King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

King of the Underworld

462

Sophie

We ended up staying for a little while longer. We decided we wanted to see how long it would take Henry to show up. Of course, there were beta made Even Vitally and Battista pot in on it. They’d been boxy making their men bets from the sidelines the entire night already

“Vitaliy, can I just tell you that I love you even more now that I know you enjoy doing this as well?” I said to him, in Italian, so Battista could also understand. Battista was quickly endearing himself to all of us as well. We ttill needed to have a conversation about him warning us next time he needed our services, but otherwise, he was proving to be extremely helpful to in. I could see why Vitaliy fostered that relationship over the years.

He smirked at me, raising his glass toward me. I caught myself thinking about how much I enjoyed having Vitaliy amund, which is something I omer thought I would say. The relationship between Vitaliy and Adrik was quickly approaching a normal father and son relationship as well. I was happy he decided to stay in the city a little longer. At this point, it felt like we could use all the help we could get.

Henry finally made an appearance at the fundraiser. Adrik won the bet pool, calling the precise minute that Henry would show up. The representa showed up not five minutes after him, looking quite flushed and somewhat messy, which of course, meant that all of us snickered as she walked by Even Eric caught our attention from across the ballroom, giving us a not so subtle nod as we all saw both of them arrive almost at the same time

Even though we were enjoying their arrival, I felt Ivan stiffen when he saw Henry walk past us. He shared what he was seeing with me and Adrik. We could clearly see that not only had his demon found an entry point, but it was now running the show. It was now the shadow behind Henry’s face.

I grabbed Stephen’s hand, sharing the information with him. He looked around, then leaned in toward me so he could say quietly, “is it wrong that I’m looking forward to that one? He’s been on my shi t list ever since he decided he was smarter than us.”

I laughed quietly. “I don’t think that’s wrong, Yoden. I think you are the only person that can knock him back a few pegs. In the best way possible,” 1 said. His smile beamed at me as he squeezed my hand, effectively telling me how much he loved me.

Henry surprised us by approaching us shortly after he arrived. We all instinctively tensed when we saw him coming. Battista and Vitally were still standing with us, as well. As he walked toward us, we quickly came up with a strategy for how to handle him.

give him another reason right now, “I said. I tried to send it to everyone at the same time. I wasn’t sure if I was that good yet, but I was hoping I would be, just to save time. I saw Andrei reach over and touch Stephen’s arm. Stephen looked at me, nodding once. He’d clearly gotten

was impressive, princess. I also agree. I think we make him think he’s still got

make his fall off the pedestal he’s put himself on that much sweeter for me,” Adrik said. I was thankful for his contacts. I knew without a doubt that his

as soon as Henry made it to us. He walked to Battista and Vitaliy first, shaking their hands, making a comment about the length of time it had been since he’d seen either one

And yet, I’m not surprised either. Is there anyone that man doesn’t know?” I thought out loud. I heard a couple of them clear their throats

and tense. I nodded discreetly, indicating we’d already picked up on it. His face softened immediately and he gave me a wink. I couldn’t be sure,

show how proud he

else off and said to him only, “don’t be surprised. He’s very proud of you. He just su cks at showing it. That’s what I’m here for. I’m gonna drag it out of him if it’s the last thing I do.”

had learned how to keep it from cutting me off from everyone, which I appreciated, I could feel Adrik’s nausea as he shook Henry’s hand, but it was

well, hoping I didn’t get some massive download when I Touched him I’d

excruciatingly boring small talk Finally, Henry brought up the muyor. “Any progress with that?” he

for information. Our source found a few things, but not enough yet. He’s still looking.” Adrik said. “What

lie “I haven’t given it to

are you seeing what I’m seeing?” I asked, knowing he was likely also

thinks his switch-hitting girlfriend can help him make the evidence we found on Ricardo fit Boss instead. He’s already given her everything “be

get closer to her, I would be willing to bet she’s playing him for something. I want to know her angle.”

agree,

Adrik asked Henry. He already knew the answer. We all did. He just wanted to see if Henry would say it.