King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Two Hundred Fifty-One

Sephie

“But why though? She has all the money she could ever want from him. Her family as well. Didn’t Mando say she’s from a wealthy family? That doesn’t make sense,” I said.

They all thought for a moment, then Viktor stood up. “I have an idea,” he said. “But I need a computer so we have to go

downstairs.”

I jumped up from the couch. “Permission slips signed. We’re going on a field trip! Everybody make sure you grab your buddy’s hand and stay with the group.”

They were all still laughing at my caffeine-fueled absurdity when we walked off the elevator. The office was still busy, even though it was getting to be later in the day. Adrik’s office door was closed, so I knew he was in a meeting. Stephen was waiting outside his office and gave us all a curious look as we walked off the elevator.

I looked to Viktor. “I’ll go fill Stephen in. You guys go do whatever the he ll it is you’re about to do,” I said. “Just don’t lose your buddy. I’m trusting you guys to be mature on this field trip. Remember, look with your eyes, not your hands,” I said, pointing to my eyes and then to all of them.

They all shook their heads as they walked toward their desks. They each kept a desk on the floor. It made taking care of their individual responsibilities easier. Stephen’s devilish grin greeted me. “Why do I have a feeling whatever you’re about to tell me is going to make me very happy?”

“Because you’re a vampire and you likely read my mind as I was walking over here. Get. Out. Of. My. Head,” I said, smacking his shoulder with each word.

“What did you guys find?” he asked in Russian, since there were still plenty of people milling around the office.

It’s

Honestly, I don’t feel as elated as I was hoping I was going to feel about that one. just sad, really.” I looked down at the floor for a moment, thinking about how empty she was to turn to drugs to try and fill whatever void she was feeling in her life. Stephen cleared his throat quietly, snapping me back to reality. “Anyway, moving on. She also slipped her dealer a note with the money. We’re trying to figure out what the hel l it means, but we think

money?” Stephen asked. His brow furrowed like it always did when he was deep in

might need to talk to Keith about this later. She was weirdly specific on locations. We think she’s talking about Mando’s house, but the guys said it’s been a while since

watch beeped once. He looked at it, then looked at me. “Meeting is almost over, but I’ll be back.”

directly after this one?

“That would be

the door, in case Adrik followed the person he was meeting with to the door. I waited until Stephen walked out with the person and walked past me. I heard the door to Adrik’s private bathroom open and close, 50 I knew I could sneak into his office without him seeing me. I walked in quickly, shutting the door behind me and sat down in his chair as quietly as I

desk, as I heard the water in the sink come on. They were rough sketches, different variations on the same theme. I couldn’t tell what it was, but my attention was directed at the door to the bathroom as I heard the water turn off.

He looked completely lost in thought and somewhat stressed. His gaze lifted as he took steps toward his desk and landed on me. He stopped in

face buried in my neck. “You have no idea how much I needed this, solnishko,” he

a long

right now. I think you su cked all my energy out this morning,” he said. I could feel his smile against my neck

That’s how. It’s fake energy. I’m still not entirely sure what we did this morning,

said, leaning back to look at me. His handsome smile pulling at my

more,” I said, unwrapping myself from him so he wouldn’t be forced to

on my cheek. His thumb rubbing across my cheek lightly as his lips were on mine. He could make my knees go weak with his kisses, and he did regularly. I think he enjoyed it. But the sweet, tender

just love you, Adrik,” I said. “Now, let me go get you coffee before your next meeting. How much time do I have?” I asked. He looked at his

I said, turning to

opened the door. “Gazelle, I was just coming to get you. You need to see what we found,” he said.

anywhere by myself, so since Misha was the closest one, he got nominated to come with me. I also still

I’m still exhausted. He hasn’t had any since this morning, so he’s dying. I only have seven minutes to make