Brutal Boss (Bratva Brothers 1)

No, that isn’t possible. I searched her thoroughly.

I step under the steaming hot spray and let the last of those troubling thoughts swirl down the drain.

No federal agent would be stupid enough to show up while I’m in her house.

It’s a coincidence, one that makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t like that she’s been screwing a man of the law, and even worse, he’s her ex and doesn’t seem to take a hint to leave her alone. They did not seem cozy.

I slam my fist into the shower wall. My knuckles burn from the pain. I want to scream at the top of my lungs, but it would only concern my men, and I don’t need them running into the bathroom thinking our compound has been breached.

After my shower, I dress and grab my phone. There are no missed calls or texts from Luka. However, it hasn’t been that long since I sent him to watch Madisyn.

What is she up to?

Is she meeting her ex? Could she have betrayed me?

I hurry down the stairs and bolt into the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

Dmitri is pouring himself a cup at the coffee pot when I step into the kitchen. He grabs a second mug from the counter, anticipating why I’m here.

“Any news on the cartel?” I ask. I gave him an order to execute Carlos Sanchez.

Dmitri is undertaking the project, and I need to be kept informed, especially if it involves going to war with them. While I wasn’t made available last night, I’m here now.

“Aside from Carlos running guns and drugs?” Dmitri pours me a cup and hands it to me before taking a sip from his steaming mug.

“Anything new,” I say. That’s want I’m asking, not about the shit Carlos involves himself in.

“I’ve got men watching their rotation, taking notes on their supply runs. We know of one associate whom they’ve tried to steal business from.”

“A supplier,” I say, stroking my beard. That’s not new information. “What else have you got?” I need more than just bits and pieces. I didn’t offer Dmitri the position of underboss so that he could sit on his ass all day.

“I’ve got men watching Carlos’ top-level officials. They’re not making a move without us seeing it.”

“I pay you to do more than watching the cartel.” I slam my coffee cup down on the counter. The hot contents splatters on my hand, but I ignore the searing pain.

Dmitri takes a tentative step back. His eyes are wide, and he straightens his posture. “I assure you that we are doing everything to track down Carlos Sanchez. He’s gone dark.”

My nostrils flare as I inhale a heavy breath through my nose. “Someone must have informed him that my men are coming to execute him.”

It can’t be a coincidence that Carlos is no longer in sight. He’s probably stowed away at a safe house. I doubt that he’s in protective custody. He’s not a man to make a deal.

We share that in common.

“I can assure you that it wasn’t any of your men,” Dmitri says.

I reach for my coffee and take a sip. The porcelain is hot and slightly wet from the earlier spill. “How can you be certain?”

My cell phone buzzes in my pocket. “We’re not done with this conversation,” I say and grab my phone. “Mikhail,” I answer. I take the phone and my mug of coffee out of the kitchen and to my office.

“I’ve got eyes on your girl, but she spotted me,” Luka says.

I exhale a heavy sigh and place my mug on my desk. “How bad is it?” I ask.

“She wants to talk to you.”