All Chapters of The Capo's Devotion: Own by the Don: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

The Rule We BrokeAlexei stopped halfway down the staircase. He had heard his name. He had also heard the last words Arjun had spoken.He may finally realize what it has already done to all of us. For a few seconds, nobody said anything again. Then Lucien stepped away from the library door. "Alexei." He called. His voice was calmer than the situation deserved.Alexei descended another step. "What are you talking about?" Lucien's face remained controlled. "Nothing you need to worry about." Alexei almost laughed."That's what you always say." Arjun looked away. That bothered Alexei more than Lucien's answer. He reached the bottom of the stairs and entered the library. The old priest was standing beside the desk. His wooden box was closed now, but Alexei noticed it.He also noticed the photograph. Arjun was in it. Much younger. Standing beside three other men. And one of them wore the Cham. Alexei walked closer. "Who is he?"Nobody answered. Alexei looked at Arjun."You knew this man?" A

The Hidden FileThe lights went out.Alexei heard Lambert curse. Then Lucien's hand closed around his arm. "Stay behind me.""I'm not a child.""I know."Lucien pulled him closer anyway. Somewhere in the darkness, metal scraped against metal. Alexei jumped."Someone's here." Lucien immediately drew his gun."Lambert.""I'm here.""Don't move."A second sound came from the corridor.Footsteps. Slow. Measured. Coming toward them. Alexei could barely see Lucien's outline in the darkness. Then a phone screen illuminated the room.Lambert held it with shaking fingers. "Security phones are dead." Lucien looked through the doorway. "How convenient."Alexei whispered, "We're trapped.""No."Lucien's voice remained calm. "We're being watched." The footsteps stopped.Silence followed. Then the emergency lights flickered on. For one second. Then darkness again. Alexei felt Lucien's hand find his.This time, Lucien didn't seem to realize he had done it. Alexei looked down. Their fingers were inte

The Unexpected Guest"Three days ago?"Alexei stared at the photograph. The monastery stood exactly as Arjun had described it, surrounded by dark mountains and thick forest. But the man standing outside it changed everything.Viktor. Alive. And apparently somewhere in Brussels.Lucien took the photograph from Alexei."Who sent this?" Henri shook his head. "No name. It arrived with the morning correspondence.""Who handled it?""One of the reception staff.""Bring him."Henri nodded and left. Alexei looked at Arjun. "You said Viktor wanted power.""He did.""And now?"Arjun's face remained grim. "I don't know.""Then let's find out."Lucien looked at him. "No." Alexei frowned. "No?""You aren't going anywhere.""I'm not asking permission.""I know."Lucien stepped closer. "That's why I'm telling you."Alexei folded his arms. "You can't keep locking me away.""I'm not.""Then what are you doing?""Keeping you alive." Alexei stared at him."You keep saying that.""Because it's true.""Ma

Marseille"What happened in Marseille?" Lucien didn't answer. That was worse than any answer he could have given me.We were back at the estate. Arjun was in the study with Henri, being checked for injuries. Matteo had doubled the security around the property. But I couldn't think about Viktor. Not now.I stood across from Lucien. "You knew that name would mean something." He removed his coat. "Yes.""Then tell me.""It's complicated."I almost laughed. "That's what people say when the truth is ugly." His eyes hardened."Be careful.""Why?""Because you're angry.""I have every reason to be."Lucien walked toward the drinks cabinet. I blocked him. "Don't walk away.""I need a moment.""No. I need an answer."He stared at me. Then he poured himself a drink. "Three years ago, Marseille belonged to another family.""The Moreaus?"He nodded. "They were moving weapons through the port.""And you?""I was trying to stop them.""Trying?"Lucien looked down at the glass. "There was a shipment

My Mother's Secret"My mother."I kept staring at the photograph. Her face was younger than I remembered. Much younger. But I knew her. There was no mistake.She stood between Arjun and Viktor outside the monastery. Lucien took the photograph from my hand. "Are you sure?""Yes.""How?""Because I remember that necklace." I pointed to the small silver pendant around her neck. "My father gave it to her." Lucien looked at Arjun's empty chair in the photograph."Why would your mother be at the monastery?" I shook my head. "I don't know."Henri looked at the screen. "The video was prepared.""Meaning?""Viktor wanted Alexei to see this." Lucien nodded. "He knew exactly what would hurt."I looked at him. "Then we give him what he wants." Lucien's face hardened. "No.""We're going to the monastery.""Yes.""Then why no?""Because we're going to be prepared." I smiled. "That sounds more like you." He reached for my coat. "Stay close to me.""I will.""And if Viktor appears—""I know.""No."L