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.

Or do we need to come get you? You

are you serious?”

you with Sal. We don’t know the exact details of his plan with Sal, yet. He’s also made a move against me up here, as he has guys operating in the 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

stop cursing before he could respond. He started to speak, then ended up cursing again. He finally regained composure and said

no one knows about it?”

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

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

a moment, like he didn’t know what to say. “You’re sure about this, Jefe?” he asked. He was having

messages between Giana and Martin. He’s planning on getting her away from the building so he can grab her. He’s already had his guys take everything from Armando’s house. Literally everything. He’s promised Giana that 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

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 know that’s why they’re moving against you now and I apologize for that, but I promise I will end this and make everything right once

it turns out we’re in the same boat,” he said. We

you have around you right now. Martin is gleefully betraying you for some crazy a ss pus sy and your guys are looking for an excuse to turn against you. I know you’re pi 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 halfway between threatening and pleading. We heard him exhale once more, but he was still silent. “Trino, I’ll kick your motherf**king a ss from here to next week if you don’t do what I just said,”

“Okay, okay, Miha. I promise. Dios mio, I don’t think I’ve met anyone

wasting f**king time,”

parents’ place. I told him

time?” Sephie walked 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 he was watching Trino. He squeezed Sephie’s hand.