King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Three Hundred Forty-Two

Adrik

I pulled my phone out of my pocket. I still had my arms around Sephie, with my chin resting on her shoulder while I texted him, instead of calling. She craned her neck to look at me, questioning why I didn’t call him. “He needs to be alone, where no one can overhear him. He’ll call me from a burner phone. He knows what to do when I text him that,” I said. She reached up, placing her palm against my cheek, her other arm on top of mine.

Ever since she’d told me that she was terrified of being apart from me, we’d somehow gotten even closer. I’d been addicted to her for months now, but it was to a new level now. And I could tell that she couldn’t get enough of me now, too. When she said that she tended to get seriously injured when she was apart from me, it hit me like a ton of bricks, She was completely right. Both times, at the ball and when she was taken, I had sent her away in an effort to keep her safe. Both times ended horribly for her and almost cost her life. I was trying to keep her safe, thinking she would be safe when she was away from me. I felt like I had brought danger into her life and wanted to protect her from it. But it was clear to me now that I was the only thing that could protect her. She would continue to get hurt if I kept sending her away, regardless of my intention. She belonged at my side. No

matter what.

I had to admit that I felt better about keeping her with me now that I knew she loved my demon as much as she did me. Part of the reason I sent her away both times was out of worry that she’d see that side of me and not be able to handle it. She inevitably saw it both times, just not for the reason I expected. Her love for me never wavered. Even from the beginning when I basically kidnapped her to try and keep her safe from Anthony. I wanted her close to me even then and I barely knew her. The stronger my love for her grew, the more worried I became that I would do something to cause her to leave. It was my fear of losing her that caused me to almost lose her. Twice. It was painfully obvious to me now that I always needed her by my side. She made it clear every single day that she was perfect for that spot.

It only took Trino a few minutes before he called me back. I put it on speaker, as the guys moved closer so they could hear easier. I still had my arms around Sephie as I answered his call. “Trino, you’re not going to like this.”

He sighed heavily. “Just once, Jefe. Just once I want you to make me call you like this and you give me good news. Then my life will be complete. What do you have for me? How bad is it?”

“It’s worse than we thought, Trino,” I said.

to come get you? You can’t trust anyone. That’s how bad

you serious?”

city without my permission. We do know they’re not your guys, so that’s your one consolation. He’s been promised Giana as payment for helping Sal overthrow you. Then there’s the matter of your security guys. I wouldn’t trust any of them if I were you. I don’t know if you have other guards you can

up cursing again. He finally regained composure and said tensely, “I have a place in the country, close to Panama. No one knows about it, so they won’t know how to find me

knows about it?” I

dead, but they’ve been quietly living out their days up there. No one knows about it. You’re the first person I’ve told. I’ll send you the information. I can get there and I’ll be safe. I can make it to Panama,

they’ll come for you. You’ll be safe with them. You have my

sure about this, Jefe?” he asked. He was having trouble believing that everyone had turned against him as well.

he’ll take her somewhere in South America to keep her safe. We thought he was just pu ssy whipped at first, but then we found out he’s talking to Sal and that Giana is payment for his help in moving against you. We still don’t know the plans of Sal and Ricardo, but they clearly involve

matter what. They might have to learn Spanish, but that can be arranged.” I paused, inhaling deeply. “Trino, you’re the only one that’s remained loyal to me through all of this. I

me, so it turns out we’re in the same boat,” he said. We heard him cursing again, like he was losing control of his temper as he

ssed right now and I’m pi ssed for you, but I need you to control your temper long enough that you get to safety. Once you hang up with us, I need you to get in the nearest vehicle and get the f**k out of there. Not a word to anybody. Understand?” Sephje said. Her tone was

Miha. I promise. Dios mio, I don’t think I’ve met anyone that has a bigger temper than

right. Now stop wasting f**king time,” she said, still

with her. He ended the call and promptly sent the location of his parents’ place. I told him to let me know when he made it there or if

to Misha, grabbing his hand as Misha searched for Trino. Andrei walked to Sephie’s side, taking her other hand in his. We saw Misha’s eyes go wide, which meant