Into the Lyons Den

by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

  “What is wrong, Viktor?” Andrei smiled at his guard.

  “Your bodyguard is here.” Viktor muttered through clenched teeth, his hands clasped together. “I truly think James Jacobs has lost his mind.”

  Andrei could hear arguing drifting down the hall and then another door slammed. He eyed Chris sideways. Chris lifted his hands in an “I have no idea” gesture. Andrei stood up and grabbed his coffee.

  “I will go find out what is going on.”

  Andrei left the kitchen with Christophe right on his heels. He followed the voices until he reached his office. Raising an eyebrow at Christophe, Andrei pushed the door open and then dropped his coffee as he realized who was sitting behind his desk. The cup hit the floor and splashed coffee up the wall.

  “Oh. My. God,” Andrei hissed.

  “Well now,” Devin grinned. “Good morning, Panchenko.”

  “It is a joke, right?” Andrei’s eyes fell on Ivan. “It is, isn’t it?”

  Devin stood up and gave Andrei a slow once over. The man wore faded, low-rise jeans and a T-shirt. His black hair was wet and tousled and his eyes were bloodshot. Devin averted his eyes and cleared his throat.

  “Nope, no joke.” Devin picked up a piece of paper off the desk and gave Andrei a smirk. “I see you’re HIV free.”

  “Give me that!” Andrei snarled, snatching the piece of paper from Agent Lyons. “Get away from my desk!”

  Chris watched the show between the man and Andrei. “Um, Andrei? Who is this guy?”

  “That,” Andrei glared at Agent Lyons. “Is Special Agent Devin Lyons.”

  Chris’ eyes widened. “The FBI guy?”

  Devin narrowed his eyes. “Who are you?”

  “Well bend me over the desk and slap my ass,” Chris walked forward, extending his hand. “Christophe Voronova.”

  Devin tilted his head. “Dimitri’s husband?”

  “One and the same,” Chris took his time letting his eyes wander over the agent. Damn, but the man was eye candy. He had dirty blond hair and the most arresting blue-grey-gold eyes. Strong square jaw with a thin, regal nose. He wasn’t tall, but damn was he packed in the muscles department.

  “So, you are Andrei’s bodyguard?”

  “I am.” Devin sat back down after shaking Chris Voronova’s hand. “James Jacobs felt I was the best choice in this matter.”

  “And why is that, exactly?” Andrei crossed his arms over his chest, eyebrow raised.

  “Because I want to kill you. I don’t want anyone else taking that away from me.” Devin looked at Ivan and Christophe. “I need to speak with Panchenko. Ivan, I’ll need all the information I asked you for ASAP.”

  Ivan raised his brows and Devin sighed in frustration.

  “Please?”

  “Fine.” Ivan took Andrei’s hand. “If you need anything, if you feel threatened —”

  “Oh, do not worry, Ivan.” Andrei turned his attention to Agent Lyons. “I will kill him myself.”

  Devin snorted.

  Ivan opened the door to the office and ushered Chris out. Andrei waited for the door to shut before turning back to the agent. Dammit, Agent Lyons did look sexy. He wore his G-man suit and his hair was styled. Their eyes locked and Andrei felt his heart race. He needed to get his shit together; this man hated him.

  “My desk?” Andrei growled.

  “Get over it. We have things to discuss.” Devin narrowed his eyes. Andrei huffed, and then finally sat down.

  “What do you want from me?” Andrei sat down across from Lyons.

  “I need to know who you’ve killed. Off the record.”

  “I will tell you what you want to know.”

  Devin laughed sharply. “Sure you will.”

  Andrei sat forward and earnestly regarded the agent. “I do not lie, Agent Lyons. I make no excuses for my actions. If you ask me a question, I will answer you truthfully.”

  Devin sat forward as well. “How many people have you killed, Panchenko?”

  “A lot.”

  “Let’s start with that then,” Devin grabbed a pen and a sheet of paper. “I’ll need to know all your business dealings as well.”

  “Whatever you need, you shall have it.”

  Devin put the pen down and looked at Andrei. “You’re not going to argue James’ decision? Even after you know how I feel about you?”

  Andrei shrugged. “I trust James; if he feels you are the best man for the job, then I will not complain.”

  Devin raised a brow, but just nodded. “Fine. Let’s get started.”

