"Just like he found a method of keeping you on a tight leash, forcing you to do his dirty work while he wined and dined politicians and powerful influencers." Exhaling, he shook his head several times. "Resentment will change a person, much like guilt or shame."
"Also anger, the kind of rage that's eating at you."
I expected he would bristle, shut down even further, but he gave me a single nod of agreement. "We all have our crosses to bear."
"Yes, we all do," I said quietly.
"I need to ask you. Was there a trust fund established for you by your parents?"
"Enough for my education and living expenses. Nothing more. My parents weren't rich, putting everything back into a legitimate business. At least that much I do know."
"How?"
"Papers I've found, discussions with my father's attorney." I hadn't seen Wallace in years, the man likely in full retirement, but previous discussions had been nothing extraordinary.
"An attorney. I should have known," he mused. "What is his name?"
"So you can hassle him?"
Aleksei frowned and crowded my space. "I need to learn everything about your family if I am taking over the operation. Every dark secret. If I've learned anything about Peter, he has a series of safeguards positioned all around him, much like the soldiers he's trained to protect him. Has this attorney remained in contact with your brother?"
"Wallace Greenbriar is well over sixty years old. I doubt he's even practicing, but I honestly don't have an answer for you. From the limited corporate paperwork that I've managed to steal a look at, I haven't seen his name on any documents for years."
Aleksei took a deep breath, easing back in his seat. "That doesn't mean that he isn't involved."
"No, you're right. Why did we go to DC? I realize that it was part of a game. To rile Peter?"
"I'm not going to lie to you that I didn't want him to remain highly uncertain of your loyalties, but I think you know in your heart that isn't the only reason."
"What are you thinking is really going on?" When he remained quiet, I knew I had to push the envelope. "I caught some of the news this morning. There was a raid on a rave in Philly last night, but not before four young people ended up dead. Do you know what the press is calling this new drug that came into town?"
He took several deep breaths. "I have no idea."
"Killer H. Catchy, huh? People are scared. Kids are dying. If you're a part of this even remotely in any way, you have to stop it. You have to use all the muscle you have, all the damn contacts and powerful men that I know you've paid off to stop this."
"Willow, this is much bigger than I originally thought. This isn't simply about a turf war that your brother wants to win."
"Then what is it?" I heard the change in the engines, which meant we were coming into Philly. "Please."
"It means that the Solntsevskaya family is attempting to take over not only my family's legacy but work the entire East coast, including moving into Chicago. It means that many lives will be destroyed. It also means that you will never be safe, at least as long as you're around me. After this meeting, I'm going to arrange for you to get out of the country, at least until this shit is over."
"Don't you dare do that to me, Aleksei. I can handle myself and I'm not going to run away in fear for the rest of my life, especially not when I just found a life. With you."
He lowered his head, taking deep breaths. "I can't risk it, but I may need to ask you a favor."
"You can ask me any favor in the world, but I'm not leaving you."
"This is important, Willow. I have to be able to trust you with my life. Can I do that? Will you help me?"
I had no idea what he was referring to, but the fear in his eyes I'd seen once before had returned, the kind of cold terror that kept a man awake at night. "I promise you I'll do what I can."
He cupped both my hands with his, leaning even further forward. "My life is very protected for a reason."
"Mr. Petrov? I've received an urgent call from one of your employees, who is waiting at the airport. He wanted me to tell you that it's vital you talk immediately." The pilot's voice boomed over the intercom. "We'll be arriving in two minutes."
Aleksei sighed, breaking our connection.
"What were you going to tell me?" I asked as I placed my hands on his knees.
"It's going to have to wait. We'll have time to talk after the meeting and make arrangements."
I couldn't believe he was going to force me to leave. Whatever my brother had gotten in the middle of, I couldn't imagine that he truly knew what he was doing. I was suddenly very cold, every inch of my body quivering, nausea gripping my stomach.
He remained tense as the pilot landed the plane, jerking out of his seat before the wheels stopped rolling. "Stay behind me."
I peered out the window, seeing four dark SUVs positioned in a row. I did as he asked, keeping my distance as the flight attendant opened the door, holding my breath as he stepped out.
Aleksei motioned to me, holding my hand as he walked us down the set of stairs. I noticed Maksim headed in his direction, the balding man looking even more formidable today.
"What's going on?" Aleksei asked.
Maksim removed his sunglasses, his eyes darting in my direction. "Maybe you want your guest to wait in the car, boss."
"She can remain. What the fuck is going on?" Aleksei demanded, his tone even more urgent than before.
"Your father was arrested," Maksim stated without inflection.
"What? Are you fucking kidding me? For what?" Aleksei had already started walking toward one of the vehicles.