King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

363

Sephie

“All of Vitaliy’s guys are coming to dinner, too?” Andrei asked. I’d put him to work helping me and I think he was protesting at the amount of work in front of him.

“I assume so, but I don’t know for sure. I never really asked, now that I think about it. But I figure if they don’t, then there will be leftovers for you guys,” I said.

“I’m going to tell him not to bring them, then,” Misha said.

“Is it just because of the leftovers or you don’t like his men?” I asked, curious.

“Mostly the leftovers, but I think we’re all still unsure about unknown people since Trino’s guys, Misha said.

“It’s obvious that Aleksei is the only one that Vitaliy trusts completely. That makes me nervous for the rest of them,” Andrei said.

“Did something happen that you’re not telling me about?” I asked. I could understand they were nervous since having to deal with Trino’s guys, but it seemed like they were overly nervous.

They both looked at each other like they were trying to talk the other one into answering my question. “You realize I can fish it out of your head if you don’t tell me….” I said, stopping what I was doing and crossing my arms across my chest.

“I would like to see you try,” Misha said, a sly grin on his face.

“Challenge accepted, my adorable Russian guardian.” I walked over to him, searching his eyes the same way I would with Adrik. It took me longer, but once I got past his very weak internal protests, I could read him like a book. He was still smirking at me, thinking that I was struggling, so I let him think he could shu t me out for a few more moments.

When I turned to walk away from him, I caught Andrei’s eye. He had picked up on what was happening and was waiting for me to tell Misha everything. Those two were like brothers. They enjoyed seeing the other one not be able to get away with something.

“It’s not all his men. It’s only the new ones. The guys that have been with him for years are still solid, but the two new guys are a bit too braggadocious for your liking. They targeted you and Bubba when we were in Panama since you two are the youngest. That’s why you don’t like them. They’re as sholes and picked on you when they don’t even know you,” I said. I was actually starting to get angry at the thought of them being mean to Andrei and Misha for no reason. I knew my eyes were going dark, but they wouldn’t be able to see through the contacts. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm, so Adrik wouldn’t rush upstairs as well. “We have a couple of options here. Either I can find the perfect way to emasculate them in front of everyone, or I can tell Vitaliy they’re not allowed to come, or you two put them in their places.”

chuckled. “You’re mad that they picked on

am. I didn’t know about it when we were down there. Otherwise I would’ve

always happened when you were away with Boss

do they have? Same as you guys?”

have been with him for a while have much the same training as we do, but I don’t know about these guys. They -haven’t been with Vitaliy for very long. They were with him the last time we saw him, but that was a couple of years ago,” Andrei said. He was trying to be subtle about it, but I could tell he was watching my eyes as we talked. I knew it was only a matter of time before they noticed that my demon eyes had stopped making

front of everyone. If they don’t have the same training as you do, then it should be quite easy. That’s the best way. Much like with Mike, guys like them respect brute strength more than anything. I also can’t see Vitaliy putting up with them being disrespectful toward you guys,

knew he’d felt my anger. I smiled at him. “It’s okay. I was just angry because

walked to

that have been with Vitaliy for a while are fine, as always. The two new guys were je rks to Bubba and Misha because they’re the youngest,” I said, leaning into Adrik as he slid his arms around my waist

did this

you were gone with Vitaliy,”

that so they did it while he

of. They were usually talking with the other guys,” Misha said.

toward you two? Did they say anything else about anyone else?” Adrik

never said it out loud. Does that count?”

Bubba?”

around in anyone’s head,” he said. He looked legitimately worried

“I believe you, Bubba. Sometimes people’s thoughts

thank God it’s not just

they thinking?” Adrik asked.

them thinks

knew he was more worried about them thinking anything negatively toward me, but

mastered keeping your demon eyes back now? I can tell you’re angry right now, but your eyes are normal,” Misha asked, clearly

curious.

me, a small smile on his face. “She’s wearing contacts,”