Not a dog. And I’m not playing dead. I’m playing missing person.”
“Okay, that means we need to move you. I have to be out of my mind trying to track you down.”
I hum my agreement. “Hopefully, you’re a better actor than that wench.”
We all laugh.
“Well, I’ll definitely be better than her. We also need somewhere to put the girl.”
Max and I share a look, then both turn to Lily.
“Lil, I think she’d be best off at the compound you built for your mom and sisters.”
I’m not joking when I say “compound.” That place is locked up tighter than Fort Knox. There’s the main house for her mom and sisters, Lily’s house, and a small cabin.
“I already called Mom,” Lily says. “She agreed. It may be best for Kathrine, especially after I explained a little of their past times.”
“Oh, wonderful. That way maybe she can start healing. Now, any ideas for my location?”
I know we have a couple of safe houses all over Vegas, but they could all be compromised. I definitely can’t stay at a hotel.
“What if we call in a favor with one of the heads?”
“That could work. Use one of their safe houses, especially the Reapers. Barbra thinks they’re just a small-town gang.”
“I’ll give them a call. You girls will need to clear out tonight.”
I nod my agreement as Max walks off to make the call.
“Are you doing, okay?”
