Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 344

ARIELLA

“Oh. So who’s in charge of the Volkov Bratva then?”

“He came with his son, Yuri Volkov. His second son. Alex’s younger brother,” Asher said. “He said he was teaching him the ropes.”

“So this Yuri must be the one in charge of the Bratva then if Alex Volkov isn't.” I surmised.

“Maybe. But he looked a little hesitant to make him the heir. Almost like he was thinking not to.”

“Do you think that’s something he would share with the enemy?” I asked not really buying it.

“There was just this dynamic there between them....,” he said thoughtfully. “ Yuri has another younger brother, Basta Volkov. He could also be a player...... I feel like Yuri has something to do with what’s happened or maybe he knows who is behind the attacks.”

“Really?” I asked.

“I’m not sure yet. But I have men watching out for both Volkov brothers. Yuri and Basta.”

“So Alex Volkov still doesn’t know that you were responsible for his son’s death?” I asked after a beat had passed.

He paused, his expression thoughtful.

“I feel like he’s suspicious, given everything that’s happened. But he has no proof, and therefore he can’t do anything.”

“What if he’s got his instincts right and he’s the one attacking after all?” I said. “He’s an old man and he knows a lot. He’s made a lot of connections and he’s conniving, from everything you’ve told me.”

“Yes,” Asher answered.

Then he added quietly, “But it’s not him. I can just feel it. I’ve always trusted my gut, and I’m choosing to trust it now. Instead of putting a lot of my resources on him, I’ll go through Yuri and this Basta.”

He paused for a moment before adding,

“I also know that there is somebody else involved.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“There’s a power behind one of them,” he said. “With all the attacks… the men that attacked us didn’t have the same tattoos that Bratva soldiers have. I know they could have easily taken them out or recruited new soldiers. But just… something is not right.”

I nodded slowly.

“Okay. So Alex is not involved, and you think there’s someone else?”

“Yes.” He exhaled slowly. “It’s eating at my head, Ariella. I don’t like being in the dark. It’s better if I know who my enemies are than just fighting without having a clue what I’m fighting against.”

I moved closer to him and placed my hand on his cheek. “I’m sorry, love,” I said softly.

His expression immediately softened.

“It’s not your fault, baby. Don’t worry. I am doing everything in my power to make sure that you and Leon are in safe hands.”

“Thank you,” I said, kissing his cheek lightly.

“Don’t you worry." He said holding my hand. "Today I’m going to work on getting a tutor for Leon,” he added

Just then the door burst open.

“Daddy! Daddy! I’m ready to go running!”

And there was Leon. His shirt was bright orange with dinosaurs on it, his shorts were green with little rockets, and his socks didn’t even match. One was blue, the other red. On top of all that, his tiny cap was sitting crooked on his head as he had just grabbed the first thing he saw.

He looked so adorable… but also so funny and ridiculous. And I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped my mouth. The excitement on his face made it impossible not to smile.

“Daddy, daddy! I’m ready for running!” he repeated proudly.

Asher turned toward him, and the serious expression he had been wearing a moment ago completely disappeared. In its place came something softer. Warmer.

He crouched slightly and opened his arms.

“Well look at you,” he said, amused. “You’re already dressed?”

Leon nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes! I woke up early!”

“What time did you wake up?”

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