Page 170 of Anton

“The Whitlocks will be here shortly,” Konstantin continues. “But before they arrive, I wanted to talk to you both about something.”

He turns to Mikhail and Arkady.

I know that tone. Whatever he is about to say, I already know I won’t be happy about it.

“I have an offer for you. One I hope you’ll accept.”

Arkady’s eyes narrow with interest. “I love offers.”

“Rzvrt needs someone to handle the day-to-day operations. My brothers and I have families now. Wives. Children. Responsibilities that make running that kind of club less appealing than it used to be.”

This is news to me. Then again, the sex club was never my thing. The three of them were the ones who kept that place running. I just killed things. And people.

Arkady grins. “I accept.”

Mikhail cuts him a look. “He didn’t ask you alone.”

“We accept,” Arkady corrects. “It’s not as though you would say no.” His grin sharpens as he turns toward Mikhail. “How else would you search for our dear Aster?”

Mikhail grabs the thick glass centerpiece from the table and raises it as though he’s about to hurl it at his brother. Arkady only laughs.

Kirill studies the two of them. “You two know you actually have to work at the club, right? You can’t just fuck anything that lets you get close enough.”

Arkady places a hand over his heart. “You wound me.”

“You’ll survive.”

“Ya znayu, kak rabotat’.” I know how to work. Arkady’s grin never fades. “I also know how to have fun, which is why people enjoy my company.”

“No one enjoys your company,” Mikhail mutters. “They tolerate it.”

Arkady spreads his hands. “Women do.”

Mikhail shakes his head, muttering something beneath his breath.

“It’s settled, then,” Konstantin cuts in. “I’ll also need your help with the outstanding debts. Anton can take you to Krystal after the meeting and show you what’s pending.”

“No, I cannot.”

Konstantin fixes me with a deadpan look.

“Horosho. But I’m not happy about it.”

“Duly noted.”

This is worse than babysitting. What did I ever do wrong in my life…

Okay, fine. Maybe I do deserve this.

Arkady’s grin only widens as he enjoys my torment, and I wonder how it would look rearranged into something far less pleasing. For him. Not for me.

“I’m glad you brought this up,” Mikhail says. “We were already considering staying.”

This day just continues to improve.

Konstantin nods. “That’s good to hear. We need more family around. We can help you find property.”

“That would be much appreciated.”