Dirty Hearts: The Lion and The Mouse (Book Three)

by Wright, Kenya

  “It’s an underground burial ground.”

  The smile remained on her face. “A burial ground under Paris?”

  For a second, I thought disgust would hit her face, but I’d guessed the right option with her.

  She beamed. “This is going to be creepy good.”

  “It will be.” I glanced at my guards.

  They already had their guns out. The brotherhood could be highly superstitious. Religion was definitely followed among them all, although it wasn’t clear what religion took over the majority. Still, our tattoos of the Holy Trinity, churches, and crosses showed how we attempted to touch God.

  Had I not been forcing my guards to go with us on this date, they probably wouldn’t have dared, scared a ghost or demon lay within the tunnels and would come back with them.

  I turned toward the entrance.

  Will something come back with us?

  It was too late to turn back as Emily’s face brightened even more and she hurried her pace to the tunnels.

  Only for you, mysh. Only for you.

  An old man walked up to us. “Hello, I’m Simon. I’ll be your guard today.”

  I held her hand.

  Our men gave us several feet for the feel of privacy, but there were people who were intrigued about my mouse and others threatening her. My guards would have to remain near.

  Pavel had called before we left. He’d announced he would be here, but not with Misha. In a good mood with this possible pregnancy, I’d cut Pavel some slack. Eventually, I would have to deal with my cousin Misha soon on my own.

  For now, I’ll enjoy my mouse in Paris.

  With an odd look, Simon studied my guards behind us, turned back to Emily, and winked. “Are you excited?”

  “I am,” she said.

  “Today we’ll only see a small part of the Catacombs, but did you know that beneath Paris’ beautiful city streets, there’s an entire realm of death that exists?”

  Her face brightened. “I had no idea.”

  “More than 200 miles of tunnels, many lined to the ceiling with skulls and bones.”

  Emily opened her mouth in shock. “Really?”

  “Really.” He smiled. “So this is not a tour for the faint at heart.”

  I spoke up, “I’m sure we’ll try not to be scared.”

  Simon took out his cane and took his time moving forward. “Well, don’t worry. You’re safe with me. I’ll protect you both.”

  Emily covered her mouth to keep in a laugh.

  “But stay close.” Simon held his hand up. “Guns or not, this network of tunnels is massive. Not all of them have been mapped out. Most is uncharted territory.”

  Emily spoke. “They should get people to go down here and map it out.”

  Simon gave a dark laugh. “Not many are jumping for that job, but there are few who spend their lives exploring the Catacomb’s darkness. We call them cataphiles. They’re urban explorers with a love of the Catacombs.”

  “What do they do when they get down there?”

  “I’m told they party and create art.”

  “Among the dead?” I asked.

  Simon nodded. “Among the dead. Many of them have made maps that have further told us about the tunnels.”

  Emily’s voice held excitement. “I would love to see those maps.”

  Simon didn’t respond as he led us forward. I was thankful. The last thing she needed was a map of the tunnels.

  “Maps would be good, but I would also be careful with the Catacombs. Things of this nature must have the utmost respect.” Simon paused and lowered his voice. “With so many dead down here and so much of the tunnels not mapped out, it makes you wonder about what else could be lurking down there too.”

  My guard stirred.

  “Okay.” I frowned. “We don’t need any extra details...or maps. Let’s stick to the regular tour.”

  A dark chuckle left him as he moved along with that cane.

  I squeezed her hand, leaned her way, and whispered, “Are you happy with my surprise?”

  “This is the most romantic thing you’ve ever done.”

  “Interesting. I’ve been getting roses and diamonds, but all I needed was a death tunnel and skulls.”

  “It’s the little things.” She giggled and pulled me forward, more excited than I’d seen her in weeks.

  Apparently, the tunnels extended many more miles under the city, but it was illegal to visit most areas. For how much I paid, we would have the Catacombs to ourselves for three hours along with Simon, our personal guide.

