Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
I checked his hands. They remained still. He didn’t fidget or nervously tap.
He has no idea.
A smart enemy sought as much information as they could about their opponent.
Lunita’s existence was not a big secret. David made sure all of our men knew, so they could be on guard. When we returned from Italy, the whispers of my mouse’s personality disorder spread all over Russia and in other parts of the world.
Had Tisha been searching for some weakness or way to destroy me, he would have easily gotten this information.
But, he knows nothing. . .
I moved my view to David.
What do you think?
David gave me a slow nod.
Tisha’s expression hardened. “What is going on?”
David unfolded his arms, left the wall, and walked over to the edge of my desk. “Perhaps, it would be better if you stay out of this situation, Tisha. There will be other opportunities and trips to help Kazimir.”
Tisha looked at me with steely determination. His unwavering loyalty was evident in his blue eyes. “I know every detail of your past, Kazimir. Does that not matter?”
“It does.”
“I understand the way you think. I can anticipate your needs and provide the support you require in any situation.”
“Any situation?” David placed his hands on the corner of the desk.
“Kazimir knows my skills with a gun.”
I bobbed my head. “You are an artist when it comes to combat situations.”
“But, this would not be combat.” David peered at Tisha. “The person that sits in this position must be willing to go against the Lion for his safety.”
I sneered. “That is not true. Do not get him killed, David.”
Tisha grinned. “I understand more than anyone how hard-headed Kazimir can be. My mother used to say that his head was full of rocks.”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to my phone.
The shower was off. Emily was no longer inside it.
God damn it. Where are you?
I swiped through camera feeds.
Tisha spoke, “Our blood and our bond in childhood created a loyalty between us that can’t be bought or broken. I will stand by Kazimir, no matter what challenges I could face in New Orleans.”
I looked up from the phone. “Are you sure about that?”
“I am.”
“My mouse has more than one woman inside of her head.”
Tisha blinked. “What. . .are you saying?”
“There is a part of her that is wild and demented. We call that part of her—Lunita.”
This time, Tisha turned to David as if looking for help. “Surely. . .I am missing something.”
David shook his head. “New Orleans is about healing the Mouse and getting Lunita out of her head.”
Tisha directed his focus to me. “I do not quite understand, but I know that I can protect Kazimir.”
David eyed him. “From his mouse?”
I stiffened. “Is that necessary to say?”
David shrugged. “I believe so.”
Tisha sat up in the chair. “I will protect Kazimir from anyone.”
I took one last look at the camera feeds. My body stilled when I found Emily in the nursery. Now, she wore a white robe. It was partly open in the front, allowing Emilio to suckle from her right breast. Her hair was wrapped in a towel, giving her an air of tranquility.
A warm smile spread across my face, and the tension in the room eased ever so slightly.
I love you, mysh.
“You must understand, Tisha.” David stared down at him. “New Orleans will be risky business. You must listen to Valentina.”
Tisha snorted. “Will Valentina really be in charge?”
David’s expression didn’t soften. “She will be Kazimir’s number one. Do not challenge her and make New Orleans more difficult.”
“Tisha.” I turned my phone off and placed it in my pocket. “Are you hungry?”
Tisha shrugged. “I could eat something, but I would rather discuss this—”
“Wassily will take you to the sitting room. I will have my chef make you a few things.” I rose from the desk. “Give David and me a few minutes to discuss this. Have patience, cousin.”
Tisha stood. “Yes, Kazimir.”
As I watched Tisha leave the room with Wassily, my thoughts inevitably wandered back to the task at hand. New Orleans would present its own set of dangers, especially with my son and Paolo coming along. Ensuring their protection would weigh heavily on my mind.
Then, there were the potential enemies who yearned for the throne. They would always be eager to seize any opportunity to take it from me. If news got out that the Lion and Mouse were going on vacation with their children, it could be seen as the perfect time to strike and eliminate me.
The more loyal and skilled individuals I had surrounding us, the better our chances would be at ending any attempts.
The door shut.
I walked around the desk and got to David’s side. “What do you think?”
“Building a strong and trustworthy team is crucial for your security in New Orleans.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“I was not sure until this meeting, but I think Tisha is a good choice. Valentina could bully many.”