Page 59 of Daddy Brigadier

“So, I can’t see it?”

“Not until it’s finished.” She gestures toward my office.

“Don’t fuck up,” I warn the tattoo artist, my voice rumbling, the threat loud and clear.

She whispers to him, and he responds. “That’s so badass!”

My jaw tightens and, without protest, I step into my office.

Lev pours us both a glass of Scotch and sits down beside me. I grip the glass, my eyes wandering past him to the door, contemplating whether I should rush out and stop her. Fuck it! It’s just a tattoo, and I have plenty of those.

“You know you’ll never be able to control her,” he says faintly.

“That’s what I like about her,” I reply. “She knows when to follow the rules and when she can push back—just enough to avoid any punishment from me. She understands her role.”

“Does she know you might retire?” he asks, sipping his Scotch thoughtfully, knowing it’s a delicate topic for me.

“Yes, and I’m hoping that if I make that decision, she’ll choose to go with me.”

“Do you really think she would leave everything behind? She’s young. Probably has a world of things she wants to do.”

I take another slow sip of my Scotch, considering the weight of his words. If I take that step, would she be willing to follow? “We’ll cross that bridge when it comes.”

“Are you prepared to pass on the role of Brigadier to Daniel?”

“Almost. He needs a few more years to gain more experience before I hand over the reins.”

Lev scoffs, “You were only sixteen when you took on the role. He’s had a decade more than you.”

“True, but the times have changed.” I’ve significantly expanded my father’s business by one thousand percent.

He hesitates briefly before setting his drink on the table. “Are you thinking of taking me along?” he asks. Lev has been by my side since we were teenagers. “You know I can’t work for Daniel after the threat I made.”

“I have a lot to think about, my friend.”

My phone buzzes, and I take a moment to glance at the screen. It’s a text from Elise:‘I think I have a plan. Fair warning—you’re not going to like it.’

Perfect timing.

She’s come up with something to help me retire, but on my own terms.

“Do you still have that file on Elise?” Before she joined the Bratva, Elise was with the cartel, and Andrei had me compile all the details about her.

“Yeah, it’s around here somewhere. I’ll track it down,” he says, finishing his drink with a gulp. “Is there something specific you’re looking for?”

“I’m not sure, but I’ve noticed she’s been acting nervous lately.”

One of the men lets out a loud laugh as he stands over Lexi, clearly entertained by whatever tattoo she’s gotten.

What on earth is taking her so long?It’s her opening night. Maybe she’s getting a deck of cards or some other trivial thing tatted on her wrist.

As Lexi walks toward me, Lev quickly stands and excuses himself.

Lexi leans casually against the door frame, but I can’t help but notice she’s missing her collar.

I leap to my feet, but as I’m closing the distance, I see that her neck is a canvas of fresh ink. My gaze is immediately drawn to the striking letter ‘V’ permanently inked on her neck, adorned with delicate diamonds that elegantly wrap around her throat.

“Do you like it?”