“I know. But I would feel better knowing the debt Gino Ferraro thinks you owe him is paid. Having you infiltrate the Bratva was the reason he spared you. If we walk away when we don’t have to, and he finds out, who knows what he’ll do to you?”
It’s not a lie, but it’s not the full truth either, and I wonder if Nero can see hints of my deception as he cups my cheek and peers into my eyes.
Nero’s gaze is intense, searching, but he doesn’t find what I’m afraid he will.
“Fine. But you’re not getting involved in this anymore. I will deal with Maksim alone.”
“But—”
“No buts. At this point, your job is done. If he’s willing to negotiate, it means we have him.”
A lump forms in my throat. Now I understand how Nero felt when he thought he might be putting me in danger for selfish reasons.
Aren’t I doing the same?
No. You’re doing what’s smart. For him and for yourself.
CHAPTER 27
NERO
After Blake and I finish our breakfast, I go to get ready for my meeting with Maksim. I’m not looking forward to seeing that slimy fuck.
In the bathroom, I give myself a silent pep talk in the mirror. As much as I’m itching to toss him in the trunk, take him to Alessio’s palace, and make him die a slow, painful death, I can’t do that today.
Fucking bummer.
Though it might feel even better to watch the life drain out of his eyes after he realizes how we’ve played him for a fool.
We meet at an upscale bar in Midtown. Maksim's already there, sipping on a glass of wine at a table in the back, his eyes scanning the room as I approach. He’s on edge, fidgeting with the stem of his glass, but he's trying to appear nonchalant.
He doesn’t fool me for a second.
When he gets to his feet and offers me his hand, I ignore it and sit down across from him.
I can see the anxiety in his eyes, the glint of fear buried beneath false bravado. If I had to guess, he’s in hot water with the pakhan, and I’m the only hope he’s got left.
I order a scotch, neat, and allow the tension to hang between us. It's thick like the air before a storm. Maksim clears his throat, the sound grating on my last nerve.
"Let's cut to the chase,” I snap.
He huffs out a chuckle. “I wasn’t sure you’d show up.”
“I wasn’t sure either. But I’m here now, and I don’t like when people waste my time.”
“Then let’s address the elephant in the room. Like I said over the phone, I was out of line last night. Your wife is an enchanting woman, and I got carried away.”
“If you'd done that a year ago, you’d already be swimming with the fishes.”
“I’m aware. And we’re both aware that a year ago, you never would have accepted my invitation to Seven Lives in the first place.”
I narrow my eyes at him over the rim of my glass.
He leans in closer, lowering his voice. “Why did you, Nero? Is it because you understand what I can do for you? We shouldn’t let one tiny faux pas interfere with what might be a very mutually beneficial relationship.”
A tiny faux pas? Fuck, is that how he’d feel about it if someone asked to fuck his wife? Disgust settles like a heavy weight inside my gut. “Spell it out for me, will you?”
“You have information that would be valuable to the pakhan. He would reward you generously for it.”
