King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

510

Sephie

Before we came to the house, Ivan had the brilliant idea to let Dario get in touch with a few of his underbosses. They all knew Massimo had been killed, but no one ever got confirmation on what had happened to Dario. He gave them the same story he was planning to give Sal – he had gotten away from Trino after Massimo was killed and he was in hiding.

When he talked to his underbosses, he made it seem like he was in contact with Sal. They somewhat knew what was going on, but because Dario had been gone so long, they weren’t entirely sure of the details. Dario told them that Sal had betrayed him and Massimo and was the reason for Massimo’s death. He was trying to come for the city and was planning to take them all out. Niko and Vito were with Sal, but Sal was planning on turning on them too.

It was all fabricated lies, but it was also believable enough that the underbosses knew not to cooperate with Niko and Vito or any of Sal’s men. It meant Dario’s area of the city was mostly safe, for the time being. It also increased the chance that Dario’s guys might take out more of the other bosses’ guys for us.

“Your ability to create chaos within the chaos is one of my favorite things about you, Squish,” I had told Ivan after Dario was taken back to his room.

“It’s one of my best qualities,” he said, winking at me.

Viktor had given the guys that were on Dario instructions to allow him to speak to his underbosses, should they try to contact him. It needed to be believable that he was in hiding, but could also be reached. They called him shortly after we got word of the skirmish in Vito’s area of the city. The guys on Dario called Viktor immediately, informing him of the news Dario had gotten.

When he walked back into the kitchen, he had a small grin on his face. “Vito actually showed up to meet with Dario’s underbosses. They’re holding him for us.”

“Just Vito? Niko is still out there?” I asked.

Viktor nodded. “Dario told his guys he was working with us now, because of Sal’s betrayal. I can send a team to fetch Vito and take him to a safe house until it calms down.”

“You already have it all set up, too, don’t you?” I asked, smiling at his efficiency.

to go and the team is waiting for

efficient,” I

to

said quietly, “I

he said, “you’re right, Boss. Extra guys are needed, but

them,” Adrik

as we waited for news. I passed the time by starting dinner. Even if we had to abandon it, it gave me something to do to keep my

to give them instructions any longer. Misha moved into the sous chef role. He found he really enjoyed cooking. He was really quite good

taste-tester and clean-up guy. It was still a very important role for any kitchen. He was listening to Misha make suggestions on changes to make to spices for one dish and laughed, saying, “this is how I know Misha

who are willing to wash the dishes for them

from the bowl, popping it in his mouth. “I think you’re right. I just have no idea what either of those types of women

overthink it. If I learned anything from my time as Max’s friend, it was that nobody has a clue what they want. Men

were talking. He smirked at me as he walked over to give me a kiss. “They always say you find your person when you least expect it. I used to think

tough chick,

to need some kind of superhuman resolve to date

point, my adorable Russian guardian,” I said,

see what kind of woman Ivan ends up with. She’s going to have to be a clone of

could feel his hackles going up, thinking

said. “But I don’t think anyone needs to worry. Whoever can put up with

into the kitchen, inhaling deeply. “Oh, I’m going to be so happy soon,” he said, rubbing his belly. “Vito is at the safe house. Extra guys were a good

men?”