“Have you seen Ivanov?” I took another hit of my joint, not wanting to waste the shit and needing the buzz.
“Yes,” he mumbled.
“And?” I blew out the smoke.
He sighed. “He’s a prick. I told him the story we cooked up. He’s out for blood, not just for me, but for Bianca. He still wants to steal her from you and then…” He raked his fingers through his hair, a look of pure anguish on his face.
“What?”
He locked gazes with me. “He said the way to piss off a man is to take and touch what belongs to him. He means to get her from you and fuck her. He wants me to do it too and has told Tate and Drake he’d work something out with them as well.”
I breathed in, taking in the information before speaking softly, “What's the plan exactly?”
“I don’t know it yet. Nothing solid, but I’m sure he’ll get it worked out soon enough.”
“If anyone touches her, I’ll kill them. You know this. Let them know that too. I’m not playing. When a trigger gets pulled this time, the target will be someone’s head. Get me?”
“Yes,” he said.
“So if any of you lords want to see the light of day, you’ll stay the fuck away from what belongs to the kings. I’ll set an example if I must, starting with your fucking disciples who follow you like loyal dogs. I’ll work my way up your fucking chain of command, pulling the guts from each of you. Make sure Ivanov doesn’t push me. War with me will not end well for the lords.”
“I’ll relay the message,” he said without an ounce of emotion on his face.
I examined him closely for a moment. If he was lying about his feelings on any of this, he was a hell of an actor. Just the way he said Bianca’s name made me believe he was all in for doing whatever he had to do for her.
“And my sister?” he pressed.
“I see my father this evening. I’ll do what I can. My intel says your sister is still alive. I’ve made a request with my father, and he seems amenable to it. I’ll message you once I get back.”
He nodded once, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. I offered him my joint, wondering if he’d take it. He peered at it for a moment before he took it and inhaled deeply, holding the smoke for a beat before coughing and blowing it out.
“That’s good shit,” he choked out, handing it back.
“Everything I have is the best,” I said. “Keep it. It’s just a taste of the things you could have if you do what you’re told.” I stepped out of the alcove and left him there, needing to see what other bullshit had been happening in my absence.