“Good. Don’t forget to wear the right shoes.”
I glance down at the Chelsea boots I was about to put on. Gino’s tech guy inserted a GPS chip into the heel so that they can track where Maksim takes me since he’ll probably take my phone and toss a bag over my head. Once Gino has the pakhan’s location, his men will be able to stage an attack.
“Make sure there’s someone downstairs while I’m gone. I want Blake protected in case anything goes wrong on my end and Maksim’s guys retaliate.”
“They won’t be able to break into the penthouse from the outside, Nero. She’s safe.”
“If they get past building security, they could reach our floor.” I don’t want anyone coming up here, banging on the front door, scaring Blake witless. “Send a car.”
“All right. I’ll send backup just in case. They’ll be there in fifteen.”
“Good.”
The bell rings.
“They’re here,” I say.
“We’ll be watching everything closely.”
“I’ve got to go. I’ll call or text as soon as I can.”
“Good luck.”
We hang up.
On the other side of my front door, I find the Garins dressed in their Sunday best.
Maksim smiles. I smile. None of our smiles reach our eyes. “Come on in,” I say calmly, as if this is all perfectly fucking normal. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“We’ve got something to discuss.” Maksim’s gaze stays trained on me as he steps inside. Ekaterina files in after him. Judging by the scowl on her face, she isn't thrilled to be here. I don’t understand why he brought her if he’s taking me to the pakhan. Why would he want her to accompany us?
This doesn’t smell right.
“Mind if we sit down?” Maksim asks.
“Follow me.”
I lead them to the living room sofa just as Blake enters from the other side of the room. She’s put on a bigger hoodie, probably to better hide the gun she should have somewhere on her.
Our eyes connect. Maybe I should have told her to stay in her room until we leave, but it’s too late for that. I’ve just got to get Maksim and Ekaterina out of here as quickly as I can.
“Should I make some coffee?” Blake asks.
Maksim gives her a tight smile. “Not right now. Why don’t we all have a seat?”
My hackles rise at him acting like he fucking owns the place, but I keep my mouth shut.
Blake comes to sit at my side, and I pull her close to my chest before I slide my hand under her hoodie and grab the gun she’s got tucked in the waistband at her back. Carefully, I tuck it behind my own.
“The pakhan agreed to a meeting.”
Adrenaline floods my veins. They bought our story. It worked.
Maksim takes out a silver cigarette case from his breast pocket. “Mind if I smoke?”
I want to snarl at him that, yes, I fucking mind, but I hold myself back. I’ll have a chance to give him everything he deserves soon enough. “Go ahead. When does he want to meet?”
He slips a cigarette between his lips and digs into his pocket for a lighter. “Right now.”
