Tears of salvation (Underworld Kings)

Chapter 8

ALEXEI

I’m still fucking grinning by the time we get to the house we’re staying at.

I definitely got more than I bargained for when it comes to Isabella Terrero. Christ, the woman is one of a kind.

A fucking masterpiece.

The way she stood her ground in front of me was one hell of a turn-on. Usually, people cower in fear before me, but not Isabella. There wasn’t an ounce of fear between us.

Isabella Terrero is a goddess if ever I saw one.

“She smirked at you,” I taunt Demitri, and then I let out a burst of laughter at the memory. “You’re no match for me, Vetrov,” I mimic what Isabella said to him, only to crack up laughing again.

“You really enjoyed that moment, didn’t you?” Demitri asks, shooting a glare my way as we walk into the house.

“More than you’ll ever know.” When we get to the security room, I drop down in one of the chairs, then grin at Demitri.

He shakes his head at me, the corner of his mouth lifting. “You’re that impressed by her?”

My grin grows into a smile. “You have to admit, Isabella Terrero is… fucking exhilarating.”

Demitri’s expression grows serious, and then he stares at me.

Knowing what he’s thinking, I say, “I just admire the woman.”

He raises an eyebrow at me.

Giving him a look of warning, I add, “You know I don’t do love and relationships. Let’s get back to work.”

I check the tracker on Isabella’s motorcycle and notice she’s at the safe house on the outskirts of town.

I wonder if she’s going to remove the device so I can’t track her motorcycle anymore?

Then Demitri mutters, “But it’s okay when you play matchmaker to everyone?”

“I don’t play matchmaker.” Letting out a sigh, I glance at my friend. “I just nudge people in the right direction.”

“Okay.” Demitri gives me a cocky grin. “Let me nudge you in the right direction then. What about a marriage alliance between you and Isabella?”

Laughter bursts from me. “You saw the same woman as me tonight, right? She’d probably castrate me the moment I mention a wedding between us.”

My comment makes Demitri chuckle. “I’d actually like to see her try.”

“So much for keeping me alive,” I chastise him.

Demitri shrugs. “No one said anything about protecting your manhood. You’re on your own when it comes to your cock.”

“Fucker,” I grumble playfully as we get back to work.

We check the screens, and seeing there’s no activity that’s worth our attention, Demitri asks, “What do you want to do now?”

I think for a moment, then reply, “There’s no use in waiting much longer. I think we should attack after the auction. Security will be high until then.”

“I’ll handle Damien while you take care of Carson,” Demitri says as he pulls his phone from his pocket to call his brother.

Taking my own phone out, I bring up my little brother’s number and press dial.

“Hi,” Carson answers a couple of seconds later. He’s one of the best assassins in the world, living in Switzerland with his girlfriend, Hailey. It’s been almost a year since I’ve seen him when he helped me secure the position as head of the bratva.

“How are things there?” I ask.

“Good. Quiet,” he replies. “What’s up?”

“I need you in Columbia. I know you hate the heat, but I’m taking down Sonia and can’t do it without you.”

“Fuck, you had to choose the middle of summer to attack?” he grumbles. “When do I need to be there?”

“As soon as possible,” I chuckle.

“Send me the details of the airfield.”

“Will do.”

Carson takes a deep breath. “So you’re really going after Terrero? Why?”

“She moved into my territory,” I explain.

“Fair enough. I’ll be there tomorrow night.”

We end the call then I glance at Demitri. He tucks his phone back in his pocket as he says, “Damien will be here tomorrow night.”

“Send them both the airfield’s details.”

Demitri nods then he turns his attention to the screens. “Oh, by the way, there’s no map of what’s under Terrero’s compound.”

“If I were her, I’d have a fuck-ton of tunnels. There’s no way she doesn’t have another escape route.”

Demitri points to the screen showing the mansion. “She has the helicopter, but that thing hasn’t moved since we got here.”

“There’s something under that house. I’d bet my life on it,” I murmur as I look over every inch of the property.

It’s a pity Isabella declined to work with us.