Choose Me Over Justice (MxM)

Chapter 23

"Boss there is a package for you,"I said. Ivan put down his whiskey and circled back to his desk. "Open it for me," he said. Ramon opened the package which was messily wrapped making it look like the sender was in a hurry. I could already tell it was not a bomb by the material and content it hard. It was a small box with two passport size photos and a necklace which looked like a family heirloom. By the content Inside I could tell it was not going to please Ivan.

"You may want to see this,"I pushed the box towards the man who looked too exhausted to even be in the office past midnight. Ever since the confrontation with the detective he has been avoiding sleep at any cost. Given the detective's accusations it really bothered him. I would have put a bullet in his head by now had it not been for the boss. Knowing him by the time the detective's body is discovered I would also be lying somewhere, my body probably cold.

I watched him pick the passport sized photos, silent tears falling from his eyes. His hands shook while holding the necklace with symbols of a name he hasn't used for years.

A.R

"Atticus Romanov," he whispered more tears falling. The name only I knew. His brother. Not his men who feared him. Not the detective after him. Not the prime minister who wants him dead.

"Who sent this?" He asked quietly.

"It's still unclear who sent it. This may be a set up," I answered. He picked a piece of paper which seemed to be a note that was typed. His eyes scanned the paper hurriedly anger clouding him for a moment.

"You remember the girl who you met in Mariya's school. Have our men discretely protect her. Let no one get wind of it.Mariya has been found. Assemble our most trusted men give them the coordinates of her location I specifically ask you to go retrieve our sister the detective will be here to arrest me in the morning. If this is a set up I will burn this entire city until we find her. Nothing must go wrong Ramon!" he ordered.

Atticus," I called. His head jerked up eyes meeting mine. For the first time in years I watched him break. No longer the tough mafia boss for the Bratan Gang but the boy who got lost along the way for years.

"You look exactly like her Ramon. Your eyes. Your hair. Your face..." A half hearted smile on his face faltered when he looked at mother's photo.

My heart softened after hearing his words. He never spoke of our parents or what occurred but I know he always meant well. I know he fought hard to hide me and keep me safe even when he suffered for years after being locked up he came back for me.

"I will bring her back. I promise." I turned to leave and head out to prepare the men to leave when he called my name softly. I turned and he stood walking towards me his arms wrapped around me. My heart stopped for a minute and it reminded me of the first time I got shot. I had cried so much into his arms and he let me. Later he lectured me on the importance of strength as a man.

I had heeded his words. I was tough now but after that time he made sure I never was at the receiving end of any bullet. One way or another he took them for me. "Please be safe mishutka. I want you both back alive and breathing."

He pulled away from me walking into his bedroom. I wiped the stray tears which fell and pulled myself together. Mariya needed me. I ordered the men who were to protect Mariya's friend to go watch her while those who were to come with me I woke them up and they were ready for the mission. No questions asked.

The car engines roared as they left the mansion which was at the edge of the city where the detective had never been. I was so sure he wasn't aware where Ivan stayed. I could see it in both their eyes. They were falling for each other.The detective might have not been aware of his actions but he subconsciously cared about Ivan. His methods for gaining truth were wrong but once the fog was cleared he would be able to tell right from wrong.

I was yet to report to Ivan regarding the black eye the detective had. It turned out his father was a homophobic abusive prick. No wonder the man was uncomfortable with Vlad's openness. If Ivan found out he would get revenge for him that I knew. That is why I opted to focus on Mariya first and ensure Ivan's innocence is proven.

"Stinger we are here," one of the men said. Acres upon acres of forest led us to a shipping dock where containers were placed. There were over twenty men armed surrounding the area. With only ten men we were outnumbered. Instead of diving straight into our death. I implored we scout the area for a week to understand their patterns.

***

"Well done Kayde, I see that asshole was nothing but a pretty face. I'm glad you were able to find evidence to put him behind bars forever," detective Suarez celebrated.

"Good work Williams. Now get to work and bring that criminal behind bars!"ordered the chief.

The arrest was meant to be a small affair but in the morning. Journalists were outside Bratan's office taking photos and asking questions in relation to the kidnapping. We pushed past them making a bee line to Ivan's office. No one dared to stop us even after we showed our badges and arrest warrant. The look in his employees eyes was that of pity and sadness. No one said a word to my men even after we found Ivan in his office taking his coffee.

He seemed unbothered and didn't say a word to me he willingly let me put him in cuffs. Even as Suarez dragged him out of his office he didn't even look my way. He seemed stoic.The surprising part was none of his men followed. Was I wrong? When he admitted being a murderer and not an abuser should have listened?

Was I arresting an innocent man all in the name of justice when there was more to the story.

Hey my Lovelies I know it has been forever but I was a bit caught up and needed some time away but I'm back. I know this chapter took a massive turn. Did any of you see it coming???

Don't be afraid to comment and tell me your thoughts. The song Clandestina is what actually inspired this chapter after I had really listened to it. It speaks of Ivan's past and his relationship with his brother. Also the word clandestina in Spanish and Italian is a feminine word meaning secrecy or underground. It can even mean immigrant the chapter explains it all. Give me your thoughts on the plot twists...

Can't wait to hear from you My Lovelies sorry for the long wait though....