Chapter 117 ALONE.
\~~~VIKTOR.
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white against the leather.
The engine hummed low as I turned into the quiet street leading to Alissia's house. It was the day after everything went to hell and the boss had started gearing up for a war that never should have kicked off.
On a normal day, with his head clear, my boss wouldn't have given that dead bird message a second thought. He wouldn't be plotting an attack like this.
But now? I was scared he was losing it, unraveling right in front of us. And that's why I needed to be here, at Alissia's place, even though it was the last spot I should show my face.
The woman, Alessia, and I were tangled in a mess I couldn't shake. Complicated didn't even cover it. Feelings I had no business having, lines I knew better than to blur. I didn't want to see her, not really. But duty pulled harder than sense. It was Sunday, the sun high and lazy, and I figured they'd both be home. Raina and Alissia, holed up safe from the storm Luciano was brewing.
I pulled the car up to the curb outside the gated driveway, the black sedan blending into the shadows of the trees. Killing the engine, I stepped out, the gravel crunching under my boots.
I walked to the gate, iron bars cool under my palm as I knocked hard three sharp raps that echoed down the empty street. No answer at first. I waited, shifting my weight, then knocked again, louder.
Finally, the intercom buzzed. Alissia's voice crackled through, sharp but controlled. “Who is it?”
“Viktor,” I said, keeping it short.
Silence stretched, then the gate clicked and swung inward with a low groan. I pushed through, closing it behind me, and headed up the path to the front door.
The compound was quiet, peaceful. I walked toward the house, knocked once, and then again. The door opened shortly after.
I stepped inside and stopped abruptly.
Alessia stood right there and for a second, my mind went blank.
She looked… breathtaking. Even more than usual. She wore loose lounge pants that sat low on her hips and a white crop top that clung to her in a way it had no right to. Her hair was messy, like she had just rolled out of bed or run her fingers through it one too many times.
She looked comfortable, she looked soft and God, she looked like a goddess.
My mouth went dry.
I caught myself staring at the curve of her waist, the way her lips parted as she looked at me, and the faint crease between her brows as annoyance flashed across her face. My eyes dipped lower before I could stop myself, and for a split second, I hated how my body reacted.
I swallowed hard and dragged my gaze away.
Get a grip, Viktor.
She was older.
She was Luciano’s sister.
There was a thick, clear line I knew better than to cross.
“How dare you come here?” Alissia's voice sliced through, her brows snapping together in a fierce line. Her green eyes flashed with anger, her arms crossing under her chest, which only made the crop top ride up a bit more.
Damn it.
Just then, movement came from the kitchen and Raina stepped out, a tray of pancakes balanced in her hands.
She froze when she saw me, her eyes widening. “Viktor?” She raised her brows, surprise softening her features.
I dropped my head in a quick, respectful nod. Greeting them both without words.
“I just asked why you're here,” Alissia pressed, stepping forward, her bare feet silent on the tile.
“I know I shouldn't be here,” I said, my voice steady despite the knot in my throat. “And the boss would have my head for this, but…”
“What is going on?” Alissia dropped the cups she'd been holding onto the counter with a clatter and turned fully to face me, hands on her hips.
I met her eyes, then flicked to Raina. “I'm afraid my boss is losing his mind.”
“Luciano? Why?” Raina's voice came soft, worried, as she set the tray down.
“Because of you.” The words slipped out before I could soften them.
I couldn't believe I was saying it and admitting out loud that Luciano was cracking over this woman.
But I knew it deep down.
He loved her, fierce and deep, even if he'd die before owning up to it.
And me? I felt a twinge of guilt for how I'd treated her before, the suspicion, and the cold shoulder. But this wasn't the time for apologies. I was still digging, and waiting for that final proof to clear her name on the sabotage mess.
Evidence was coming and I knew it.
Raina's face paled, but she held my gaze. Alissia shot me a glare that could cut glass.
“Since you left the house,”
I continued, focusing on Raina, “he has been drinking like crazy. Non-stop. He doesn't sleep, or if he does, it's in snatches. He avoids the bedroom and won't even go in there. Spends his nights in the study, drunk out of his skull, and staring at nothing. Yesterday, Mr. Volkov declared war with that damn bird. And now the boss is prepping an attack. Full force. He wouldn't have touched it on a normal day. I'm afraid he's not thinking straight, Ms. Raina.”
She blinked, confusion mixing with fear. “W... why would Volkov wage war on him?”
I swallowed, the truth bitter on my tongue. “Ms. Irina was behind the recent bombing. The one aimed at you. We... simply returned the favor.”
Raina gasped, sharp and sudden, her hand flying to her mouth. She staggered back and collapsed into the nearest chair, breathing heavy, chest rising and falling fast. Her face drained of color, and her eyes were wide with shock.
“What is…” Alissia started, stepping toward her, but I cut in.
“Please, Ms. Raina,” I said, voice dropping low, urgent. “Come back home. I…” I swallowed the lump building in my throat, the plea tasting foreign. “I beg you.”
The words hung there, heavy. I bowed my head again, deeper this time, then turned on my heel.
I pushed out the door, the screen slamming softly behind me. The air outside hit cool against my heated skin as I strode back to the car, gravel biting my soles.
My phone buzzed in my pocket just as I reached the driver's side. I yanked it out, “Yes, Gabriel?”
“He left the house.”
“What?’' My blood ran cold. “I told you to keep an eye on him till I get back!”
“You know how he can be,” Gabriel said, his voice tight, and rushed. “He slipped out alone. And he... he…”
“Talk!” I barked, yanking the door open and sliding in.
“He is fully armed. Gun, knife, and everything. Heading out like he's hunting alone.”
I breathed out slowly, and cursing under my breath. The engine roared to life as I ignited it.
The drive back felt endless, my mind racing faster than the car.
Luciano's face flashed in my head, his red-eyed, bottle in hand, and the gun he had drawn on me yesterday.
I saw the fear and hurt in his eyes for the first time since I’ve known him.
I’ve known him for two decades and this was the first time he was this way.
Not when he lost his mother.
Or when his father died.
He was my boss, my brother in this life, but losing him to this madness? No. I'd drag him back if I had to.
Alissia's image lingered too but right now, it was Luciano who needed saving. From himself.
Traffic blurred past, horns fading as I weaved through and my phone rang again, “Where is he?”
“Last seen heading toward the old warehouse district. There are unauthorized movements around there too, Viktor.”
Volkov’s men were cornering him.
“Gather the men and meet me there,” I said, and turned the car around.