“Her hand, please.”
My lips twist. “I already have Victoria sending me audio notes about our prostitution rings. The last thing I need are essays on forced marriages and whatever the fuck Ilya’s going to do to get his hands on this woman.”
“Why did she look at you when I talked about her father’s death? Does she resent you for killing him? I met the man so I know she doesn’t grieve his passing.”
“I didn’t kill him.” I hurl the words at him like they’re hand grenades.
Nikolai straightens. “What? I thought that was how you seized power in the city?”
“I walked in on her sister killing him and helped cover it up.”
“And used the situation for your own gain.” Approval dances in his eyes. “You always were too clever, Maxim.”
“Cocky, too.”
“Indubitably. Would you change it if you could?”
“I wouldn’t have Victoria if I changed it. She’s more than just a pawn in a game of politics.”
“Why do you think her safety matters to me? I’ve known for a long time. Misha’s whining wouldn’t have been so constant if she meant nothing to you.” He claps his hand to my shoulder. “I’ll say it again—you chose well. She’ll keep you on your toes and won’t allow you to grow complacent.”
I release a laugh despite still being annoyed with him. “No shit.”
His grin darkens his features rather than lightens them.
“Do you need me to do anything?” I ask, pointing my thumb at Ilya, who’s still charming Victoria in the foyer.Bastard.
“Keep an eye out for anyone called Yseult Brackton.”
“Will do. He kept that under wraps. I didn’t realize he was related to one of the Bracktons.”
“In our world, the only connection that matters is the one he has to theKrestniy Otets.”
“Wait, didn’t Anastasia Bracktonkillher husband?”
“Via a sniper’s rifle.”
“Not her own, I assume,” I mock.
“You’d be correct.” With a squeeze of my shoulder, he murmurs, “Now, I have to get back toNav.”
Navis his Floridian stronghold.
“Give Cassiopeia my love.”
“No,” he says flatly, earning a smirk from me.
“Oh, I forgot,” I taunt as he turns away from me, already taking a step toward his car. “I’ll be replacing Kirill with Dmitri soon.”
Niko’s head whips over his shoulder. “What?”
“He’s loitered around on my turf for long enough. It’s time he was useful.”
“Maxim.” He growls the warning.
I lean back against the doorway. “He can’t babysit Sofia for the rest of his life.”
Nikolai storms closer to me. “Your intention?”
