Page 20 of Scarred Temptation

His worth to me was in his knowledge of others within my world. An unassuming man who disappeared in a crowd, nothing about him stood out. Which was why he was truly one of the most dangerous liaisons who’d pledged loyalty to the Aristov Bratva.

“I’m taking the meeting. Perhaps he’s heard something that would allow me to hunt down the perpetrator.”

Roman shook his head. “At the risk of angering you, I’ll ask you again. Are you certain that’s wise given the circumstances?”

“Keep something in mind, brother. I will not allow a nikchemnyy bandit to hurt anyone else in my family. That includes my stubborn brother. I will discover who was behind the attempted abduction. If that means taking risks, so be it. Is that clear?” Calling the perpetrator a worthless thug was being generous.

While he nodded in respect, I sensed his continued discord. “Understood, Pakhan.”

“You can handle the school and while I realize killing innocent teachers will not be in my best interest, make certain they know just how furious I am. And that they rely on donations for their fucking salaries.”

Roman laughed. “I’ll threaten them appropriately. Don’t worry.”

“Tighten security on the shipments, including for our clients.”

“Done.”

I rose to my full height, scrubbing my jaw. “Let’s offer a reward for any corroborated information.”

A slow and easy smile crossed his face. “Nice. Good idea.”

“And have our security team search our computer systems for any backdoor breach. I will handle the upcoming project. Not that you’re not perfectly capable, but right now, I need to be seen and heard so our enemies don’t smell any weakness. This project will gain a lot of notoriety.”

“Understood. You’re concerned another attack will occur.”

I lifted my head. “Yes, I am. I have a right to be. I assume the firm selected for the project has gone through every security measure?”

“Absolutely. They have an excellent reputation. I told the company principals we would only accept their best and most innovative employee as the project leader.”

Tilting my chin, I stared at the ceiling. I don’t know if I was hoping for divine intervention or a lightning strike. “Good. I won’t tolerate incompetence.”

“Don’t worry,” he countered. “I warned them of that as well. What about the security on your house?”

“It’s solid. When my daughter is here, she’s safe.”

“You’re not taking her out of school, are you?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Maxsim. Come on. She’s opened up so much more. She loves school.”

I waved my hand. “While you’re family, this is my decision. She’s my daughter. Mine!” I was more exasperated than even he deserved, but the painful memories had already resurfaced.

“Understood. Let me go make arrangements.”

Nodding, I grabbed my drink, finishing it off in one swallow. “Have Svetlana bring Mina to my office on your way out.”

Roman didn’t usually mince words, including or especially with me. “As her uncle, I have the right to remind you that she is just a little girl and doesn’t deserve punishment. She’s done nothing wrong and in truth, whoever this woman was handled the situation like a pro. Mina needs to know she can rely on you, her father. Not on a man considered the most dangerous and violent in the city.”

The air between us was thick.

“Are you finished?”

He shook his head as if blowing me off. “Yes.”

“Syn dlya ottsa—osobennyy, no doch’ prinosit svet skvoz’ t’mu.”

A father’s son is special, but his daughter brings light through the darkness.