  An hour later, Devin’s hand was cramping. Andrei hadn’t been lying. He was confessing to every man he’d ever killed, maimed or just made disappear. Devin stretched his back out and regarded Andrei sitting stoically across from him, arms crossed over his chest, eyes trained on Devin. It was a bit unsettling, even for him.

  “I have one more to ask you about.”

  Andrei waved his hand in the air wearily. “Go ahead.”

  “Alphonse Rizzo.” Devin smirked as Andrei grew uncomfortable in the chair. “Name’s familiar, isn’t it? See, the FBI is still looking for him, as he was a key witness to a crime.”

  Andrei snorted. “Oh yes, Alphonse the saint! That bastard was responsible for the deaths of many women from heroin overdoses.”

  “You killed him, didn’t you?” Devin sat forward.

  Andrei leaned forward as well. “Yes, I did.”

  Devin started and sat back in his chair. Andrei eyed him warily. “I didn’t think you’d be honest about that one. I had my suspicions…but…”

  “I told you, Agent Lyons. I will not lie. I take responsibility for my actions as well as punishment for those actions. Now, if we are done?” Andrei rose from the chair.

  “Nope, sit your ass down, Panchenko.”

  Andrei put his hands on the desk and leaned into Agent Lyons’ face. “I am tired. Whatever other questions you have can wait. I must get ready for the meeting of the families.”

  “That’s not for a few days.”

  “You are my bodyguard, not my boss. Make sure you remember that,” Andrei snapped.

  “Oooh! Feisty, aren’t you?”

  “I am tired and I have a migraine and you are making it much worse.”

  Devin pouted. “Awww.”

  “Shut up.”

  Devin tilted his head. “How?”

  “How what?” Andrei raised both brows.

  “How did you kill Alphonse? Did you cut him up? Blow him up? Shoot him?”

  Andrei leaned forward and smiled. “I tied him up by his ankles and slit his wrists. Then I sat back with a book while he bled out.” Andrei watched the grin spread across Agent Lyons’ face.

  “You are one sick bastard, aren’t you?” Devin laughed.

  “An eye for an eye, Agent Lyons. Alphonse disposed of one of his victims the same way. I believe in swift justice. I knew Alphonse would walk on his crimes.”

  “Well, I’ll keep that in mind.” Devin stood and came around the desk. The bookshelf caught his eye and he noticed a picture of a group of men. Devin walked to the shelf and picked up the photograph. Some of them he knew from his and Keegan’s surveillance, others he didn’t. A man with dark hair and eyes stood out from the picture.

  “Who’s this guy?” Devin pointed to the man in the picture.

  Andrei leaned over Devin’s shoulder. “Joshua Reynolds. He is one of Damon and Stefan’s assassins.” Andrei cocked an eyebrow. “Do you not know the story?”

  “Keegan was more the lead on that clan.” Devin turned around, picture in hand, eyes narrowed at Andrei. “I was more focused on taking you down.”

  Andrei smiled wide.

  “Whatever. What’s the story?”

  Andrei walked back to the desk and sat down in his chair, propping his elbows on the desk. “It is a long one.”

  “Condensed version then.” Devin took the chair in front of the desk.

  Andrei sighed and looked at the time. “Fine. Stefan and Jordan Youngblood
have four children—”

  “Yes, two adopted and two biological,” Devin nodded.

  “Who is telling the story?” Andrei grinned when Devin waved his hand in the air telling him to proceed. “Damon – Damon Santorno’s grandson named after him,” Devin rolled his eyes and Andrei glared at him. “Damon was friends with Mark Andrews. They dated briefly and then Damon found the love of his life in Tyler Dion. Mark started dating Tanner McKinley but that ended as well. Mark then met Paul Greystone—”

  “Conner’s buddy from Ireland,” Devin interrupted.

  Andrei sighed in irritation. “Yes. Well, Paul’s best friend is Josh Reynolds. They spent a lot of time together when Paul moved to the states. Josh has a younger brother named Jay—”

  “The Rambo looking guy, right?”

  “Do you want to tell the story? It seems you have more knowledge than you let on.”

  “Nope, I’m good. But I might need a scorecard eventually.” Devin sat back and crossed his legs.

  “So, Josh met Mark’s ex, Tanner, through Jay and they began a relationship. The day of their wedding, Tanner was shot during a convenience store robbery and died at the hospital.”

