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Leo clears his throat. “Can we please get back to the matter at hand? What were you saying, Mr. Greshny?”
The old man sits across from me in the guest chair. He smells heavily of cigarettes, and his yellowing teeth confirm my suspicions. He reminds me of a squirrel with rabies, jumpy and practically frothing at the mouth with anger.
“She threatened my life!” he exclaims. “That bitch was going to break every bone in my body if I didn’t give her what she wanted. Like I’d ever swear allegiance toher.”
I’m only half listening. I don’t know if I believe a word out of Greshny’s mouth. I’m aware of who he is, as well as the property he maintains on the north side of the city. It seems Sandra’s been busy ruffling a few feathers—and making enemies in the process.
I steeple my fingers together and lean against my desk. “Tell me why you’ve come here.”
“Because that madwoman threatened me.”
“And you expectmeto do something about it?”
“I’ve heard about you,” Greshny says. “You managed to strongarm the Antonovs into giving you your own territory. It’s the first time anyone’s been able to do that in nearly two decades! They say you’re up and coming. I see potential in you—”
“Quit blowing smoke up my ass and get to the point,” I interject gruffly.
Greshny stiffens. “You have a foothold in the south. Work with me, and I’ll ensure you have one in the north, too. The property I manage… I can give you access. With a handful of men, you’ll be able to take over the district without issue. I can keep track of the Antonovs’ comings and goings, so you can expect next to no resistance. I would much rather work with a rising star than that witch.”
My left eye twitches. I don’t like the way he talks about Sandra—nothing but sexist and condescending.
“And what’s in it for you?”
“I want sixty percent of the profits.”
I fight the urge to laugh in his face. Sixty percent? Is he out of his damn mind? I’m more than aware of the property’s value, and I frankly wouldn’t agree to give him anything more than thirty. Greshny’s a weasel through and through. It’s true I’m after more land, but I have to be strategic about the Nicolaevich Bratva’s next move.
Conquering both north and south would leave me too thinly spread. Taking him up on the offer would be a huge miscalculation, a mistake. I know a shitty deal when I see one, and right now, it’s stinking up my office with his cigarette breath and ugly teeth.
“I’m going to have to pass, Mr. Greshny, but thank you for coming in.”
Beside me, Samuil bristles. I see him rise out of his seat in surprise out of the corner of my eye, but I wave a hand dismissively, signaling for him to sit back down. I know what I’m doing. My brothers just need to trust me.
Greshny’s cheeks turn purple. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’sthisclose to giving himself a stroke. “You’re…passing? But why?”
“I only work with those who I believe to be loyal, and you, sir, are anything but.” I rise from my seat. “You come here prepared to betray the Antonovs. Who’s to say you won’t betray me? I’d rather not risk having you stab me in the back. You can see yourself out.”
I don’t think I’ve seen a man more enraged. Greshny stomps out of my office, cursing me nine ways to Sunday at the top of his lungs. He screams bloody murder as he leaves, his voice eventually fading away once he’s left the premises.
“Are you sure that was a good idea?” Damien asks me.
I glare at him. “Since when did you start questioning me?”
My half-brother shrinks in on himself slightly, casting his eyes to the floor. “I didn’t mean to offend, I just… I thought your goal was expansion.”
“It is, but we have to play it smart. Greshny’s too volatile a player to risk partnering with. We’ll conquer Moscow sooner or later. Of that, I promise you. Now, get back to work.”
“Where do you think you’re going?” Leo asks me.
“For a walk,” I lie with ease.
* * *
Mywalktakes me all the way to the Barovsky. The receptionist discretely passes me my key, and I, in turn, slide her 5000 rubles to keep my name off the books.
“Your wife is already upstairs,” she informs me. “Have a lovely evening, Mr. Ivanov”
The elevator ride feels longer than usual. I can’t explain the restlessness in my bones, or the anxious excitement rolling in the pit of my stomach. With every floor I ascend, the more I’m aware of how close I am seeing Sandra again. Never in a million years would I have looked forward to such a thing, but knowing I get to see her every other night—sometimeseverynight—has become the highlight of my day.
