“It’s not even nine in the morning,” I remind him.

He lets out a chuckle. “It’s night somewhere.”

I give Alexei a worried look, and then Demitri explains, “It’s his way of celebrating.”

“Celebrating what?” I ask as we follow after Alexei.

“Not dying.”

Hell, I can’t argue with that.

DEMITRI

Ariana’s handling everything so much better than I expected. She just keeps getting stronger the more they come at her.

It’s a sight to behold. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

We’re all sitting at the dining table after having something to eat, and while the others talk, I stare at Ariana. She listens to what they say and asks questions when she doesn’t understand anything.

Right now, Alexei is telling her that Ilia, Sergei’s attorney, is coming to meet with her. “The weapons smuggling business won’t be mentioned, of course.”

“Right.” Ariana lets out a chuckle. “Probably wouldn’t be wise.” She gives Alexei a questioning look. “Is there someone who can tell us about it? How do I take over?”

Alexei gestures at me. “Demitri and I will handle that part. We know who your father dealt with.”

Ariana glances at me, and then she crosses her arms over her chest. “So, how much do you charge for your services, Mr. Vetrov?”

Remembering the conversation we had on the island about the same thing, I let out a burst of laughter, shaking my head.

“He’s fucking expensive,” Alexei comments, then he grins at me.

“Come on,” Ariana insists. “If you’re going to run the business for me, I need to know how much your fee will be.”

“Ten million to get you settled,” Alexei answers.

“Wait? What?” Ariana gasps, her eyes snapping to him. “I didn’t hear you right.” She places a hand over her heart, then asks, “Ten million? You’re kidding?”

Alexei shakes his head. “I never joke when it comes to money.”

Ariana glances between Alexei and me, and worry tightens her features. “Where the hell do you think I’m going to get ten million? I barely make fifteen hundred a month. On a good month, I make two thousand.”

Her worry begins to change to panic, and it makes a dark frown form on my forehead. Placing my arm on the back of her chair, I lean closer to her. “Shh… deep breaths.”

She does as I say, then I explain, “The fee will come out of the business.”

She shakes her head hard. “It’s impossible that my father’s business makes that much.”

I move my hand to the back of her neck and slowly brush my thumb over her skin, and the touch makes her relax a little. “I’m assuming your father never discussed his finances with you?”

“No,” Ariana answers, her eyes locked on mine. “He just sends ten thousand every month, which I use for my mom’s nursing home.”

Christ, she’d go fucking hungry as long as her mom’s taken care of. If Sergei loved her so much, why didn’t he take better care of her?