  The guide led us into the darkness, gripping a flashlight in his hand. “More than six million people have been buried down here. What we will see today is a small part of the tunnel network.”

  “Wow.” Emily quickened her pace and gazed around. “What made them start burying people under the city?”

  “The city’s cemeteries were overflowing. They were so overstuffed, graves were crumbling open and exposing corpses.” Simon tapped his cane on the ground.

  “It must’ve been horrific,” she said.

  “Those living in the Les Halles neighborhood near Les Innocents, the city's oldest and largest cemetery, were the first to complain about the strong smell of decomposing flesh.”

  Emily laughed. “I shouldn’t laugh, but this is gruesome good.”

  “The catacombs will do that to you.” Simon pushed on. “Later, a long period of rain caused a wall around Les Innocents cemetery to collapse.”

  One of my guards shook his head as he carried his own flashlight and scanned the area. Surely, he wished we were doing regular brotherhood things—stabbing or torturing, shooting or running, anything but walking toward dead bodies under a city.

  Simon continued with his story of the past. “Rotting corpses spilled out of the walls, slipping and sliding into neighborhoods.”

  I spoke. “This is definitely not the history of Paris I’ve heard.”

  “We’ve had our gory moments.” Simon directed his flashlight along the walls made of bone. “Paris is not all lights and beauty.”

  “So, they moved the bodies from the cemetery?” I asked.

  “Yes. There’d already been centuries-old tunnels that had existed beneath the streets of Paris since the 13th century, when people would mine limestone to build the city.” Simon treaded ahead of us. “It took them twelve years to transport the dead. After the French Revolution, the dead were buried right in the Catacombs.”

  He took us deeper into the underground maze, spouting out interesting details here and there. It felt like a timeless journey.

  “Have these tunnels ever been used for anything else besides burying bodies?” Emily asked.

  “During World War II, the French Resistance used the tunnel system. Later, the Nazis established an underground bunker.”

  “This would be a good position, if the countries at war,” I admitted.

  “There have been others who have used the Catacombs. In 2004, the police found a fully equipped movie theater in one of the caverns. It had a giant cinema screen, audience seats, projection equipment, film reels of thrillers, a fully stocked bar, and restaurant.”

  “Who did it?” Emily asked.

  “No one knows.” Simon winked. “But it was someone with enough power and money to keep that fact hidden. The police reported a camera had been inside the space, recording them.”

  “So, someone was watching the cops discover their area?” she asked.

  “Yes. And there was a note left the next day.”

  Curious, I wondered out loud, “What did it say?”

  “Do not try and find us.”

  “Spooky.” Emily grinned. “I love it. How do you think they got the projectors working?”

  “All remains a mystery still. No one knows what electricity source they used.” Simon took us deeper into the darkness. “In 2015, Airbnb united with the city and offered an opportunity for people to stay in the Catacombs overnight.”

  That thought made me shudder i
n disgust. While a few hours exploring would be fine, I was not the type of man who could sleep within a tomb of bones overnight.

  But Emily asked, with glee, “Wow. How much did it cost?”

  “$350,000.”

  She laughed. “For one night?”

  He nodded. “One night.”

  It’s in the budget, but don’t get any ideas, mysh. I won’t be fucking you by bones this evening. We’ll be surrounded by the best of things.

  “This is the ossuary.” Simon pointed to an inscription above the doorway.

  “What does it say?” Emily asked.

  The man raised his voice and held his hands up in the air. “Stop! This is the empire of death!”

  My guards edged back.

  Relax. If my mouse isn’t scared, then you all try not to piss on yourselves.

  We stepped inside. To my shock, my guards remained outside. I let them have that, knowing none of our enemies would be waiting down here among the decaying corpses.

  I scanned the place. Dusty bones were stacked on top of each other in groups. Others were neatly piled along the corridors. Many bones and skulls were arranged in patterns, creating crosses and sacred images.