  Devin arched a brow. “That wasn’t in the files.”

  “No?” Andrei raised a brow.

  “No.”

  “Interesting.” Andrei tilted his head to the side. “Josh was devastated, of course, and disappeared for four months. They had to send Tanner’s older brother, Jason, to bring him back home.”

  “Jason? As in Jason Reynolds?” Devin’s eyes widened.

  “Yes, Josh married his dead fiancé’s brother almost two years after he passed away.”

  Devin whistled softly.

  “There is nothing wrong with that. Josh and Jason are very happy.” Andrei squinted at Lyons, immediately defending his friends.

  Devin put his hands up with a grin.

  “Just sayin’. So, from what I read, the Youngblood/Santorno clan is mostly gay.”

  “You have a problem with that?”

  “No, it just seems weird.”

  “They were all brought together through mutual acquaintances, so it makes sense.”

  “That’s where you came in, right? Damon Youngblood sent Christophe Voronova to ask you for help.”

  Andrei nodded. “Yes, Carlos Moretti turned out to be Damon’s biological father. When Damon found that out, he wanted to protect not only his husband, but his twin boys as well. As you know, Moretti was a disgusting and violent human being.”

  “Yep, he was worse than you -- and that’s saying a lot.” Devin grinned as Andrei started a slow burn. “And now you have ties to the Youngblood and Santorno families.”

  “If you met them, you would know why their friends are loyal. Family comes before everything with them.”

  “You dated Alex Cannon briefly.” Devin had to smile when Andrei’s head shot up at the abrupt change in subject. “Oooh, still butt hurt about that one, huh?”

  “This meeting is over, Agent Lyons. I am going to lie down for a bit.” Andrei stood to leave.

  “Oh come on, tell me all about how you and Alex dated that time he forgot who he was,” Devin goaded, also standing up. “I know all about that one, Panchenko. As soon as Alex got his memory back, he went right back to Dylan McAllister - leaving you all alone.”

  Andrei spun and slammed Agent Lyons into the wall by his neck, flattening his back against the wall with a loud thud.

  “You are pushing all the wrong buttons, Agent Lyons,” Andrei managed through clenched teeth. “I will allow you to stay because I trust James, but do not anger me further. I am a killer and I will not hesitate to end your life -- badge or not.”

  “Hit a nerve, did I?” Devin smiled as Andrei’s hand squeezed his neck tighter. “God, you’re sexy when you’re angry!”

  Andrei blinked in surprise. In less than a second, Devin had reversed them with one quick movement - except this time, Andrei’s face was against the wall. His arm was twisted behind his back as Agent Lyons brushed against his ass.

  “Get. Off. Me,” Andrei snarled.

  Devin leaned into his ear. “I thought you’d be faster than that, Panchenko. I have to say I’m a bit disappointed,” Devin drawled.

  “I am not in the mood, Agent Lyons. Now, get off of me before I get really angry.”

  Devin leaned in, letting a low growl escape his throat right next to Andrei’s ear. “I’d love to see you totally pissed off.”

  The door to the office opened and Chris peeked around the edge. His eyes widened as he saw Andrei up against the wall with Agent Lyons holding him there, pressed just about as close as he could get. Devin grinned and winked.

  “Um, Andrei? Is this a bad time?” Chris tried not to smile.

  Andrei made his move as Lyons was distracted. He shifted his foot and took Lyons’ legs out from under him. Lyons fell back and Andrei jumped on him, straddling him and pinning his hands to the floor.

  “I thought you were faster than that, Lyons,” Andrei mocked, leaning over and smiling.

  “Oooh! I like this!” Chris pulled up a chair and sat down. “Do some more!”

  Devin inwardly chastised himself for letting Christophe Voronova distract him.

  “It won’t happen again, Panchenko. Next time, we play for keeps.” Devin felt his dick rising in his slacks and bit the inside of his cheek. Dammit. Panchenko was turning him on. Andrei leaned in even further and Devin set his jaw tight.

  “Yes, next time Agent Lyons.” Andrei moved off of Lyons. “Come on Christophe; I need to work out.”

  “I thought you were tired?” Devin stood up and righted himself.

  “I am unexpectedly full of energy now.” Andrei took Chris’ hand. “Let’s go.”

  Devin waited until they left before letting out a hiss of breath. He fixed his erection. He heard a small laugh coming from down the hall and strained to hear the conversation.

