Meaning illegal drugs, which Kazimir wasn’t interested in. We were still actively involved in arms deals, although less and less given the volatile state of the world.
“There must be someone you believe has the ability to make a serious challenge.” It was always difficult for powerful men to admit any weakness.
“Fine,” Dimitri admitted through gritted teeth. “The Irish are up and coming. They have fresh blood all the time. But I don’t think they are prepared for a war, and just the word on the street of Kazimir’s interest in expanding has quieted their usual attempts at infiltration. Although that won’t last but for so long.”
There was an almost crazed expression appearing on his face. I’d heard the stories, Kazimir’s telling of tall tales regarding his cousin that had seemed farfetched to me. However, I could already tell Dimitri wasn’t a typical Bratva leader, which was one reason he hadn’t attempted to take the title of Pakhan. He would have the right if the families had cut ties, but Kazimir was the one and true Pakhan.
Which allowed Dimitri to continue his playboy methods. In the months of working with the man from afar, I’d been privy to his wild hairs, ideas that would never propel him into full leadership.
“You know,” he mused as if to prove my point, rubbing his jaw. “If we could find a way to bring our two families together, we could easily squash any other opposition.”
“You’re suggesting an alliance? Haven’t you seen howwellthat worked with the Italians?” A false offer of alliance with the Sicilians had been all about betrayal, leaving Kazimir in prison, the Chertov kingdom in limbo. And a loss that Kazimir would likely never get over.
Dimitri’s laugh was far too jovial for the situation, another annoyance that I fought regularly. “Of course not. There is onlyone method that allows the peace to be kept intact, at least for a generation or so.”
I was growing weary of his antics and ideas already. “Then what?”
“Marriage.”
Now I laughed easily because I sensed he was only half joking, which was even more comical. That’s why he hadn’t objected to my arrival. I threw out a question anyway, forcing him to admit his scheme. “Who do you plan on marrying?” It hadn’t been my job to do a deep dive on any of our proposed living in New York. Dimitri had an entire staff of highly qualified people to do that. Now I wished I’d had more time after the assassination attempt to make more than a superficial list of enemies, including their family trees.
“Hell, not me. Being faithful isn’t in my DNA and with the Irish, they expect the husband to be an honorable man. At least at the beginning of the marriage. But you’re single. I have no illusions of grandeur, Kirill. You’re second in command, only third in line to the throne given Stash’s existence and from what I know about Kazimir’s half-brother, he’s not ready to take on such an important challenge.”
“And I am?” While I wanted to laugh my ass off at his suggestion, he wasn’t necessarily wrong in how powerful the alliance could become. Especially with Kazimir’s desire to grow the business into other territories within the United States.
But I wasn’t that man.
“I’ll keep the idea in mind.”
“You should. Now that I think of it, it’s a damn good idea. You know how the older generations think a man isn’t ready to lead unless he’s tethered by a family. Ah, to be betrothed by a thick noose.”
“Then get one,” I snipped.
He just shook his head, annoying the hell out of me.
“What makes you think the Irish aren’t behind the Ghost?”
“They aren’t bright enough,” Dimitri said in all seriousness. “In truth, I’ve had a couple of my men paying attention. They’re still actively hunting success in expensive party favors and illegal weapons, although I heard there’s some talk about them getting into the oil and gas business.”
Something else discussed at a meeting round table. “Interesting.” At least Dimitri was actively thinking about the future.
“I do have a nefarious mind.” He pointed to his head while grinning.
I thought about the idea. While I wouldn’t be a good choice for any woman, he wasn’t necessarily wrong about Stash. The man was fucking brilliant with numbers, in a year doubling our income through wise investments and altering how we handled laundering money, but he would not do well being forced into an arranged marriage. And the idea of bringing oil and gas into the portfolio was enticing. “I’ll mention it to Kazimir, but first things first with the Ghost.”
“Agreed, but I have no doubt this bastard will make himself known.” The look in his eyes shifted from amusement to concern. “Kazimir isn’t himself.”
“No, he is not.”
Russian men were all hardheaded, according to every woman who’d experienced more than one during their lifetime. I would tend to agree. We wanted things to go our way or no way at all. Dealing with Dimitri wasn’t any different. He was cut from the same cloth as Kazimir. They might as well be brothers, they were so close.
Another reason in my mind that Mikhail had betrayed the entire family.
This time as Dimitri leaned forward, he placed both his hands together. “I can tell you will do whatever it takes to hunt down my cousin’s assassin. All our differences aside, you are family, Kirill. As such, you will have everything you need within my organization at your disposal. Your reputation precedes you. The beast. I would prefer calling you thevolkinstead.”
“The wolf. I’m curious as to why.”
He laughed again, lifting his glass even higher. “An easy answer, my friend. Wolves are extraordinary coursing predators, meaning they wear down their prey, chasing them over long distances. Wolves play a crucial role in nature’s selective force, ensuring only the strongest of prey survive.”
