Page 52 of Tainted Empire

I straighten up, my attention sharpening. “What about her?”

He sighs on the other end, the weight of his words palpable even through the phone. “It’s not what we thought. She’s not against you. She’s been blackmailed for the past few weeks, Mikhail. Someone’s been using her, but I’ve taken care of it.”

My grip on the phone tightens, a mix of relief and renewed anger coursing through me. “Blackmailed? Who the fuck would dare?”

“The details are murky, but I’ve dealt with the immediate threat,” he replies. “Just know that Lee’s actions weren’t her own choice. She’s still loyal to you.”

I let out a slow breath, the news sinking in. Lee, who I’d begun to doubt, was under someone else’s thumb this whole time. “Thanks, Pappa. I appreciate you handling this.”

“We look out for our own,” he says, a hint of warmth in his tone. “Be careful, son.”

As I hang up, I turn to Gabriette, her eyes filled with questions. “That was my father calling about Lee. She wasn’t betraying us; she was being blackmailed,” I say, the words tasting bitter. “Someone was using her, My father says it’s been handled, but...”

Gabriette’s expression is one of concern and understanding. “That explains a lot, especially the large amount she had on that receipt.”

I nod, feeling a twinge of guilt for doubting Lee, even if just for a moment. “Yeah. I just wish she had told me. We could have dealt with it together.”

Gabriette leans in, her hand on my arm. “Maybe it’s not something she wanted you to know, Mikhail. Lee, just like you, may have secrets she never wants out in the open but maybe it’s time to have a talk with Lee, clear the air.”

I sigh, knowing she’s right. “Yeah. I owe her that much. And we need to make sure there are no more lingering threats.”

As we sit there, a new plan begins to form. It’s time to reach out to Lee, to mend bridges and reinforce alliances. In our world, trust is hard-earned and easily broken, but it’s the only thing that keeps us alive.

And right now, I need to make sure that the trust between Lee and me remains unshaken. She’s one of the strongest women I know, so what exactly was she blackmailed with?

Chapter 28

Gabriette

Slipping into my gym clothes, I brace myself for today’s training session. Alexei is taking over, and if his reputation is anything to go by, I’m in for a tough workout. As I tie my hair back, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nerves.

I head to our private gym, where Alexei is already waiting. He’s out of his usual suit, dressed in joggers and a black tank top. The sight is almost startling. I’ve never seen him so casual, and the scars criss crossing his arms are a stark reminder of the life he leads.

His blonde hair, usually slicked back, is now tousled, and his piercing green eyes focus on me with an intensity that’s both intimidating and motivating.

“Good morning, Mrs. Baranova,” he greets me, his voice betraying no emotion.

“Morning, Alexei,” I reply, trying to match his tone.

“Ready to start?” Alexei asks, a hint of a challenge in his voice.

I nod, stepping onto the mat. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

He doesn’t go easy on me, right from the start. Each of his moves is calculated and powerful, forcing me to use every bit of training I’ve had so far. I find myself on the mat more times than I can count, but each time I get back up, determined not to show any weakness.

“Never let your guard down. In a real fight, your opponent won’t give you a second’s respite.”

I nod, catching my breath. “I understand. I won’t.”

During a brief pause, I notice a large tattoo of a skull and snake on his hip as he uses his tank top to wipe the sweat from his face. The design is intricate, menacing, and somehow fitting.

Alexei catches my gaze on his tattoo and smirks slightly. “A reminder of the past, Mrs. Baranova. We all have our stories.”

I nod, pushing myself off the mat. “Let’s continue.”

As we resume, Alexei starts explaining underground slang, his words punctuated by the rhythm of our sparring. “You need to know the lingo, Mrs. Baranova. Words can be as deadly as fists in our world.”

I dodge a particularly swift punch, feeling a rush of adrenaline. “Give me an example.”