Page 48 of The Bratva's Bounty

With a longing look of doubt, Lev sighed heavily as his head swung back and forth. "No, you're not ever truly safe." His eyes flickered over my shoulder to Angel. "They almost succeeded in kidnapping both Angel and Kolya while they were out together in public." Then, his eyes darted over to his brother, Stepan. "Hanna's family managed to kidnap her while she was with Stepan."

Okay, he had some fair points, and I couldn't argue with him there. If something managed to happen to those before us, then his doubt and wariness for my safety were morethan valid. I mean, Angel and Nikolai were the head honchos, yet someone was gutsy enough to pull such a stunt. I couldn't say much about Stepan and Hanna, but I would've thought their reputation would be enough to keep people cautious and at bay.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pulled myself closer to Lev. "Then we'll figure out some other plan that doesn't result in you going out there and starting a violent blood bath." As much as I loved chaos, there had to be a good point and end to it.

"Is it wrong that I somewhat agree with Lev? Kind of?" Angel pipped up, making all of us look at her with wide eyes and aghast expressions. "Okay," Angel backed track, holding her hands out, "I agree to an extent, I should say. I mean, as much as I want to keep the peace, it's evident that some aren't too happy with the changes to the Volkov Bratva. Yes, they may still be in line with us, but I can still see the apprehension in their eyes." Taking a deep breath, she slowly let it out. "We do need to reassert our dominance with everyone, really give them a demonstration as to why they shouldn't even think about trying their hand with us."

Sighing heavily, Nikolai rubbed his temples. "Lisichka, if you want to torture someone, we have a whole dungeon full of people in the desert." Nikolai groaned, almost seemingly in pain. "We are not going to be shooting or beating people up, nor are we going to be trashing businesses just to make a fucking point when there are better ways to do so."

"I said I agreed with Lev, not his methods," Angel retorted with a roll of her eyes.

Honestly, the more I weighed things in my head, the more I leaned toward Lev and Angel. It'd take way too much time and effort to sit down with people and talk with them; actually, it'd be a big waste of time, in my opinion. "Why don't you just figure out who's iffy with you all or is thinking about other things, gather them, and just give them a real good scare or two… That might or might not send them into a heart attack." Maybe a few deaths gotta be enough of a shock to others. Besides, not like the people dying were innocent, so personally, I wouldn't lose any sleep over any of it.

"Actually…" One of the twins spokeup. Don't ask me which because I sure as hell didn't know how to tell them apart one bit.

To be fair, I haven't had much exposure to the twins. Sure, I've looked them up online, and if Alexei was in his scrubs or white coat, then I could tell him apart from his more charming half. Otherwise, it was a good fifty-fifty shot at who was who.

"Fucking hell, not you, too, Alexei," Nikolai grumbled under his breath while glowering at his younger brother.

Throwing his hands up in defeat, Alexei shrugged with a flat smile. "I don't see the problem with Nicole's little idea. It'll help us clean up some trash before it starts to rot, and it'll be a grand example for our doubters."

The soft sounds of feet dragging across the floor turned our attention to Stepan and Arseny as they slowly shifted more toward Lev's side. "You fucking traitors," Nikolai bit out harshly but almost playfully at the same time. "You know what?" His full attention was locked on Lev. "Since you came up with the brilliant idea, you handle its planning and execution."

"Fine." Lev took on the challenge with a puffed chest. "Just don't get pissy when my idea actually pans out well."

Chapter 24

Lev

"Zhizn moya..."

Before I could put my concern into words, Nicole shook her head at me with a heavy expression. "Not tonight, Lev, please." There was no energy to her voice, nor was there any to her shuffling feet as she dragged herself to the couch.

Being smart, for once in my life, I kept my mouth shut. She didn't need more shit placed on her right now after our impromptu meeting with my family. So, without a peep, I settled next to her on the couch and took her into my arms. "Do you want to be alone for a while?" I wasn't sure if my presence was helping or not.

To be honest, I wasn't sure of a lot of things when it came to Nicole and me. I wasn't doubting our relationship or anything like that; no, it was more that I wasn't sure what to do as a boyfriend. Even if I fooled around a lot in my younger days and somewhat recent years, I've never had a girlfriend before or engaged myself in any kind of committed relationship.

Long-term relationships have always terrified me. Yes, I was one of those cowards who was afraid of commitment—sue me. But, I also never feltthe need to settle, until I came upon Nicole. Something about her drew me in and made me fall head over heels for her.

I thought Nikolai was bullshitting me when he told me a while back that he knew Angel was the one because he could see a life with her. Back then, I argued that a life with anyone could be painted onto a canvas if someone tried hard enough. Nikolai laughed at me and called me naïve, and I might have punched him in the gut for that. But I regret it now because clearly, he was right, like always.

One glance at Nicole was all I needed to have our whole life play out before me like a damn movie—I didn't even have to try and direct anything. I could see us finally having some peace and balance once her parents were taken care of. From seeing us sitting out in the garden watching our children play and grow to when we'd grow old and gray. Everything flowed smoothly like a lazy river.

Of course, thinking about it all made my muscles twitch with impatience. I wanted to go out and bulldoze everything over regarding her parents so she wouldn't have to worry about any of it. Unfortunately, that plan had to go into the trash because of Igor's involvement.

The damn rat.

Maybe it was too hopeful and stupid of me to think he'd run away and hide out the rest of his days in shame with his father after we busted Lady Qing and shut down her operations and some other major players.

Honestly, the whole thing was a huge headache and a half for all of us.

My train of thought came to a halt when I felt movement in my arms. "Yes, but I don't want you gone. I just need you to hold me for longer and be here for me in silence while I mull over everything." Her soft and tired voice made me frown with pity for her.

"Whatever my empress wants and needs." Placing a kiss on the top of her head, I laid down on the couch with her.

Thoughtful silence was probably needed for both of us because I needed to think of a plan to shove it into Nikolai's face. He may have given me the task of dealing with our skeptics and Igor, but I could see his wary eyes when he shoved it onto my plate out of anger.

I had nothing against my older brother, but sometimes, he took the peaceful route a little too far. I understood his reasons for running our family's bratva the way he does, given how our father used to run things with an iron fist, but sometimes, a firm reminder was needed all around.