Page 159 of See You Maybe
But the look in Chris’s eyes, when his gaze met Declan’s on the way out the door, concerned him. Chris didn’t look cowed or even angry. He looked smug.
“You have some nasty enemies.” Alex Kovalyov’s voice was unusually serious when Declan answered the call from the car on his way to the helipad.
Declan tugged at the knot of his tie. After being reinstated as CEO of Bloom Communications, he waited for the elation to come. The roar in his blood that always came with winning.
But it hadn’t come.
All he could think about was getting back to Olivia.
“Who?”
“Agron Koci wants you dead.” Declan felt his body still, dread filling his gut. He knew this day would come…
“Why now?”
“Someone tipped him off you were the one who killed his cousin. Not Seamus. I can assure you it wasn’t us. Who else knows?”
Chris. No wonder he didn’t look upset. Chris didn’t think Declan would live long enough to fill the position.
Declan kept his breathing calm, but didn’t answer Alex.
“Apparently, Agron’s making a play for the big chair, and taking out a high-profile enemy will cement his position.” Declan’s jaw worked, but Alex continued, his voice lighter. “However, I’m calling with good news. It’s being handled as we speak.”
A coil of anger tightened in his belly.
“You’ve become remarkably unfun lately,” Alex groused, when Declan stayed silent. “Fortunately for you, it turns out that my brother doesn’t like Agron much. He’s dipped his hand into too many cookie jars that weren’t his, and on top of that, he tried to carry out a hit on you, in Atlanta, without Mikhail’s permission. Everyone knows after the Lia Everton situation, my brother has a soft spot for all things Bloom.”
“I never asked for Bratva help,” Declan bit out. “I don’t owe your brother anything.”
“No, you don’t. My brother did this as a favor to me.”
“Why?”
“Would you believe I’ve become fond of your charming face?” Declan’s nostrils flared. “Fine. Call it a wedding present.”
“I haven’t asked her yet.”
“Not yours. Mine.”
Declan was stunned into silence, but Alex continued. “I’m getting married soon, and I know your new sister-in-law doesn’t approve. She or your brother will probably ask you to intervene—Don’t.”
The word was as hard as Declan had ever heard the Russian use. Alex’s voice was deadly when he said, “Madison Amherst is going to be my wife, and nothing will stand in the way of that.”
“Interesting.” Declan’s tone was bland, but he smiled, knowing the man couldn’t see.
“It’s not interesting. It’s an exchange. A rose for an angel.”
Declan understood. “Best wishes.”
“Give Mikhail twenty-four hours.”
Olivia greeted him at the door. “How did it go?”
“I told you there was nothing to worry about,” Declan said, kissing her. “I promised an update to my family.” Declan caught her hand in his, and Olivia hurried to keep pace as he strode rapidly through the house. He abruptly came to a halt looking down at her feet with concern.
She arched a brow. “Don’t even think about picking me up. My feet are fine.”
He debated for a second, but then resumed walking until he reached the door of his office.