  Simon pointed to the wall. “At first, workers would just pile the old bones and skulls in here. Then they got creative.”

  One of my guards peeked in, wiping sweat off his face.

  I glanced behind me. The other two still hadn’t entered the ossuary. Meanwhile, Emily strolled around like she was at an art gallery.

  “The workers began arranging the old bones into shapes and decorations. Maybe they went crazy. Being down here every day could mess with your mind.” Simon pointed to one pattern. “You see that?”

  “Yes,” Emily said.

  “What do you think that is?”

  “A heart.” Emily smiled.

  My sweaty guard left.

  Emily hurried to the other side. “Oh and that’s a cross.”

  Surely to my guards’ dismay, Simon took us further down. “This is one of the most iconic displays here. It’s called the Barrel.”

  I walked up to the monstrosity and studied it.

  The Barrel was a large, circular pillar surrounded by skulls and tibiae, shooting outward and up to touch the ceiling.

  “It’s a little morbid,” Simon said. “But I’m told it serves as a traditional support beam.”

  We continued the tour, although my men remained very far behind us, gripping their guns. I didn’t know when they’d pulled them out, but they all kept weapons at their sides. By the time we left, Emily had even more questions. My men hurried out. One gasped a little but made sure not to do so too loudly. Mr. Sweaty’s suit was drenched.

  “This was insane, Kaz. I loved this.”

  “Good.” I took my phone out. “Stand over there.”

  Emily laughed. “The lion takes good pictures?”

  “So good that no one would dare to complain about them.”

  “That’s pretty damn good.” She did a silly pose as I snapped, and then she got Mr. Sweaty’s attention. “Can you take one of Kazimir and me?”

  “O-of course.” His fingers shook as he wiped more sweat off his forehead and took the phone.

  After several snaps, I turned to her. “Are you hungry?”

  “Definitely. That was a blast, but it tired me out.” She glanced at my guards. “And I think your men need a break from the tunnels.”

  “Then, let’s go somewhere amazing to eat.”

  She squeezed my hand. “Thank you, Kazimir. This date was incredible.”

  “I’m glad you liked it.”

  “I did. Now it’s my turn tomorrow.”

  I paused. “What do you mean, it’s your turn?”

  “I’m going to surprise you with a date.”

  My body tensed as we made it to the limo.

  “Really, Kaz? Don’t look so worried.”

  “I’m just used to being in control.”

  “Well, then good. Tomorrow, you sit back and relax while I take the reins.”

  “Hmmm.” I patted her ass as she got into the limo. “This might be fun.”

  Chapter 14

  Emily

  The next morning, I quietly woke up hours early, before Kazimir. To my surprise, Pavel had arrived at our suite with a few men. He limped a little and refused to use the cane he’d come with. Each time his guard handed it to him, he cursed them out. Apparently, Misha had shot him out of annoyance. That was the most Pavel had muttered to me as he tossed his head over his shoulder and refused to offer any more information.

  I didn’t know him well, but I took a chance and told him my plan. Thankfully, he jumped right on board with helping me surprise Kazimir.

  “He needs something to do.” Pavel limped by my side as we headed to the kitchen. “This will be a good idea. It’ll give him something to let all the aggression out.”

  “Thanks for helping.”

  “Always, Emily.” He sat down at the long table. “Anytime you need me, feel free to come. The lion is a hard man to love, but at times, he can be a little kitten begging to be rubbed and cuddled.”

  I laughed and went on with my plan, letting him know the things I need and the arrangements that needed to be made. Somewhere in between the planning, Pavel discussed his hair treatment plan and I had to admit, he was my favorite choice of all in the Bratva.

  “Eggs and mayonnaise.” Pavel took his hair out of the band. “Simple ingredients. Not the flash like you see on products. No fragrances or extra chemicals.”

  “And what do you do?” I touched my own hair, wanting the gloss and shake Pavel possessed.

  “Oh, in time, sweet Emily.” He winked. “I can’t give all my secrets to you.”

