To counter the Irish, there were at least thirty Russians who’d arrived in several vehicles, most content to wait in nearby locations or on the street. The local coffee shop. Another bar that was still full of Irishmen. Even the local Mexican joint.
Four accompanied Kirill, Kazimir, Dimitri, Stash, and me as I opened the door.
We were expected and the dead silence was uncanny. The only thing that ever stopped the chatter was the appearance of an enemy. Nothing could stop the binge drinking.
Especially so close to the magical five o’clock hour.
Yet my guests weren’t greeted fondly, as I’d known they wouldn’t be. The largest of the Irishmen were waiting near the front, all standing and puffing up as if they would gladly engage in a brawl.
They were surprised to see I wasn’t in chains, unhappy when I offered every man who stood in an arc around us a nasty glare.
From my vantage point, I couldn’t see my uncle, but I knew he was sitting in the same spot as before with my father in tow. I’d talked to Kathleen, learning that he’d already left, returning to the States. This could end up being a bloodbath.
Although I was a sneaky girl and mentioned the possibility of betrayal and additional wealth all in the same breath. An irresistible combination.
“I suggest you move aside,” I offered with no emotion in my voice.
Kazimir as the Pakhan moved beside me when not a single Irishman responded. “I suggest you do as the lady asks.” He even unbuttoned his jacket in a clever manner, allowing them to see his heavy firepower. Not that either side wanted a bloodbath. Not here and not now.
While I was well aware my interference wasn’t traditional, I had no intention of being a wife in name only, providing heirs one after another.
In fact, up until recently, I’d had no real desire for children.
Then Kirill had come into my life in the most unexpected of ways.
“Let them pass, Rory,” my uncle called from behind. “We have business to discuss.” I’d left my uncle hanging with what business except for the two lead-in points.
The Irishmen slowly inched away, the well-armed men forming a narrow path.
My father was more surprised than anything, thinking that I understood women weren’t involved in negotiations. He had no understanding of what I was made of. This wasn’t a negotiation, but a warning.
They would enter into an agreement with the Chertov family or risk losing everything. And if they dared try to betray that agreement, they would lose more than just territory and business. In truth, I was fine with that.
Why?
Contrary to what I’d said about love, I’d already fallen hard for Kirill. He was everything I shouldn’t crave yet the one man who truly understood me. And I knew in my heart that he would do whatever it took to keep me completely protected.
And cherished.
With the feel of his hand on the small of my back, I wasn’t worried or frightened in the least. In fact, I’d never felt so in control in my life.
As well as happy. The powerful Russian knew exactly how to make me very happy.
This time and in a rare occurrence, both my uncle and father stood. While my father was the most unhappy of the two, he had no say in the meeting. At least that’s what I was counting on.
Introductions were made and seats offered. When it was obvious I wasn’t supposed to sit with the men, in a shocking move that would be heard about all around the city of New York, Kazimir offered his chair.
The murmur in the bar was incredible.
“While my niece was kind enough to make the introductions, Kazimir, she is not party to our discussions.” My uncle offered me a generous if not dismissing smile.
Kazimir took his time leaning over the table beside me, planting his fists on the surface. “That’s where you are wrong, Sean. Without Vivian’s encouragement, we wouldn’t be here. In fact, at this point we would be laying claim to several of your properties.” He pulled a group of papers from his suit jacket, placing them in front of my uncle.
It didn’t take long for his smug smile to fade. Through using hackers, Kirill had discovered every dirty little secret regarding my uncle’s regime. Warehouse locations. Contents. Financials. The false financials. Contact lists. Even a few items used for blackmail.
In forty-eight hours, a lot had been accomplished.
In seeing pictures Kazimir still kept of his brother Mikhail, I could tell how anxious he was at the possibility Mikhail was behind the attacks. I’d heard a few stories about him, including how Kazimir had cared for him during Mikhail’s lengthy chemo treatment after the murder of their mother. The fact Mikhail had betrayed him would forever weigh on his mind.
