Page 14 of The Dark Side

"Daddy, what are you saying?"Helina crawled onto his lap, gazing at him with her sweet blue eyes. "Hi," she said in English. "My name is Helina. What you name?"

Adrik ran a hand over her hair, admiring her beauty. She may have gotten the looks from her mother, but he was grateful her personality came from him."Do you want to learn English?"

"I want to go to school."

The thought had never entered his mind. It wasn't an option for kids of the Mafia. It was never safe enough."I'm sorry, princess, you can't go to school. But I can invite some kids over this weekend."

"Yes!"She jumped up, running in a circle."Yes, yes, yes."

Alexei's phone rang, and Adrik's smile fell from his face. When Alexei's eyes connected with his, he knew they had found someone with information. Adrik stood. "Esfir"—he waved over to the nanny—"take her to her room."

Helina deflated, but Adrik didn't see it as he left them behind with Alexei on his heels.

The drive to the warehouse was only ten minutes, but it felt like getting his balls waxed. It was stressful and full of unwanted trepidation. His leg bounced uncontrollably. He had taken three shots of whiskey, and it still hadn't stopped his brain. He went over every name, every person that could have done this to his family. And the implications were all the same. He'd have to exert his power. He'd have to remind the low families why the Morozovs were on top. He knew this day was coming, but he hadn't known he'd be the next heir when it hit. Alexei was supposed to be in his seat. Alexei would have probably burned down the city by now.

Adrik didn't wait for someone to open his door; he jumped out when the car stopped and went straight through the parking garage to the basement door. A trail of people was behind him, their footsteps echoed down the long stairway. They stopped at a door that had a big sign that read 'No trespassing.' He barreled through it.

Sitting on a single chair, with a spotlight, was their informant. He was jittery from drug use, the paleness of his skin and the darkness under his eyes a clear sign of approaching withdrawal. Adrik reached back, and Dima, his head guard, put a small bag of cocaine in his hand.

The addict heard them coming and tried to appear steady, but his hands shook as they rested on his lap. "I want protection," he quickly chimed.

Adrik stepped into the light.

The man's eyes widened. "Oh, shit. Look, we didn't know it was your little girl. I would have never killed no little girl! I swear it."

Adrik kept still, the fire he controlled so well was licking at the sides, and the lid began to tremble.

Alexei punched him, and he fell out of his seat. Blood dripped from his nose and mouth, and he groaned as he held his jaw.

Adrik basked in his pain and used it to sedate his temper. He listened to it for a moment more. "Who gave you the order?"

"I want protection."

"You lost that when you aimed a gun at my daughter. Who gave you the order?"

He shook his head and spit at Adrik's shoe. "I ain't saying shit."

Alexei smashed his foot into his stomach, and the man rolled, crying out as he held his ribs.

Adrik held out the bag and waited for the man to notice. When his eyes finally opened, all the pain disappeared, and he stopped whining.

"Who gave you the order?"

The man reached out for it, waiting for Adrik to take it away, but when he didn't, he snatched the bag, sitting on his butt. He rushed to open it, sticking a finger inside it and rubbing it on his teeth. "This guy paid us two grand to shoot up Salem’s. He had us waiting and then called when he was ready. I didn't know who was inside, I swear it. I would never go against you."

"Name him."

"I don't know his name. But he had a tattoo, a raven by his thumb."

Adrik looked back at Alexei. There was only one family with ravens.

His wife's family.

Adrik took the gun from his back and pointed it at the man sniveling on the floor. He was thankful for the information, which was the only reason he used the gun. He fired, striking him in the leg. The snitch howled, fueling the fire in his soul. Adrik shot again, hitting him in the other leg. The bone splintered and ripped through the skin. Blood expanded on the floor like a tipped-over gallon of paint. It was beautiful to watch.

Adrik kneeled down to get a closer look, sliding his toes back when the liquid got too close. He observed the pain in the man's face, enjoying it like a kid engrossed in their favorite show. "Did he have a scar on his face?"

The man rocked in agony, crying and screaming, begging and pleading.