Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63638 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 318(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 212(@300wpm)
The SUV pulls to a stop outside the iron gates, which creak open like the gates of hell. I glance at Sasha, nod, then step out, adjusting my coat as I go. Two guards flank the door, both armed, their eyes flicking over me with equal parts curiosity and suspicion.
I smile as I hand over my gun. I try to step past them, but one of the men puts his hand up, blocking me.
“All your weapons,” he demands, looking me up and down.
I roll my eyes and produce the pistol tucked in my jacket, followed by the smaller one strapped to my thigh.
“Would you like to strip search me?” I deadpan as I hand the two guns over. “Or can I go inside now?”
The guards trade a look, decide I’m clean enough, and swing the doors open.
Inside, the place is as gaudy as I expected. Every inch is filled with either a garish gold monstrosity or a taxidermied carcass. A bearskin rug sprawls underfoot, several trophy buck heads leering from the walls. Semion has always had a flair for the dramatic. He probably tells his guests he hunted those animals himself, even though I’m sure he paid a pretty penny for each and every one.
A tall man in a dark suit leads me down a long hallway until we reach a set of double doors. He knocks once, waits, and then opens them.
Semion stands behind a massive mahogany desk, a glass of scotch in one hand, the other tucked casually into his pocket. He’s completely at ease, like we’re just meeting for a card game or a nightcap. Like he hasn’t just taken the only person in my life who makes me want something more.
“Sergei,” he says smoothly. “Nice of you to come so promptly.”
I don’t return the greeting. I walk in, slow and deliberate, and take the seat across from him.
“Let’s get on with it,” I say, voice low and cold.
He grins like the smug bastard he is and sips from his glass. “You always were impatient.” He chuckles.
“And you always overplay your hand,” I reply. “Don’t make me ask again.”
He waves his hand, feigning boredom. “Fine,” he concedes. “I’ve had my lawyer draw up a contract. You sign over all of the discussed assets to me, and you get your girl back. We divide the city a little more evenly, and everyone wins. There won’t need to be any more tension or animosity between the two of us.”
“Says the man causing all of it,” I mutter. “Remind me, Semion, which one of us has been relentlessly attacking the other?”
“Don’t get self-righteous on me now, Sergei.” He smirks. “Your family has had this city in a vise grip for decades. It’s time to move aside and let newer blood take over. Besides, you want your precious little girlfriend home tonight, don’t you?”
I lean back in my chair, crossing one ankle over my knee, playing the part of a man who’s considering it. He needs to think I’m really going to give him what he wants. The more convincing I am, the more distracted he’ll be when my men make their move.
I let the silence stretch for several moments, as if I’m really conflicted. Finally, I nod slowly.
“Fine,” I say, reaching out my hand to shake his.
Semion raises an eyebrow, surprised. “That easy?” he asks, staring at my outstretched hand.
“Nicole’s more valuable than any stretch of land,” I say simply. “But if you think this is a sign of weakness, you’re more of a fool than I thought.”
“I think it’s a sign of wisdom,” he says, standing and shaking my hand. “I always knew you had it in you.”
He rounds the desk, pen in hand, and smiles at me. That’s when the gunfire erupts.
One shot cracks, then another.
Screams echo down the marble hall. The door bursts open and one of Semion’s men stumbles inside, blood blossoming from his chest before he collapses. Semion spins toward the door, eyes wide.
My gun is out before he even turns back.
“Don’t,” I warn, leveling it at his chest.
His hand twitches toward the desk, where he no doubt keeps a weapon stashed.
“Don’t be stupid,” I growl. “You know exactly how this ends.”
“Kill me and you start a war you won’t see the end of,” he spits.
“Then don’t make me kill you,” I fire back. “Now show me where Nicole is.”
We stare each other down. Behind me, I can hear Sasha’s voice barking orders, more gunfire, the heavy beat of boots on tile. Semion doesn’t move.
“I swear to God,” I say, voice like ice, “if you don’t walk me to her in the next ten seconds, I will shoot you in both kneecaps and drag your sorry ass through this house until you’re begging me to kill you.”
That gets him.
He lifts his hands slightly, palms open. “She’s safe,” he mutters. “Not a single hair is out of place.”