Page 88 of Demitri

“I do.”

“Are you the only owner?”

“If you’re here to conduct business, are you telling me you didn’t do your homework before stepping foot in here the first time?” I challenge, raising my brow.

Her lips quirk and she tips her chin in acknowledgement that I’m right. And that she did do her homework.

“Just because your name is the only one on the paperwork doesn’t mean you did it alone, you know.”

“I’m aware. How can I help you, Ms. Sokolova-Pavlov?”

“I have a rather delicate proposition for you. One that you would greatly benefit from.”

“I’m listening.”

Fuck, I hope I’m not the only one.

“I have a few…associates who want to get into the bar business, but they don’t know how to run a bar. I was wondering if we could work out a trade? They would work here, under your mentorship and knowledge.”

“Like an internship?”

“Exactly like an internship.”

“And what do you get?”

“I get knowledgeable bartenders and business owners that can then come work a new opportunity for me.”

“Bullshit. What do you really get? No one works for free anymore. Hell, most internships are paid positions these days. Also, you want me to train someone to be a bartender and business owner? They have schools for both of those. And books for the lazy ones who can’t get out of bed in time for class.”

“I don’t need to explain the whys, just the money.”

“I’m waiting.”

The look on her face tells me I need to back up a little, to not be such a hard-ass, but she sounds like a fucking moron. Seriously, she thinks anyone with any business sense would fall for this?

“I would pay you ten thousand a week.”

I stare at her, my face devoid of emotion.

“You want to pay me half a million dollars a year to let people come in here and work for free. What’s the catch?”

“You might need to turn your head from time to time.”

“Why?”

She blinks a few times, like me asking that question is unheard of.

“Did you hear my last name?”

“Yes.”

“And do you know what that last name means?”

“Should I?”

She rolls her eyes at me, like she’s dealing with a child.

“My father is the head of the Russian Bratva. He’s a very powerful man.”

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