Read Online Until the End by London Miller - Free Book Online Page B

unbuttoning his jacket to pull out his Blackberry, hoping for a missed call or text, finding neither. It wasn’t that he expected anything different under the circumstances, but after seeing her the other day…he had hoped.
    Logically, he knew he kept his phone on vibrate and if there were any notifications he would be able to feel it, but he still found himself checking his phone every few minutes.
    Hope was a bitch.
    By the time the meeting started, Mishca was ready to leave.
    “Viktor is no longer with us,” Mikhail said ominously, tapping his finger against the table.
    Mishca couldn’t help but notice it was the finger with the skull across his knuckle.
    “Because of this, we will need to divide his duties amongst ourselves. Mishca and myself,” Mikhail went on though he didn’t bother to acknowledge him, “have taken over the arms deals. He’s proven himself and the buyers are pleased, but that still leaves The Gilded Room.”
    That particular establishment was one Mishca didn’t particularly want, but he also didn’t want anyone in this room to have it either. It was too close to his territory for his liking and sometimes the problems inside The Gilded Room spilled over into his work, and he couldn’t have that.
    Ronald, a particularly nasty man with a penchant for raping and beating the working girls spoke up, offering to take the position.
    Frowning, Mishca said, “I have a man for the job.”
    Mikhail waved him on as Ronald scowled. “Speak.”
    “Luka Sergeyev.”
    He cocked a brow.
    “He’s done good work for me over the last year,” Mishca hastened to say.
    It was no secret that Luka could be a bit…unstable, but Mishca had never doubted his loyalty, not once since he came to work for him several years ago.
    “Two weeks and report back to me.”
    With that over with, the meeting went on as usual, everyone passing their envelopes to the center of the table. Ten minutes later, the room was empty again, save Mishca and his father.
    To say that things were tense between Mishca and his father would be an understatement. They kept up pretenses, yes, but Mishca avoided his father whenever possible. The only time they saw each other was for the monthly sit down when Mishca was forced to be in his presence.
    “I spoke with the doctor’s daughter some time ago.”
    With each word Mikhail spoke, Mishca’s hand tightened around the glass in his hand. By the time he finished speaking, the crystal shattered.
    Mikhail looked on calmly.
    “I thought I made myself clear before, but perhaps you need more clarification. Stay away from Lauren.”
    Mikhail’s eyebrows rose to his hairline, his amusement clear. “You think to order me?”
    “Damn right. She’s mine and you don’t go near her.”
    “You should not allow emotions to influence your judgment, son. It is unbecoming.”
    Rolling his eyes, Mishca ignored that. “Did you get what you wanted from her?”
    Reaching into his coat, Mikhail withdrew a journal, tossing it over to him. “I gave her my word that I would return this if it had no useful information.”
    “It doesn’t?” Mishca asked in confusion. He specifically recalled Lauren telling them that Doc kept information about them inside it.
    “It seems the girl is more clever than I gave her credit.”
    So she was. “What do you expect me to do with this?”
    “Return it, of course. I believe it will help in repairing the damage between you since I am sure you will not listen to reason and pursue her anyway.”
    Not responding, Mishca climbed to his feet, buttoning his jacket. “I need something from you.”
    “Speak.”
    “Anya’s address.”
    “And why would I do this?”
    “Because Aleksandria asked for it. She is but a child. She shouldn’t have to suffer for her mother’s indiscretions.”
    It was the best argument Mishca could come up with. It also would give him insight on how Mikhail felt about Alex. They hadn’t spoken since that day and he could see it affecting Alex