King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Fourteen

Sephie

Ms. Jackson was in the backseat with me and Adrik. Viktor was driving while Andrei was in the passenger seat. We were following the other SUV with Ivan, Misha, and Stephen. You would’ve thought it was Ms. Jackson’s birthday, she

was so excited.

“I haven’t been this close to this many fine–looking gentlemen since I was in my 20s,” she whispered to me. “I knew you were special, girl, but what did you do to deserve this many handsome men at your beck and call?”

I laughed. “I don’t think they’re exactly at my beck and call, Ms. Jackson.”

Adrik cleared his throat, beside me. I looked at him in shock. He smiled at me. “Whatever you need, solnishko. You say

the word.”

“Did you just call her solnishko?” Ms. Jackson asked, leaning forward so she could see Adrik.

“Da. You know Russian?”

“Enough,” she sat back. She hooked her arm through mine and patted my hand. “Yep. Special, special girl,” she said quietly. I glanced at her face. She had the look of someone who was reliving her past, so I decided against asking any further questions. I felt Adrik take my other hand and lace his fingers through mine. He gently squeezed my hand.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment of peace I felt whenever Adrik was around. I hadn’t known him for very long,

but I felt things I’d never felt whenever he was around. I tried not to think about it too much. It was unconventional, to say the least. It felt like he quieted my storms. Like he was holding my hand as I was fumbling through the

darkness, keeping me steady. All I knew is that I didn’t want it to end just yet.

I felt the SUV stop and heard Viktor put it in park. Ms. Jackson made a move to open her door, but Andrei stopped her

“Not yet, Ms. Jackson. Give us moment.”

“Honey, I’ll give you as long as you want, as long as I can look at you while you’re doing whatever it is you’re about to

do.”

Viktor caught my eye in the rear–view mirror. He was trying so hard not to laugh. Poor Andrei’s face was as red as my

hair. He could not get out of the vehicle fast enough.

“Lord, I hate for him to leave, but I love to watch him go.”

was laughing uncontrollably beside her. Even Adrik was

future, as well as Ivan’s,”

be a whole lot more fun than Bingo,” Ms. Jackson

only I

never knew you

this much eye candy around you

“Point well made”

his hand. “Oh! And a gentleman to boot!

have to see his face to know that he was blushing. Adrik opened his door. Stepping out, he turned and offered his hand to me. I smiled and took his hand as he helped me out of the vehicle. Once I was standing, he pulled me close and planted a very quick kiss on my lips. I looked at him, wide–eyed. He just

with me

and Stephen kept an eye on the parking lot. Adrik would only let go of my hand if necessary. Otherwise, he seemed happy enough to simply follow me around while I helped my neighbor stock

apartment, she looked at Andrei and Adrik and asked, “gentlemen, would

me to have a moment alone with Miss Sephie?”

both nodded. Adrik looked at me and said, “we’ll be right outside.”

closed, Ms. Jackson took each of my hands in hers and looked up at

love

met. Literally. Like two days ago.”

not see the

doesn’t mean he’s in

you solnishko.”

idea what any of

all I know.”

are not known for terms of endearment, so the fact that he’s calling you his ‘little sun‘ only days after meeting you means he’s head over heels for you. What

it,” I said shaking

endearment for a significant other in Russian. They’re not a sentimental people. What

else?”

think he called me malishka once.”

my case. He’s smitten. What do the other

just Viktor and Andrei. Misha and Ivan aren’t as chatty, although Ivan did call me a princess, when I stitched him up this morning. Viktor and Andrei have both called me

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Chapter Fourteen

they’re all in love

Ms. Jackson. You’re being silly. What does it mean? And how do

pet name for a little sister, but again, only reserved for very special women,” she said. “And as for me knowing Russian, well, I spent time there during the Cold War.” She sighed, and added very matter–of–factly, “I was spying on the Russians while

How have you never told me you were such a badass before??” I gasped, “is that how you know how to stitch people up? Did I really learn how to

I was technically a nurse too. After I came back, I went into nursing. Being a spy is hard on a girl.” She sighed. Again, lost in her memories. “That was a long time ago, honey. But you need to know that you are

think I understand.”