I sat in one of my strip clubs, surrounded by the pulsating rhythms and seductive lights. My underboss, Connor , stood before me, briefing me on Emily's schedule.
He was a reliable man, and I trusted him to gather intel on the people who interested me.
"So, what's the latest on Emily?" I asked, sipping on my whiskey.
"She works at a cafe, sir," Adam replied, consulting his notes. "She's a student at Imperial College London, and her best friend is a girl named Sophie.
They currently share an apartment."
I listened attentively, twirling the whiskey in my glass as I processed the information. Adam continued, "From what we've gathered, Emily's routine is pretty regular.
She works at the cafe a few days a week, attends classes at Imperial, and spends her free time with Sophie."
I nodded, taking another sip of my whiskey. I was intrigued by Emily, and I wanted to know more about her.
"Keep gathering intel," I told Conor. "I want to know everything about her."
As Connor nodded and left, I sat back in my chair, lost in thought. Emily was a fascinating puzzle, and I was determined to learn more about her.
The whiskey glass seemed to glow in the dim light, and I savored the smooth taste as I pondered my next move.
I was about to take another sip of my whiskey when I saw Aleksandr and Ryurik, I watched the Romanov brothers storm into my club.
Well it was timer they showed up, I had been expecting them. I knew they would find out about me and Emily soon.
And their showing up here has proved my suspicions right, they are interested in Emily, they care about her.
I couldn't help the hate and disdain I felt looking at those two, I would make them pay for the pain they caused me.
Look at them, coming here like this, their shoulders held high, like they owned the place, I have always hated their confidence and arrogance.
Excitement bubbled in my stomach at the thoughts of wiping that smirk off their faces, they will crawl at my feet begging for mercy.
For now I will need to be smart and play my cards right, and now the most important chess piece is in my hands.
As they approached me, their faces set in stern expressions, I couldn't help but feel a spark of amusement.
Aleksandr sat on the couch opposite me, crossing his leg in a gesture that seemed almost casual, but I knew was calculated.
His loyal dog, Ryurik, stood by his side, glaring at me with an intensity that made me raise an eyebrow.
I chose to feign ignorance, unaffected by the subtle threat.
"What do I owe the pleasure of having the Russian mafia boss and his under boss in my club?" I asked, my tone neutral, my eyes locked on Aleksandr's.
I was well aware about his motives, and I wasn't about to let him dictate the conversation.
Ryurik's glare intensified, but Alexander's expression remained calm, almost serene.
"Just dropping by to discuss some... business, Cian," he said, his voice low and smooth.
"Cut the bullshit Cian," he said, his voice low and even. "I know you've approached Emily and you're pretending to be her scholarship provider.
He then leaned in closer to me, his eyes blazing with intensity. "I'm going to say this, and I'm going to say it once: stay away from her.
There won't be a next time. I won't be repeating myself."
What give you the impression than you can come into my club and bark orders at me I respond, already battling to keep my composure.
I stand up and tell him, Aleksandr do your worst, my men who were hidden in the shadows appearing in synch and pointing their guns at Aleksandr and Ryurik.
The stupid bastard stoop up, looking unfazed, smoothen his suit and then said i won't repeat myself and left with his dog.
I watched the brothers leave, their backs stiff with tension. Now I was more invested, it seems there was more to their relationship with Emily.
I couldn't help but wonder what secrets they were hiding. What was it about Emily that had them so worked up? I made a mental note to dig deeper, to find out what was really going on.
This wasn't just about Emily; it was about uncovering the truth behind the Romano brothers' actions. And I was determined to get to the bottom of it.
I smiled, a challenge flashing in my eyes. "I've taken an interest in Emily," I declared, my voice firm. "And I'm not going to stay away from her. You can't dictate who she talks to or spends time with."
My curiosity was short-lived, as I received a string of disturbing news immediately they two lunatics left.
Firstly the Italians had cancelled our deal, citing a bigger offer from someone else.
The shipment of guns and machines I had been waiting for had been stolen from the docks.
And several other business transactions I had been working on had been compromised.
I didn't need a seer to tell me who was behind it all. The Romanov brothers had made their move, and it seemed they were willing to do whatever it took to get what they wanted.
I clenched my jaw, determination burning within me. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
Just when I thought that was all, I stepped into my mansion, exhausted from a long day. But as I entered the foyer, I was met with a sight that made my blood run cold.
A box sat on the console table, its plain brown exterior giving no hint of the horror that lay within.
I approached it cautiously, as I lifted the lid, a chill ran down my spine. Inside, I saw the severed heads of all the spies I had working on Emily's case.
Their eyes were frozen in a permanent stare, their faces pale and lifeless.
I felt a surge of anger and fear, knowing that this was a message from the Romanov brothers.
If I had any doubts before, they were gone now. This was a clear warning: back off, or suffer the same fate.
I clenched my jaw, my mind racing with the implications. The brothers were sending a message, and I had to respond accordingly.
I would not be intimidated. I would not back down. This was war.
I would teach them that I was not the kind of man to be toyed with.
I picked up my phone and messaged Emily, may the games begin.