Lissa

The tires screeched loudly as I parked my Maserati outside a townhouse.

It was luxurious but small, tucked in a quiet neighborhood just outside downtown Chicago. I had enemies everywhere so if I didn't want to get into trouble, I had to remain low-key.

Killing the engine, I stepped out, slamming the door behind me.

I was in a really good mood, having just spent two hours watching my baby try on clothes. Clothes I couldn't wait to get my hands on, just so I could rip them off.

I never knew I had a thing for nerdy guys, but the more I watched this boy, the more I felt like I'd wasted my whole life.

Even though he rebelled and was still planning to go to that party, I found it cute. At least he had some fight in him, otherwise it'd be boring.

Stepping inside,the scent of vanilla immediately hit me. Nessa had been baking again.

Her pink head popped out from the kitchen, eyeliner thick as charcoal and a cookie halfway to her mouth.

“Where the hell have you been?” she asked through the cookie. “It’s dinner time and Malik made that angry face again.”

“I was buying a mall,” I said, brushing past her.

Her eyes narrowed. “...a mall?"

I dropped my keys on the counter, a little smirk on my lips. “Yes. My baby wanted it."

Well, wanted is a strong word.

More like needed, really.

She groaned. “The fact that you're calling him baby when he doesn't even know you is really concerning." Then in her other voice, "Like hell, Nessa. I’m really running out of synonyms for delusional.”

I ignored her comments. No one could understand my relationship with Stanley. We're soulmates, I could tell the moment I set my eyes on him. Though he didn't know it yet, I'll make sure to show him. One step at a time.

Tossing my coat onto the sofa, I turned to her. “Did my dress come in?”

“Over there,” she pointed with the cookie. “Big red box with the ribbon.”

I followed her finger and couldn't help myself from clapping excitedly the moment I saw it. “Perfect.”

Kneeling in front of the box, I ripped it open like a kid on Christmas morning, revealing the dress I’d chosen for tonight. A low back, deep cut, red dress. A bit much for a college birthday party? Definitely.

But that’s the point.

My baby boy wants to rebell, so I'll show him what came with it.

“Oh, he’s going to hate how hot I look.” I dropped my gown, not caring that I was in the middle of the living room, where anyone could just barge in.

After pulling it off, I was left with nothing but my lingerie.

“Oh, and Malik dropped something for you earlier,” Nessa said sing-song.

I paused, fingers halfway down the zipper of my skirt. “Where?”

She pointed toward the side table. “In that folder."

Still topless, I crossed the room and grabbed it. My eyes scanned the contents, and a slow smile curled across my face.

“What’s in it?” she asked, coming closer.

"Just his medical records, school enrollment history, class schedule, bus pass, high school transcripts, blood type, x-rays, childhood vaccinations. Basically everything."

"Wait, whose?”

“Stanley’s of course.” I shrugged, opening a ziplock bag that came with it. “There it is.”

Nessa raised an eyebrow. “What's that now?”

"Just a bracelet I had made from his hair." I said nonchalantly, looking at the almost invisible string, fastened with a tiny gold clasp.

Nessa clutched her chest, gasping like she’d just heard the earth turned flat.

“Girl. That’s...that’s so messed up.” in her other voice. “But you gotta admit it's crafty too, Nessa.”

She looked at me, eyes wide with admiration. “You’re actually sicker than I thought. I’m so proud. How'd they even get it?”

“From his pillow. Last night. Gathered by yours truly, thank you very much.”

“You broke into his house while he was asleep again?”

"No. I cloned his key, so I opened the door and walked in. What do you think of me?" I smiled, holding the folder to my chest like it was a love letter. “He’s more beautiful when he sleeps. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he sleeps and gosh did I learn a lot."

She made a choked sound and turned back to the oven. “Fuck. I’m going to need more cookies.”

At that moment, the front door opened and Malik barged in.

I didn’t need to turn to know it was him, his presence always came with its own cold, commanding energy. The kind that made normal people straighten up or shut up.

I dropped the folder, adjusting the slit in my gown and admiring my curves.

Damn I was sexy.

He went straight to the point. “You need to get ready.”

“I am getting ready,” I replied without turning back.

“Not for that.”

I turned to face him.

His jaw was tight.

“There’s a leader here, from the Southside. A low-tier bratva gang and they have something to ask you."

“No.”

“Lissa...”

“No.” I repeated, flipping my hair over one shoulder. “I have plans tonight.”

His expression darkened. “You need to form alliances, Lissa. Besides, we've been here two days, that’s already longer than we planned. You can't keep stalling. You know you just took power in Moscow. You're meant to be consolidating it, not here, going after a boy."

I turned to him calmly, looking him dead in the eye. "You serve me. You don’t question me. Need I remind you whose blood runs through my veins?”

Silence.

His fists clenched.

I stepped closer, grabbing him by the jaw. I didn't care if he was taller than me, no one spoke to me in that manner. No one.

“Do you know why your mouth still works, Malik?”

He didn’t answer.

“Because I find your whining tolerable. Barely. Don’t push it.”

His expression didn’t change, but he dropped his gaze like a good soldier.

I released him, turning back to the mirror.

He was right though.

Those old geezers in the council were already looking for a reason to throw me out. Sooner or later, I'd have to leave with Stanley back to Russia, one way or the other. But for now, it wouldn't be bad to form some alliances.

I turned to Nessa. “Keep an eye on Stanley while I’m gone. If anything happens, text me." She nodded and I turned back to Malik. "If this Chicago brat has nothing useful to say, I’ll cut out his tongue, before adding yours, then feeding them to the vultures. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Queen." He bowed.

"Good." With that, I grabbed my heels, slid on my signature hat and made my way to the door, Malik following right behind.