  “Come on. That’s not fair.”

  He put his hair back in a ponytail. “I’ll tell you one day, when I know that you can keep a secret. Everyone envies my hair. And they should.”

  I giggled. “It is beautiful.”

  “Kazimir picks at it. He has, all of our lives, but I know he dreams about it.”

  I don’t know about that, but it’s worth noting what you do to those strands.

  An hour later, I woke up Kazimir, made sure he had breakfast, and then gave him the package of clothes Pavel’s main man had purchased for our date.

  “Here you go.” I gestured to the big box. “Open it up and put everything on.”

  Kazimir tore the box open like a kid on Christmas, looked inside, and quirked his brows. “What are we doing today?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  He turned to his guards as if asking them. They remained silent. All knew they were to keep their mouths closed and play along. Frowning, he directed his attention to Pavel who promptly shook his head.

  I put my hands on my hips. “Don’t get them shot.”

  Kazimir lifted the big tweed blazer from the box. “And I’m supposed to wear this?”

  “You’ll look adorable.”

  He grumbled, “I better get my cock sucked in this.”

  “What did you say?”

  “Nothing.” Kazimir set the blazer on the side and pulled out the brown leather trousers. “Are these pants for me or you?”

  “They’re clearly too big for me, Kaz.”

  “It’s leather.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m a man.”

  “I’m well aware that you’re a man, and it’s not tight leather. Would you relax?”

  He set the pants back in the box. “This won’t do.”

  I couldn’t keep the silly smile off my face as I crossed my arms. “Doesn’t matter. You and your sister are constantly dressing me up. Now, it’s your turn.”

  He waved his guards away. “Leave us and take these pants.”

  One smirked. Pavel snorted. All left, yet none of them took the outfit away.

  Kazimir looked at me. “You’ve taken over my men.”

  “I have not, but I know one thing. You have less than an hour to get dressed. I
expect you in your cute little outfit with a smile on your face.”

  He frowned. “At least it doesn’t have a bow.”

  “Hey, I can add one, if you keep on talking.”

  “You wouldn’t.” Kazimir dragged himself into the bathroom. “Are you coming into the shower, mysh? I surely deserve some help getting dressed.”

  “I bet you do.” I shook my head and headed over to the nightstand. “Give me a minute.”

  “A minute?” He groaned.

  You’re so spoiled. That’s why I love you.

  “Go ahead. I’ll come in there to help you.” I grabbed my phone.

  Kazimir went into the bathroom. The sound of the shower came on next. Quickly, I dialed Boris’s number.

  Boris picked up before the second ring finished. A sense of urgency filled his tone. “Emily, you can call me?”

  “Of course, I can. Why?”

  “We couldn’t call you. None of us.”

  “What?” I scrunched my face in confusion. “My phone has been on the whole time.”

  “The calls have been redirected.”

  “To where?”

  “Nowhere.”

  I let out a long breath.

  Who else could do that but Kazimir? What are you hiding, lion?

  I tapped my side. “Don’t worry. My phone will be fixed by tonight. Did anything happen?”

  “They’re not letting us in the house, but some stuff definitely happened. I saw some guys dressed in plastic carrying out a dead chimpanzee and a baby one too.”

  More cut animals?

  Pain hit my stomach. “Where was it?”

  “I don’t know yet. Kazimir’s men are not letting us get anywhere close to this, but I’m sure it was a message to you.”

  So monkey head guy is still busy? That motherfucker better be lucky I’m in Paris.

  I kept my voice calm. “Stay off the property for now. Get strong. Make sure everyone’s united. I didn’t know I was leaving the country. It was a surprise.”

  An attempt at distraction, but not clever enough.

  For now, my crew was a bunch of outcasts and independents. None probably were used to taking orders. I was thankful they’d hung around in my absence. That being said, I couldn’t stop the rage building inside me. Kazimir had attempted to block our communication. He was going too far.