Page 130 of Beguiled

“The death of your daughter is proof. Have you seen Vardan since the news broke?”

“Briefly. As with arranged marriages, they’d yet to become close. But he offered his condolences.”

“And did he try and pressure you into continuing your alliance?”

He glanced away. “Yes, he did. Promises of ensuring I have control over the ports.”

“Which isn’t his to offer. The Chertov Corporation has control. You’ve also considered continuing to bankroll his political aspirations because you believed he could provide you with additional power, including protections for your wealth.”

“I was considering it,” he admitted. “You are correct about how he sold his services to me.”

“Think of Tawny, Mr. Pushkin. She didn’t deserve to die and while Vardan didn’t pull the trigger, he was as responsible as you for her death.” Saige was determined to protect her friend’s memory.

“What would you have me do?”

“Back away from the Armenians and we’ll ensure you and your holdings are protected, including through use of our control of the ports for brining your… diamonds to this country. If you don’t, we’ll make certain your betrayal of your own people is widely known in every city and country possible. And we do have those connections, Anton. I’m sure you’re aware. All I need from you is proof of your relationship with Vardan. A copy of the signed contract will do.”

“That’s a lot to ask for. As you might imagine, Vardan is growing more powerful the closer to the election we get.”

“Is it really?” I smiled as I asked the question. “I assure you that will change.”

“You feel so certain.”

“Oh, I know for certain,” I told him.

He took a deep breath, studying Saige for a moment. “You look so much like my daughter.”

“She loved you, Mr. Pushkin, but she simply wanted to live her life on her terms.”

He closed his eyes. “That bastard.”

“Your help will preserve her memory, Mr. Pushkin,” Saige told him.

I pulled out a business card, handing it to him.

With a few seconds of mental debate, he took the card. “You’ll have the contract, but I’ll need your word.”

“You’ll have more than that. We’ll draw up a contract of our own. Just remember, Anton. We won’t be fucked with. Not now. Not in the future.”

He nodded almost as if respecting me.

I led her to the door, hoping that I never had to endure the loss of a child.

“Stash. When you were two years old, you fell onto a glass table. You had cuts and bruises, which is why you have the scar by your eye. But you also perforated your liver. As you might imagine,you lost a lot of blood. You were touch and go for a little while. Your father dropped everything to be with you. It was your father who matched. He remained in the hospital by your side for a week, making sure the bills were paid and your mother could take the time off. He did love you even though he didn’t often show it. You’re very much like your father. I hope you’ll take that as a compliment.”

As we walked out, I shook my head while Saige squeezed my hand.

“See, your father did love you,” she whispered. “But you’ve yet to forgive him.”

She was right. “You’re far too astute, my lovely companion. But he’s dead. What does it matter?”

“You mean I can read you like a book.” Once we were outside and away from prying eyes, she turned to me, pressing both hands against my chest. “It matters for your sanity, freeing you from mental chains. You won’t be free to embrace your family or anyone else until you do. That will allow you to forgive your brother as well.”

Now I laughed, feeling more exhausted than normal. “He will never be forgiven if for no other reason than the horrors he inflicted on Kazimir and the woman he adores.” I’d told her more about what Mikhail had done over the last two years, the pain everyone had endured but most of all, Kazimir and Rafaela. I wanted Mikhail found for no other reason than to allow him the full opportunity to handle the bastard who’d tried to destroy him. “Kazimir needs to deal with the motherfucker or I will.”

“That’s not your place. Not really.”

“He wanted you dead. It is very much my right!” I realized I’d raised my voice, groaning as I did.