Dirty Obsessions - The Lion and The Mouse

Circuit continued, “We’re inside their Alice now. We can hear everything they’re saying. So far, Valentina has only asked to warm the baby’s food and she’s gone to the bathroom twice, bringing Natalya with her.”

Worry creased my forehead. “Have they hurt or abused them in any way?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve seen nothing since we’ve been monitoring them.”

I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding. Running my fingers through my hair, I checked outside the jet’s window.

The jet taxied toward its designated stop.

“How many men are inside?”

“We counted ten different voices.” Circuit continued. “The building’s hallway cameras show three men outside the condo’s door. Five more are guarding the building’s exit. Another five are at the entrance.”

Staring out the window, I noticed my limo approaching the plane, four black vans followed. “And the roof?”

“Three men on the roof. We have helicopters ready if you want to enter from there. However, Leonid is in another location.”

“Where?” I squinted as I spotted eight men riding on motorcycles behind the vans.

What? Who are they?

Circuit spoke. “Leonid made reservations at Mari Vanna, renting up the entire place. It will just be his guards and him for lunch.”

I checked my watch. “Is he there yet?”

“He’s on the way.”

My plane slowed to a stop. The stewardess stood by the door as it opened. My men rose and began leaving. She waved goodbye to each person.

Still wondering about the men on motorcycles, I checked the window.

My limo parked close by. The vans gathered around. The bikers passed the vans and got in front of the limo. I counted eight bikes.

Now I get it.

I undid my seatbelt. “You sent the Xecutioners to me?”

“Uh. . .so. . .” Nervousness rode his words. “Well. . .the good news is that the Xecutioners are going to help get Valentina and Natalya, while you go for Leonid since he—”

“What’s the bad news?” I looked out the window.

“So. . .”

Ava stepped out of the limo.

“What the fuck?” Groaning, I hung up, left my seat, and maneuvered around my men. “Get out of the way.”

My men rushed to the sides, giving me space. Dima and Anatoly still remained at my side.

What the hell is she doing here?

I left the jet fast, jogging down the steps and stomping her way.

Dread covered her face. That was the only thing off-putting about her. The rest was pure elegance. She wore a sexy tight black suit. It looked painted on her body. Crystals decorated the front of the blazer which hugged her small breasts and tiny frame. High heels finished it off.

Her guard, Yefim, stood on the side. He looked terrified.

You know I’m going to kill you. Right?

Next, one of the bikers left his motorcycle, took off his helmet, and placed it on the bike. It was Hiro. He walked over to Ava and stood on her other side.

So, everyone’s best friends now?

My phone rang.

I knew it was Circuit.

I’ll yell at you later.

Close to Ava, I scowled and stopped a foot in front of her. “What are you doing outside?”

She gave me a weak smile. “Helping.”

I gritted my teeth. “Thank you, but get back—”

She handed me an iPad. “This is the camera view of Valentina and Natalya. I thought this would make you feel comfortable as you headed to Leonid.”

Hiro dug into his pocket, took out a pink and gold lollipop, and unwrapped it.

I didn’t take the iPad. “I’m going to them—”

“No. The plan is for you to go to Leonid. He has no idea you’re in Russia. Your plane doesn’t arrive for another two hours. That gives you time to surprise him at the restaurant.” She kept the iPad in front of me. “Take it. Please.”

Hiro stuck the lollipop in his mouth.

My scowl didn’t leave. I grabbed the iPad from her and looked at the screen. There, Valentina sat on a small couch, holding a sleeping Natalya in her arms. Thankfully, Valentina didn’t look scared. Instead, she appeared ready to kill everyone in the whole room. Had she not been with her daughter, that might have happened.

I looked at Ava.

Another limo drove up.

“This limo is for you.” She pointed to that one. “You’re going to the restaurant. There are thirty men parked around the place, waiting for you to arrive. When you do—”

I sneered. “Are we going to address the fact that you are outside of the hideout, giving me orders like some new mafia queen, and surrounded by psychotic designer killers?”

Ava widened her eyes. “We will later.”

“What about now?”

“As I mentioned before, we don’t have time.”

“Why are you with the Xecutioners and not Circuit?”

“Because Circuit couldn’t rush off to the Xecutioners and guide the hackers at the same time—”

“So he asked you for help?”

“No. I voluntold him.”

“Voluntold?”

“It’s a mixture of volunteer and straight-up demanding—”

“I’m well aware of what it means.” I growled. “I just don’t understand how you can demand anything—”