AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ah, yes, you’re a Crowley. I almost forgot.”
“Better remind yourself then.” He slows as we approach a bend set midway down the walking path. A lone man’s sitting there, a big man with broad shoulders, practically taking up the whole bench with his bulk.
It’s Rustik Aslan, all alone.
“I’m surprised he’s here,” I say, staring at the man I nearly married. A dozen conflicting emotions press through my mind. I’m afraid, of course I’m afraid, but I’m also angry and a little bit curious. Who is this man, really? Where does he comes from and what does he want? Why did he kill my sister? What did she find out that was worth murdering her to cover it up? I realize I know almost nothing about him personally. None of this makes sense, and now seeing Rustik again only dredges all those emotions to the surface. I can see him on our wedding day again, giving me that disgusted, disdainful stare, his lips curled.
“Try to stay calm,” Liam says, guiding me toward the bench. “He might try to bait you into getting emotional. Don’t take it. This is all one elaborate game, and we’re going to win it.”
“I can handle myself,” I murmur, though I’m not sure it’s true, and I resolve to follow his advice.
Rustik stares as we approach. He’s a hard man, his eyes narrowed, and he stands. Liam’s about his same height, though where Liam’s athletic and toned, Rustik’s like a bear. Burly, massive, bulging against his clothing.
“You came,” he says, sneering. “I half expected you to ignore my request.” He inclines his head toward me. “And you brought my former fiancée as requested.”
“I was never really your fiancée,” I say despite Liam’s warning.
“How is married life treating you?” Rustik asks. His smile is needling, goading me into rage. “I see you enjoy going from one strange man to another. An unusual pattern.”
“We’re not here to discuss our relationship.” Liam moves forward, standing slightly in front of me. “Why did you want to meet, Rustik? You’re taking an interesting risk, coming here alone.”
The Russian surveys Liam for a moment. His lips pull back, not impressed. “You’re the famous Crowley boy. You and your big, bad family. I invited you to my wedding, and what did you do? You stole my wife. That was a shameful thing you did, running around through bushes like a child.”
“She chose to get herself out of a very ugly situation. I merely facilitated her exit.” Liam doesn’t show anything. His face is an impassive mask. “Is that all you want? You want to go over grievances? You can complain, but meanwhile I’m buying up your competition. Once I’ve consolidated all their power, I’m going to pick you apart, bit by bit, until there’s nothing left of you.”
“It’s a good plan,” Rustik says, gesturing in the air. “It might even work, except I can do things you cannot in this city. Such as, I can convince people not to talk to you.”
“Good luck with that. You might be intimidating, but money has a way of motivating even the most terrified cowards.”
Rustik laughs. It’s low and throaty and ugly. I sink back, suddenly feeling exposed. Liam doesn’t move.
“We’ll see about that. I’m happy you came. I really am. Even if you brought your entire army with you. You want to speak of cowards?” He gestures around himself at the soldiers. I can tell Liam doesn’t like that. “I wanted the measure of this man that thinks he can challenge me, and I now have it. I also wanted to pass along a message to the woman that would have been my wife.” He stares at me, his face hard. “I did not kill your sister. But I will kill you.”
Liam steps forward. “Enough threats. Are we going to discuss business?”
“Oh, no, we are not.” Rustik looks at his watch. “I think that’s time enough.”
“For what?” Liam’s eyes narrow. He tenses, expecting an ambush.
Except Rustik only turns away. “There was a point when we could have worked together, Liam Crowley. Together, we would have been a force. But then you embarrassed me at my own wedding, and now there’s no chance at reconciliation. Remember that when your men die and your money burns. You chose this.” He begins to walk away.
Liam says nothing. I step forward, grabbing onto my husband’s arm. “What’s going on?” I whisper sharply, uncomfortable. I don’t understand why Rustik would draw us out for a meeting like that only to make vague threats.
“I don’t know.” Liam still doesn’t move. I want to start running. Rustik’s acting like he just pulled off some enormous victory, the way he’s swaggering down the walking path, but I don’t understand what it could be.
At least until a middle-aged man with graying reddish-brown hair comes walking fast from the trees.
