Page 31 of Bratva Beast

The dark-haired woman frowns at his side. Her lipstick is smeared all over her face and her teeth. If I didn’t know he hated women before, I’d guess it now. She looks drugged and scared.

“Now Cynric. Are we talking business in front of the women?”

I peer at Isabella and whisper in Russian. “Go grab a drink at the bar. Make sure my brother keeps an eye on you. I’ll join you in a moment.”

Isabella glares, answering in Russian. “Yes, sir.” She sashays her cute ass as she walks away.

I glance at the woman at his side.

“Oh, she’s too stupid to be of any concern.”

I snort. “Nevertheless. She needs to go powder her nose.” I mumble about the lipstick on her face, and he smirks.

“Go fix your face.”

The woman stumbles before finding her feet and heads to the restroom. Isabella is leaning against the bar sipping a drink with fruit. I turn my attention to the Latin American man in front of me.

Aguilar’s eyes darken, a predatory gleam flickering across his face. “Business diversification, my friend. These fundraisers are excellent places to scout new… opportunities.”

Bile rises in my throat but I maintain my composure. Only an idiot would shop where he spends time. “I see. And here I thought you might have decided to shift out of the kiddie trade.”

He laughs, a harsh, grating sound. “And miss all the profit and the fun? You’re getting soft, Cynric.”

I lean in closer, lowering my voice. “Not soft. Smart. There are lines even we shouldn’t cross. We won’t traffic people regardless of the potential for profit. We’ll leave that to you.”

Aguilar’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Lines are for the weak. I go where the profit is.”

I notice Isabella watching us intently from the bar, concern etched on her face. She’ll stay put. Keep me in her sights but shewon’t come back. She’s aware of what our bratva does, but would never involve herself. The perfect place for my future wife.

Aguilar continues. “And speaking of profit. I hope your brother enjoyed his time with our cartel.”

“I assume so. We’re seeing a profit in drug distribution on the entire East coast. Your uncle seemed pleased when he spoke to my father.”

Aguilar nods. “He is. We’re happy to handle the toys while you handle the snacks.”

Total idiot with their adolescent code words for drugs. He leans in. “I have a proposition for your father.”

“I’m listening.”

Aguilar casts his eyes around the expansive ballroom, whispering. “Not here. Tell your father I want to meet with him.”

“You know that’s not how it’s done. You meet with me, and I discuss the opportunity with my Pakhan.”

“Pakhan. Such a funny word.”

I chuckle. “Would you prefer ‘patron’?”

He smirks. “Let’s meet at the New Jersey warehouse tomorrow at midnight. Don’t bring your entire group, Cynric.”

I nod.

Aguilar nods, seemingly satisfied. “Excellent. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have potential investors to charm.”

I shudder. Why is it that pedophiles pretend to care about childhood causes? I turn to see Isabella attempting to step away from an older man at the bar. It’s a former New York judge. I quicken my pace feeling the beast rise. My hand reaches for her. I wrap my arms around her waist. “Judge Edwards.”

His eyes bulge at my voice. “Mr. Bravikov. I didn’t realize she belonged to you.”

I glance to my brother who’s wrapped himself around a busty woman in a too-short dress. I turn back to the lecherous oldman. “I’m sure there are some barely legal women for you to assault.”

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