Page 74 of Daddy Brigadier

I step into the shower, warm water cascades over me, washing away much of the anxiety about Valentin’s meeting today. The steam covers me, filling my lungs and mind with revitalizing energy and clarity. I have my own shit to deal with today.

Wrapped in a towel, I wipe the fog off the mirror, taking a moment to admire myself. The tattoo encircling my neck is a symbol of pride, and the marks on my body are a testament to our lovemaking over the past few days. Now is the time for me to submit fully to Valentin, and for that reason, I must have an honest conversation with my friends.

I promised Valentin one day off, and that’s all he’ll get. I’ve got my own businesses to run, after all. As I thank the chef for the delicious breakfast she prepared— a croissant stuffed with bacon and eggs in one hand and coffee in the other— I dashdown the warehouse stairs to call a cab. I’ve never owned a car and don’t drive much. I borrow Lacey’s car only when necessary for a job. I usually cab it around the city. I chuckle to myself, thinking maybe I should seriously consider Valentin’s tempting offer for a car.

As I step onto the main floor of the warehouse, I see Lev waiting next to a vehicle. “Is Valentin back?” I ask, scanning the area.

“Nope,” he replies with a smirk. “I’m on your security detail today.”

“I don’t need security,” I assert, attempting to walk past him.

He firmly grips my arm, pulling me back. “Let’s not make this harder than it needs to be, Lexi. Either I go with you, or you stay here.”

“Do you really think you can stop me?” I challenge, annoyed.

“I’ll tie you up if I have to,” he warns, and I know he’s serious.

With a frustrated huff, I stomp my feet as he opens the back door. I slide into the seat, crossing my arms, while Lev takes the spot beside me. He remains silent during the ride to the casino while I stew, eating my sandwich and sipping my coffee, my irritation palpable.

I get that he’s just following Valentin’s orders, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Lev opens the door for me, and I step out of the vehicle. The casino’s sign, a champagne pink, blinks over the doorway. When did we get that?

As I enter, I see Robyn and Lacey already hard at work, setting up for the bustling night ahead.

“Hey!” I call out, casually dropping my purse onto one of the tables. “Did we get a new sign?”

“Look who showed up!” Robyn teases, handing me a steaming cup of coffee. “We got it last week. You didn’t notice?”

Guess not.I take a sip of the warm liquid, letting the caffeine settle as I think of all the things I have to do today.

Lacey stops when she sees me, her expression tightening, hinting at more than just the usual morning irritation.

“What?” I respond, my voice sharp and hard like a blade honed for business.

“Didn’t expect you here,” Lacey states, her voice tinged with irritation.

“I took one day off,” I snap, fury and dread cutting through me.

“Must be nice. I wouldn’t know what that feels like,” Lacey says quietly now.

I ignore her, having more pressing matters to deal with.

I grab the security surveillance tablet, and the screen lights up with grainy footage. The camera angles shift and flicker, showing an empty street, interrupted only by the occasional pedestrian on the sidewalk.

I quickly search for footage from the other night, and all I see is myself walking down the sidewalk, disappearing around the corner. A black vehicle with no license plates pulls up, and the occupants remain hidden. Nothing I can use to find Petrov.

I notice Lev at the end of the bar, his back pressed against the wall, eyes fixated on me. Robyn and Lacey are aware of him, too.

He pretends to read a newspaper, but his gaze never leaves my direction. He reaches for a bottle of Scotch, pouring it into a cup nearby, but he doesn’t even bring it to his lips.

“Seriously?” Robyn raises her eyebrows, glancing away from her paperwork. “He’s going to scare off our customers.”

I slam the tablet onto the card table. “Meeting now.”

Lacey, balancing beer glasses that she’s unloaded from the dishwasher, looks frustrated. “We have too much to do, Lexi. We don’t have time for your bullshit today.”

I feel the tension in the room, my fists tightening as I prepare for a necessary discussion.