Page 9 of Goodnight, Sinners

She felt a slight tug on the back of her head and realized Jozef was lightly pulling her hair. He wanted her to project a calm and professional front. They’d already talked about this.

Shaun took a deep breath and straightened her spine, lifting her chin. She didn’t meet Alexei’s gaze, but she feigned the calm arrogance Jozef always seemed to project with such ease.

“You would make an enemy of Moscow?” Alexei asked incredulously.

“Enough.” This came from Yuri, who calmly interjected into the conversation. “Jozef is not threatening. I have known this young man since he was a child, he does not threaten. He will follow through on everything he says, even if it kills him. Am I correct?”

Jozef didn’t respond, and Shaun supposed he didn’t need to. His actions spoke louder than words. He’d made a name for himself as a mobster and a mercenary.

“We were sent here to welcome you to the Bratva and negotiate terms, not threaten the empire you have rightfully claimed,” Yuri continued. He was calm and measured, but there was a coldness to him that Shaun suspected seeped into every aspect of his life. She wondered if she was looking at a true sociopath.

Then let’s negotiate,Jozef signed while Shaun spoke for him.

“Twenty-five percent and you will attend all Bratva meetings for five years until we are sure of your loyalty.”

Jozef barked his laughter but quickly sobered.Eight percent and I will attend the annual meetings only.

Shaun realized Jozef wanted these men to think he intended to treat the Bratva cavalierly, but in reality, she knew he had great respect for the institution and was looking forward to joining the ranks of the Vory. She wondered why he was playing hard to get.

“You will pay twenty percent and you will attend the next five meetings, then annually.”

Havel and Alexei stood silently, watching while Jozef and Yuri negotiated. The percentages confused Shaun. She didn’t understand what exactly they were negotiating. Her confusion must’ve shown on her face, because when she glanced up, Havel began signing to her, quickly and out of sight of Alexei and Yuri.

They’re negotiating for a portion of Jozef’s fortune. He will relinquish the amount they agree on, then he will pay that same percentage of his yearly earnings.

Shaun discreetly nodded and sent Havel a quick smile while she continued to translate. It helped to understand what the men were negotiating for. She didn’t know how much money Jozef had inherited from Krystoff, but she suspected it was quite a lot.

Ten percent and annual meetings.

It was Yuri’s turn. “Fifteen percent and one visit to Moscow in the next few months, then annual meetings after that.”

Twelve percent, Jozef signed.

Yuri’s gaze settled on Shaun’s face as he thought about it. Then he nodded, his head bobbing up and down in an exaggerated motion. “Fine, twelve percent and you bring your lovely fiancé to the palace when you visit. You can explain your marriage plans to the council.”

Jozef growled, but Shaun reached out to take his hand, squeezing it. He looked down at her. His eyes were glittering with anger. She was the only thing that could set him off like a firework. It didn’t matter what anyone said to him, he was always the picture of calm unless she came into the discussion.

Shaun turned a smile on their guest. “I would love to visit Russia. It’s always been on my list of places to visit.”

Yuri’s gaze continued to linger. “You must allow me to show you around the Kremlin while your… fiancé is busy.”

Shaun shivered but kept the smile plastered to her face. “Of course, that would be lovely.”

Tension vibrated through Jozef and Shaun gripped his hand harder to keep him from flying across the room and strangling the Bratva’s secretary. She didn’t know what the man was playing at, but she suspected he was deliberately trying to provoke a reaction.

Havel must have sensed the same intention because he stepped forward and said in a jovial voice, “Come, we must celebrate the success of this negotiation with Vodka. We have the best here, imported from your homeland.”

Chapter Five

The soft glow of the lamp caressed Shaun’s features, giving her an ethereal appearance. Jozef had been watching her for hours, occasionally picking up a nearby book and reading while she slept. He wouldn’t sleep himself until she woke.

Her enormous orange cat, Fitzy, was curled on top of the blankets against the inside of her knees. He was relaxed but alert, his eyes open and shining in the lamplight as he waited. He knew what was coming as well as Jozef did.

Shaun had been experiencing nightmares every night since the attack on the club. Like clockwork, her body would jerk beneath the covers, then she would cry out, until finally she was thrashing and screaming for help.

Jozef stayed awake so he could bring her out of her nightmare before it reached that point. He knew he wasn’t getting enough sleep and that it could make his thinking sloppy when he couldn’t take a single misstep, but he refused to allow Shaun to suffer. Not even for a few extra seconds.

Watching over her had become an obsession. He watched her constantly through cameras as she drifted restlessly through the mansion. He watched her while she ate and slept. Watched as she tried to navigate a mansion filled with staff. He clocked her every move and worked to help her when she hit an obstacle. She didn’t know it, but he’d fired a maid who’d gotten impatient with her and a gardener for snapping at her when she stepped off the stone path winding through the garden.

---