Stronger Together

Chapter 35

Tyler's POV

Londyn fell asleep crying in my arms. I'm replaying all the things she told me in my head and it makes my blood boil to know I let someone hurt my baby.

"I've already organized for him to be sold off once we're done with him."

"Fuck that Adriana he dies!" I growl

"Why put him out of his misery. If he wants to force himself on our child he'll have to fight off the men who pay to fuck him."

"I don't know if I could hold back." I told her honestly

"If Louise could I'm sure you can for the greater good." she shrugged

"I hope she didn't hurt him too bad because I want him conscious when I go down." I clenched my fists

"She didn't touch him."

"Really? Look at her go!" I felt pride bubble up

"Yeah, besides overdoing it with the tranquilizer I'd say she did perfect."

"You're too hard on her. Remember what it was like for you with Al? I know Russians are more ruthless but she must've felt so lonely tonight." I told her

"Yeah, I know. I had a talk with her about it in the kitchen. I guess I'm just doing what I'm used to. I'm the leader I am today because of my training." She told me

"But what about those times when you felt so sad and alone?"

"I know and I'm trying my hardest to be present like dad was but I'm not half the person my dad was." she argued

"That's not true. Aleksandr may have been superhuman but you also spent a lot of time with his family. We just need to up the adult presence in their lives."

"We need to be more present. My brother knows our daughter more than us. That on its own should be a sign for us to do better."

I frowned knowing my wife was right. It always did piss me off how close she was with Xander as opposed to me but I kept it to myself because I recognized how important he is to her.

"I wish she could talk to me like him"

"I know I feel the same way but I'm just glad she has someone to pour her soul to. Xander is the only one who could ever understand her besides me."

Later that night

The piece of shit is finally awake

I go down with Adriana not far behind me

"Mm mm mm" he tries to speak through the gag

"Sorry didn't quite catch that." I motioned for a guard to remove his gag

"You people are crazy! Let me go!"

"Why would I do that after what you did to my child?" I asked

"I didn't do anything! Whatever she told you is a lie! She's bipolar and off her meds you can't trust her!"

"So she gave herself those bruises and sent those texts to herself from your phone?" I shot his foot

"Ahhhhh!"

"Who are you people?" he cried

"I thought you'd never ask! I'm the leader of the Russian mafia, my nephew is the Italian mafia leader, and Tyler here is in charge of the American mafia. Isn't that so much fun?"

"You'll never get away with this! My family will look for me!"

"Unlikely considering they've been dealt with. No one is gonna go looking for you. You'll just join the statistics of missing teens." Adriana laughed