SWNOVELS The Devil’s Reward: Chapter 20
I was bred for this life.
The door to my office opens and my head lifts, my face expressionless, but my displeasure is obvious. I have rules, and one of them is that I am not disturbed. Someone has dared to break that rule, and who it is will determine if I kill them or simply maim them. Though in the mood I’m in, I’m leaning more towards the first.
I give nothing away as two men walk inside. One of whom I summoned, the other, I didn’t expect. Though I’m not surprised. My Uncle isn’t subtle in his messages. Even the silent ones. Pavel Orlov is a clear enough message and from the cool smile on his face, he knows it.
The other man, the one I called, is Isidor Moskal. He’s one of my men; a fixer, so to speak. However, their arrival means I need to adjust my preparations. With Pavel here, well, I need to make sure that he’s not in my way.
“Dmitri,” Pavel says with a clipped nod. “It seems you have a couple of problems. One of whom I’ve encountered before.”
“Problems?” I ask evenly. “I don’t know where you got your information, Pavel, but there is no problem. I have everything in hand.”
His eyes sharpen, but his expression never changes. Isidor is completely silent, but watchful. Pavel is a favorite of my father and the Pakhan, which means getting rid of him won’t be easy. “My information is that you have an MC that keeps interfering. That they discovered your operation already.”
I wave that away, though my gut burns with anger at the thought of anyone knowing this information. I will never allow myself to look weak. I already have men searching for the person who is telling secrets and when they find them, I’ll cut out their tongue. Can’t tell tales if they can’t talk. “Your information is inaccurate, Pavel,” I tell him easily, reclining and gesturing for him to have a seat, which he ignores. “I have a mole on the inside who is eager to take them down, as well as keep them away from our businesses.”
Pavel makes a noise low in his throat. “And yet, they managed to uncover one before you or your mole could get them off the scent. Foiled by a woman, no less. And another one of their whores caught you on camera. Seems to me you’re being reckless, Dmitri. You do not have control of this town if they can find you so easily.”
My fingers itch to shoot this son of a bitch between the eyes, but I rest them calmly on top of my desk. “My mole informs me I am not in the photo, so that is no worry. Though I will deal with both women.”
“And the operation at the garage is continuing?”
“Yes, though we are moving most of our product to another location, should anyone think to look again.”
“Hmm,” is all he says. “And the women. Who are they exactly?”
“Both are whores to sons of the President,” I explain.
“And your mole? He’s trustworthy?”
“Is anyone trustworthy?” I return. “He has his own agenda, but will not step out of line. He’s been able to move many things through their clubhouse without their knowledge.”
Pavel does not look impressed, not that I expected him to. His voice is cold as he says, “Your Uncle has sent me here to ensure things are going to plan. If I find they are not, or you have royally fucked it up, I will be removing you. You might think you have control of this, Dmitri, but your handling of this situation has drawn the attention of those much higher than you. There are rumblings that you are far too inexperienced to handle this position.”
The warning is clear, and I want to jump to my feet and beat some sense into him. I do nothing, just hold his stare. They think I can’t handle this? That I’m still too inexperienced? I’ll show them. I was born into this life, groomed from birth. I will make sure that nothing gets in my way. I don’t care how many bodies I leave in my wake.
I glance at Isidor, who gives a subtle nod, understanding that I’ll speak with him of my plans later. Right now, I’m need them out of my office. My preparations will be put into motion quickly.