Page 34 of Property of Chux

But Chux?

Helaughs. Manically.

Low and dark, like the sound of a man who’s been waiting for this moment. He doesn’t move the gun from Konstantin’s chin. Doesn’t so much as flinch at the barrels now aimed at him.

“Youmightend me,” Chux says, his voice laced with something lethal, “but my club will endevery one of youbefore you hit the parking lot.” His finger flexes against the trigger. “And I don’t care to live as long as I take thisfuckout first.”

The silence is suffocating.

My heart slams against my ribs, my breath stuck in my throat.

Konstantin doesn’t move. His gaze flickers between Chux’s gun and his eyes, calculating.

“You willing to die for this, boy?” Konstantin’s voice is measured, like he’s testing the weight of every word. “Because one of us isn’t gonna survive it.”

Chux doesn’t blink. “I don’t fear death. But you?” He tilts his head slightly, the barrel of the gun pressing harder against Konstantin’s temple. “You fearlosing.”

Konstantin exhales through his nose, something dangerous shifting in his expression. Then, after what feels like an eternity, he lifts a hand—a silent command.

His men hesitate but lower their guns.

“You gonna answer her questions?” Chux challenges presses the gun into his chin.

“Within reason, yes.”

Chux shakes his head.

“I don’t have secrets with Alaina, you don’t either.”

Konstantin studies him before holding both hands up in surrender, looking to me, and nodding. “I’ll tell you whatever you ask.”

Chux doesn’t move for another heartbeat. Then, finally, he lowers his own weapon and steps back.

I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Konstantin exhales sharply, rolling his jaw before pinning me with a look. He composes himself. “What the hell do you want to know, Ally? Let’s get this done.”

My voice shakes, but I keep my chin lifted. “The truth.”

He smirks, but it’s bitter, like I have no idea what I’m asking for.

“That,” he says, “is going to cost you more than you’re ready to pay.”

I swallow hard, glancing at Chux. He doesn’t look at me, doesn’t move—he just watches Konstantin like a man who knows the war isn’t over yet.

And maybe it isn’t.

Maybe it’s just beginning.

My heart is still hammering against my ribs as the tension lingers in the room like a storm that hasn’t quite passed. The metallic scent of gun oil and cigarette smoke clings to the air, mixing with the undeniable weight of violence. I can still hear the echo of safeties clicking, the sharp intake of breath from the men who nearly pulled their triggers.

And Chux?

He’s completely unfazed.

He just pulled a gun on mygrandfather, stared down a room full of men ready to kill him, andlaughed.

Like it was nothing.

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