King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Two Hundred Forty-One

Sephie

“Judging from what I felt in my office, it’s a good thing for Giana that I did. It was so strong and so sudden,” Adrik said, his eyes showing nothing but concern.

“I didn’t know I was that angry,” I said, looking down at my hands.

“When I got to you, it changed. There was a calm to you, but I could still feel it. It felt like mine, when I’m using it to intimidate someone. Like it’s just under the surface, only yours is much less chaotic than mine. Yours is focused,” he said, his finger lightly playing with the curls around my face. “But your eyes were dark. That’s one of the reasons I pulled you from the apartment.”

“There was more than one reason?” I asked.

He nodded. “I’m si ck of things that stress you out and make you relive your past before you’re ready. Especially when it’s as trivial as this is,” he said.

“So, it’s not just me then,” I said, smiling. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him to me so I could kiss him. He leaned back, smiling at me. “It’s not just you, solnishko. This is a ri diculous matter. I’m thinking of telling Armando to just keep her away from us for the time being. We have enough to worry about without having to worry about 12-year-old girl drama,” he said.

“I think that might make him mad. He’s in an awkward spot and you need him. I don’t have an issue with Armando. I wouldn’t have an issue with Giana if she would act her age. Maybe wait on talking to him. Let’s see what today does for her,” I said. “She might keep herself away from us on her own. No need to put Armando into an even more awkward spot.”

Viktor’s phone rang. He checked the number, then walked toward me. “It’s Chen,” he said, handing the phone to me, I put it on speaker. “What’s up, Chen?”

“Sephie. How are you, my girl?”

I asked, somewhat concerned as to why he was calling.

going on in the city, I swear. The people in Sal’s part of the city

“Well, shi t.”

seems to think that if Sal’s area starts to revolt, then other areas

t. If that happens, they won’t even need the brawn. There will be chaos in the city without it. Does DJ happen to know if there’s clear leaders in this organization of the people in Sal’s area of town?” I asked.

but I’d bet good money the answer is yes. DJ knows everyone. Everyone knows DJ. He’s like a rockstar of drug dealers,” Chen said, laughing.

same as we met with you. We’re trying to keep innocent people from getting

will get that info for you and get back

better, as I’m sure you know,”

This public servant offers prompt service,”

Chen. You’re the best,” I said, ending

phone back to Viktor, then looked at Adrik curious as to why he was smirking at me. “You’re a natural at this, solnishko. I don’t even need to tell you what to do. You’re already three steps ahead in any situation,” he said, smiling

you. You were made for this shi t, gazelle,” Misha said, his broad smile stretched across his face.

returning to his office for the rest of his meetings that day. He promised he would make everything as

dinner,” I said, grinning at Adrik as he pulled me

stomach. I couldn’t help but giggle at his response, which helped Adrik relax too. He was still worried about me. He leaned down and kissed me gently, telling me once more he would be back as quickly as possible and that he loved me. It made me feel all soft and nougaty inside that they were all so worried about me. And that they all felt so protective of me. I was starting to get used to it, but it was still a new phenomenon in my life. I was so used to being on my own

run away.

I need the acupuncture lady again,” I said. He just grinned at me. “I was just about to say that, princess. I can give her a call and see when she can come,” he said as he

a chill, so I ran back to the bedroom to grab one of Adrik’s sweatshirts. When I came back out, Andrei saw the sweatshirt and just opened his arms. “Come here, spider monkey.” I grinned at him, running to the couch. He moved so I could lean back against