“I’ll do my best not to, boss.” Ardian grins and gives a wave as he heads toward the SUV.
I order my men to head out, taking six vehicles as the soldiers prepare to infiltrate the Russian safe house.
While I want to lead the pack into war, Ardian is right. The other dons have come to New York to end this tyranny, not join our forces to fight. Leaving them to stop Mikhail isn’t the best use of my time as boss.
“You’re not leaving, sir?” Mario asks as he brushes past me with Nikki at his side.
“I’ve got other matters to tend to. Take Nikki upstairs, but don’t tell Aleksandra I’m here.”
“Yes, sir,” Mario says. “Come with me.” He escorts Nikki up the stairwell and out of sight.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. Why have I let Aleksandra creep into my heart? She is just a girl I shared a wild night with nearly five years ago.
“Oh, and Mario,” I shout at him as he hits the top of the landing, where I can no longer see him.
He retreats two stairs down so that I have his attention. “Yes, sir?” He obeys orders well. Is that why Roberto liked having him around?
“Get that test we discussed done ASAP.”
“Of course, sir.”
I need to know whether the twins are, in fact, mine. The sooner I have the answer, the easier it will be to decide about Aleksandra.