King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Fourteen

Sephie

Ms. Jackson was in the backseat with me and Adrik. Viktor was driving while Andrei was in the passenger seat. We were following the other SUV with Ivan, Misha, and Stephen. You would’ve thought it was Ms. Jackson’s birthday, she

was so excited.

“I haven’t been this close to this many fine–looking gentlemen since I was in my 20s,” she whispered to me. “I knew you were special, girl, but what did you do to deserve this many handsome men at your beck and call?”

I laughed. “I don’t think they’re exactly at my beck and call, Ms. Jackson.”

Adrik cleared his throat, beside me. I looked at him in shock. He smiled at me. “Whatever you need, solnishko. You say

the word.”

“Did you just call her solnishko?” Ms. Jackson asked, leaning forward so she could see Adrik.

“Da. You know Russian?”

“Enough,” she sat back. She hooked her arm through mine and patted my hand. “Yep. Special, special girl,” she said quietly. I glanced at her face. She had the look of someone who was reliving her past, so I decided against asking any further questions. I felt Adrik take my other hand and lace his fingers through mine. He gently squeezed my hand.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment of peace I felt whenever Adrik was around. I hadn’t known him for very long,

but I felt things I’d never felt whenever he was around. I tried not to think about it too much. It was unconventional, to say the least. It felt like he quieted my storms. Like he was holding my hand as I was fumbling through the

darkness, keeping me steady. All I knew is that I didn’t want it to end just yet.

I felt the SUV stop and heard Viktor put it in park. Ms. Jackson made a move to open her door, but Andrei stopped her

“Not yet, Ms. Jackson. Give us moment.”

“Honey, I’ll give you as long as you want, as long as I can look at you while you’re doing whatever it is you’re about to

do.”

Viktor caught my eye in the rear–view mirror. He was trying so hard not to laugh. Poor Andrei’s face was as red as my

hair. He could not get out of the vehicle fast enough.

“Lord, I hate for him to leave, but I love to watch him go.”

was laughing uncontrollably beside her. Even Adrik was

be in Andrei’s future, as well as Ivan’s,” Adrik said, trying to catch his breath.

other activities that would be a whole lot more fun than Bingo,” Ms. Jackson

only I could hear.

Jackson, I never knew you

never had this much eye

“Point well made”

a few minutes, Andrei opened Ms. Jackson’s door and offered her his

and offered his hand to me. I smiled and took his hand as he helped me out of the vehicle. Once I was standing, he pulled me close and planted a very quick kiss on my lips. I looked at him,

store, with me in tow.

Andrei followed her around dutifully. Viktor was roaming the store, while Ivan, Misha, and Stephen kept an eye on the parking lot. Adrik would only let go of my hand if necessary. Otherwise, he seemed happy enough to simply follow me around while I helped my neighbor

Jackson’s apartment, she looked at Andrei and Adrik and asked,

a moment

me

took each of my hands in hers and looked up at

love with

No. We just met. Literally. Like two

you not see the way

but it doesn’t mean

calls you

different Russian words. I have no idea what any of them mean. They could be

all I know.”

endearment, so the fact that he’s calling you his ‘little sun‘ only days after meeting you means he’s head over heels for you. What else does

don’t get it,” I said shaking

endearment for a significant other in Russian. They’re not a sentimental people.

else?”

think he called me malishka once.”

case. He’s smitten. What do the

Ivan did call me a princess, when I stitched him up this morning. Viktor and Andrei have both called me

2/4

Chapter Fourteen

all in

You’re being silly. What does it mean? And how do you know Russian??”

I spent time there during the Cold War.” She

I gasped, “is that how you know how to stitch people up? Did

laughed. “Well, I was technically a nurse too. After I came back, I went into nursing. Being a spy is hard on a girl.” She sighed. Again, lost in her memories. “That was a long time ago, honey. But you need to know that you are the light to that man’s dark. You are living up to your namesake, dear child,” she said as she reached up and

don’t think