Page 5 of The Dark Side

Alexei sighed, and rephrased, "They didn't care if Helina was hurt and killed."

"Alexei?" A voice from the hallway came through the door. It was the man on the phone, Adrik. Jolie clung to Helina as Alexei opened up to let him in. She was curious about what a drug kingpin would look like. He had to be the boss with the way the two brothers were carrying on. What do Dons typically look like? Was he a Don? What do they call them in Russia? In movies, they were always Italians. They were old and gangster-looking, with tattoos everywhere and gold teeth. Will he be wearing a white jacket like Scarface?

"Where is she?"

Alexei stepped aside, and Adrik entered. Not the kind of drug lord she was expecting. Nearly Alexei's twin, he was tall, thin, and blue-eyed. He was dressed in a suit without a jacket, and a white tailored shirt was open, exposing a clean undershirt. She hadn't expected anyone attractive, so when he turned toward her, Jolie froze like a deer in headlights. Russian poured from his lips as he approached, reaching his arms out. Helina quickly dived for him, and they squeezed each other.Adrik pulled back, looking Helina over, checking for any injury. She shook her head, and he kissed her forehead, running his hand through her hair. His blue eyes drifted toward Jolie, and she sucked in a breath.

He's a model. He has to be a model.

A dozen people piled into the apartment, stretching out along the entire length of her five-hundred-square-foot home. It felt claustrophobic in an instant. Jolie backed into the bathroom as she watched all these men in suits invade her personal space without taking off their shoes.

A young teenager with a tattoo on his face snatched her arm and pulled her out of the bathroom, forcing her to the couch. "Hey!" She yanked and fell on the cushions. When she tried to get up, the guy pushed her back down, and when she tried again, a gun barrel was staring her in the face. It was the second time someone pulled a gun on her.

Mom's gonna have a field day with this.

Jolie watched from over the edge of the couch as two men helped Gil to his feet. He cursed and moaned all the way out of the door. Bloody footprints were growing all around her kitchen; it was only a matter of time before it got elsewhere.

"Can you all be careful? There's no way to get blood out of the carpet!"

Adrik eyed her from over his daughter's shoulder."Who is she?"

Alexei stayed seated as someone wrapped up his arm. He respectfully replied in English. "This is Jolie. She owns the apartment. She protected Helina when"—Alexei scratched his head, ashamed—"when I lost track of her."

Adrik shifted through the apartment, shooed off the guy with the gun, and stared down at her. Jolie shrunk, unsure where to look. His shoes were shiny; she could almost see her reflection. When she dared to peek upward, his hand was out. "Thank you." Jolie blinked wide before taking his hand. He had star tattoos and religious symbols over his fingers. There was a fat ring on his pinkie, gold, and diamonds wrapped in a heavy outer layer. Just the ring alone was worth more than Jolie ever earned in her whole life.

He detached from her and ran a hand through Helina's hair, turning away as he whispered foreign words into her ear. When he got closer to the door, Jolie jumped up. "Um, excuse me."

Adrik turned to her with knitted brows, almost insulted. Jolie approached, waving a hand. "How do you plan to get the blood off my floor?"

He glanced down before throwing over his shoulder, "I'll send someone up tomorrow."

"You'll—" She coughed, confused by such a statement. "Send someone? What does that mean?"

"Exactly how it sounds. Was that confusing for you?"

"I don't want drug dealers knowing where I live."

He blinked and then fully faced her. A small little smirk teased his lips. "You don't know who I am."

"Should I?"

"No, I guess not."

The look sent a shiver through her unconsciously. She folded her arms across her shirt, praying he hadn't noticed the chill.

Adrik stepped further for the door. "Forgive our intrusion, Miss Bell. Thank you for your hospitality, but mostly for protecting my daughter. Cleaners will call you to schedule a time to clean up this mess. Paid for, of course." He glanced at Alexei. "Give her some money. Maybe then she can afford a bra."

Jolie's face reddened, but she spat, "I don't want your drug money."

Adrik glanced around, and added, "I'm sure a kindergarten teacher living in the city could use some help."

Her mouth dropped open. "How the heck do you know that? Wait, how did you know my last name?"

"I know more than you wish. Where are your contacts? Glasses aren't the best for your small nose."

She narrowed her eyes. "Please leave."

"Gladly."