Inked Adonis by Nicole F. Roberts

Author:Nicole F. Roberts
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nicole

Chapter 7: The Bratva's Code

Alexei Volkov stood at the window of his father's study, gazing out at the sprawling grounds of the family estate. The manicured lawns and carefully tended gardens seemed a world away from the brutal reality of the Bratva's operations. Yet Alexei knew that every blade of grass, every blooming flower, was paid for with blood money.

Behind him, Mikhail Volkov sat behind his massive oak desk, his steely gaze fixed on his son's back. The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife.

"You've been distracted lately, Alexei," Mikhail said, breaking the silence. "The other pakhan have noticed. They're starting to question your commitment to the Bratva."

Alexei turned to face his father, his expression carefully neutral. "My commitment has never wavered," he replied, but even to his own ears, the words sounded hollow.

Mikhail's eyes narrowed. "Words are cheap, my son. It's actions that matter in our world. And your actions lately have been... concerning."

Alexei felt a flicker of unease. Had his father discovered his plans to leave the Bratva? His meetings with Nadia? He forced himself to remain calm, to give nothing away.

"What do you mean, Father?" he asked, his voice steady.

Mikhail leaned back in his chair, studying his son with a calculating gaze. "You've been spending a lot of time in the city. Attending art galleries, mingling with the elite. At first, I thought it was good strategy - building connections, gathering intelligence. But now I'm not so sure."

He paused, letting the words hang in the air between them. "There are whispers, Alexei. Whispers that you've become soft. That you're more interested in paintings than in protecting our interests."

Alexei felt a surge of anger at the accusation, but he tamped it down. Showing emotion now would be dangerous. Instead, he adopted a look of mild amusement.

"And you believe these whispers, Father? After everything I've done for the Bratva?"

Mikhail's expression didn't change. "What I believe is irrelevant. Perception is reality in our world, Alexei. And right now, the perception is that you're losing your edge."

He leaned forward, his eyes boring into Alexei's. "It's time for you to prove your loyalty, once and for all."

Alexei felt a chill run down his spine. He knew what was coming - a test, a task designed to demonstrate his commitment to the Bratva's code. Something brutal, something that would leave blood on his hands and another scar on his soul.

"What would you have me do?" he asked, his voice low.

Mikhail smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "The Italians have been encroaching on our territory again. Their new captain, Antonio Rossi, thinks he can challenge us. I want you to send a message, Alexei. A message that the Bratva will not tolerate any threats to our power."

Alexei nodded, understanding the unspoken order. "And how should this message be delivered?"

His father's smile widened, showing teeth. "I'll leave the details to you, my son. But make it memorable. Make it something that will remind everyone why the Volkov name is feared throughout Russia.

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