Kelly continued walking, and Ash followed behind. They climbed a short flight of steps and reached a hallway that led to a wide door. In front of the room stood two men dressed sharply in black suits, their posture stiff, their eyes unreadable.
As soon as they saw Kelly approach, both men gave a respectful bow.
That subtle display of respect didn't go unnoticed. Ash's Sharp eyes narrowed. So.. she's someone important here, he thought.
The doors opened silently. They stepped inside.
The room was surprisingly elegant. French-style furniture was arranged perfectly: dark polished wood, velvet cushions, gold accents. A chandelier sparkled overhead
But what really caught his eye was a large corkboard on the wall, filled with interconnected photos and documents. Red threads linked faces to names, places to events. It looked like something out of a movie — or a crime investigation room.
And he recognized a few of the faces. Government men.
Kelly casually walked over and sat down behind the desk like she owned the place — like this was normal. Ash paused, unsure, then took the other chair in front of her.
She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Okay, handsome," she began with a teasing smirk, "I'm sure your dad gave you heads–up about your current situation."
She tilted her head slightly, her voice dipping just enough to flirt but not fully cross the line.
"I'm really sorry you had to go through all this — especially with that pretty face of yours." She added with a sultry smirk, her voice low and teasing."But… rules are rules."
Ash's lips twitched into a smirk– cold and knowing "Who knew evil girls have the prettiest face " he said dryly.
Kelly laughed softly and leaned back slightly, her eyes locking with his
"As I told you earlier," she said coolly, "you're at the Volk Dvoyka Mafia compound."
The name echoed in Ash's head.
Volk Dvoyka… Volk Dvoyka…
It sounded familiar.
He frowned slightly, eyes narrowing as he tried to recall. Then—like a puzzle piece snapping into place—it hit him.
Victor.
That night at the bar, half-drunk and rambling, Victor had mentioned them.
"You don't mess with Volk Dvoyka, bro… those guys? Wolves in human skin. You'll know one when you see the ink."
Ash's mind reeled.
He remembered now — they were a powerful Mafia group, one that most people only whispered about. Brutal. Organized. Respected.
Feared.
The ones with the wolf tattoo — some wore it over their heart, some bore it small on their wrist like a brand but the truly hardcore? They gave it an entire landscape: shoulders to spine, a territory claimed in needle and blood.
Ash's stomach turned slightly, though his face stayed calm.
What the hell was Dad doing that he had to screw with these people?
He couldn't even begin to guess the size of the mess he'd been dropped into.
He gave Kelly a side-eye and crossed his arms lazily.
"So… what exactly do I have to do here?" he asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Kill people? Remove body organs? Torture confessions out of businessmen while sipping tea?"
Kelly blinked at him, then slowly raised one brow, giving him a deadpan are you for real look.
"Seriously?" she muttered. "Do you think this is some B-grade action movie?"
Ash shrugged, deadpan. "Can't lie, kinda feels like it."
Kelly chuckled — a soft, low sound — then leaned forward again, lips curling into that signature half-smirk of hers.
"You're cute when you're dramatic," she said. "But no, you're not here to harvest organs or go all assassin. This isn't a movie, sweetheart. This is business."
Kelly rested her cheek against her palm, her nails tapping lightly on the table as she spoke, voice calm and almost too casual for the things she was saying.
"The Mafia here is divided into three main units," she began, lifting a finger.
"One — the drug production unit. They handle the development and supply of some of the most refined stuff on the market. High quality — like the little dose that was injected into you back at the bar."
Ash made a face. "That was refined? Thought I was dying."
Kelly ignored the comment with a grin and continued, ticking off her second finger.
"Two — the blackmail and surveillance network. Tech nerds and spies. They can track anyone, anywhere. Doesn't matter who you are."
Lifting the third finger, she added.
"And three — the debt collecting unit. They handle the messiest part. People who owe us… people who think we're joking when we say payment is due."
Ash swallowed hard.
Kelly smirked.
"Each unit has a commander and vice-commander. But they all take orders from one man—" she paused slightly, then added with a teasing glint in her eyes,
"—Sir Alexei."
Ash leaned forward a bit, eyes narrowing.
"So… this Sir Alexei… he's the big boss? Like, the head of the mafia?"
Kelly snorted softly, then tilted her head.
"No, sweetheart," she said, her tone slow and teasing. "He's their right-hand man."
Ash blinked.
Their?
Kelly nodded, her voice dropping just a little — now carrying that tone of reverence… and danger.
"The Mafia is ruled by two brothers — the ones even government dogs whisper about."
She leaned in now, just enough to let it sink in.
"Khozyain Nikolai and Khozyain Dmitri."
( Khozyain - Master in Russia)
The names hung in the air like smoke. Cold and heavy.
Ash didn't say anything.
Kelly smiled slyly, folding her hands on the table.
"Before you get assigned to any unit," she said smoothly, "you'll have to go through a strict general training. Two months minimum."
Ash nodded calmly, absorbing that. Then, out of nowhere, he asked,
"So… which unit are you in?"
Kelly's smile deepened.
"That's a secret," she replied smoothly.
Ash gave her a blank look .
"Was the bar completely burned down that night " he asked
Kelly didn't answer. Instead, she called out to the door.
"Chris!"
The door opened, and one of the guards stepped in briskly.
"Yes, Miss Kelly?"
Kelly looked at him sharply.
"Did you check on what I asked?"
The guard nodded, voice steady.
"Yes, Miss."
"Take him to the dorm quarters." Kelly said.
Ash glanced at her, eyebrows raised.
"Can you at least answer my question?"
Kelly just smirked, standing up.
"Bye, handsome."
The guard stepped forward and led Ash out of the room.