  “Hot damn, Andrei!” Chris laughed. “That man is F.I.N.E. as all hell!”

  Devin smirked and shut the door.

  ~~*~~

  Devin took his time checking out the many rooms of the mansion. If an attack was going to happen here, he needed to know everything. He’d already found the workout room. It was bigger than his apartment. The kitchen boasted two massive stoves and three refrigerators. A long oak table with twelve chairs sat in the middle of it all, surrounded on all sides by counters. It was ridiculous.

  He’d interviewed some of the staff during the afternoon. They were all loyal to Panchenko and didn’t want to talk to him initially; Devin had to reassure them that he was only asking questions so he could keep Andrei safe. Things went a bit better after that.

  Ivan escorted to him to his room before dinner. It was right next to Panchenko’s and a hidden door in the wall connected him to Andrei’s room. Devin looked at the king-sized bed in the middle of the room; two walnut nightstands stood on either side of it. A flat screen TV hung above the fireplace right across from the bed. Devin peeked into the bathroom and his eyes widened. The shower was huge; jets protruded from both sides of the walls. Devin glanced at the toilet and smiled: Heated toilet seat. He had to admit that the mansion didn’t really look like he thought it would. Yeah, there were some frills but it wasn’t filled with expensive furniture. It was tastefully done.

  Andrei didn’t flaunt his wealth.

  Yet another surprise.

  Devin found his bag in the corner and walked to the closet on the other side of the room to unpack. He opened the door and stopped. Rows and rows of shelving units and plenty of hanging space met his eyes. A shoe rack occupied the entire length of one wall.

  “Who in the hell has that many shoes?” Devin grumbled.

  Unpacking his belongings took less than two minutes. He grabbed his worn jeans and slipped them on along with his FBI shirt. Devin checked the watch on his wrist and frowned. It was already five and he had more work to do. Walking past the bed he noticed a chocolate on the pillow along w
ith a note. Devin picked up the candy and flipped the note open. He smiled as he read the note from the housekeeping staff. They were thanking him for keeping their employer safe. Devin put the candy on the nightstand and grabbed his gun. Shoving it in the waistband of his jeans, he exited his room and walked right into Chris Voronova.

  “Mr. Voronova.” Devin walked around him.

  Chris chuckled. “It’s Chris. Don’t be so formal, Agent Lyons.”

  Devin turned and raised a brow. “I’m here to do a job.”

  Chris sauntered over to the agent with a grin. Leaning into Devin’s ear he whispered “Don’t think I didn’t notice your little soldier when Andrei was on top of you.”

  “He’s not little,” Devin leaned back, eyeing Chris.

  “Oh, I know,” Chris smiled wide.

  Devin narrowed his eyes. “Does your husband know how you behave?”

  “Have you seen Dimitri? No man will ever come close to how hot that man is. He’s not worried.” Chris waggled his eyebrows.

  Andrei’s bedroom door opened and Devin put some distance between himself and Chris. Andrei closed the door behind him and turned to see them in the hallway. His eyebrow rose and he looked Devin over from toes to head. It was a little arousing. Devin almost sighed out loud. He needed to get his head back in the game. This was a job, simple as that.

  “Panchenko,” Devin nodded to him.

  “Andrei, why don’t you and I go out after dinner?” Chris said slyly, watching Agent Lyons in his peripheral vision.

  Devin turned his head slowly, his mouth hanging open.

  “Are you fucking crazy? Whoever wants Panchenko dead would just love to find him out in public.”

  “I am not going to be a prisoner in my own home!” Andrei seethed. “I went out last night and came home just fine.”

  “No. No way,” Devin shook his head. “I’m in charge of your safety and you are not leaving this house!”

  “You are not in control of me!”

  “I am now!”

  Chris’ head bounced between the two men. Damn, he was getting dizzy. “Let’s just go eat, huh, Andrei?” Chris shot Andrei a grin.

  “Yes, I am hungry.” Andrei stalked past Lyons.

  Devin stood in the hallway watching both men. This wasn’t going to be easy. He’d had babysitting duties before, but never someone as high profile as Andrei Panchenko. The man was famous. And infamous. Devin sighed and trudged down the hall to the kitchen. Ivan sat at Andrei’s side with Viktor on the other. Chris sat across from Andrei. He pulled out the chair next to him.