Page 57 of Wicked Savage

“Councilman Elias Rhodes. We want him dead,” Aleksei interrupts, his voice flat.

Elias isn’t a friend—more of a friend with benefits. We scratch his back, he scratches ours, so killing him is out of the question.

“Why?” I cut in, unable to hold back. “We still need him. Taking him out would hurt us more than you.”

Konstantin glances at his brother. “My brother’s a bit hasty.”

“No, not hasty.” He folds his arms over his chest. “Correct.”

Konstantin scoffs. “No one needs to die—not yet. Just talk to him. Make him understand we’re all friends. A big, happy family.”

Family? I’d rather watch the whole Marinov clan burn.

Tynan’s voice stays even. “What’s he done?”

Konstantin throws up his hands. “He’s blocking a land deal. We need permits. He’s refusing money and asking for more than we can give. You know how these corrupt politicians are.”

I’m the one to ask, “What’s in it for us?”

Konstantin chuckles, but it’s dry. “My gratitude isn’t enough?”

“No.” I hit him with a glare.

His grin widens. “You’re funny, Cillian. I like you.”

“It’s too bad the feeling’s not mutual.”

Kirill growls low, squeezing his shot glass until his knuckles turn white. I meet his gaze, unflinching.

Konstantin gives a thin smile, slapping his brother’s chest. “One day, we’ll all be good friends.”

“I doubt that.” My teeth grind.

Konstantin’s smile doesn’t waver. “We have a proverb in my country:Chto bylo, to proshló.It means ‘what’s done is done.’ Perhaps one day, you’ll see it that way. I’m a patient man.”

Tynan cuts in, trying to steer the conversation back. “We’ll talk to Elias. Tell him to accept your terms, or he loses us.”

Konstantin’s grin deepens. “Now this is what family is. I appreciate that. If you settle this, I’ll double your next order.”

He means weapons. The Bratva is unfortunately our gun supplier.

Tynan nods, his agreement clear.

Konstantin rises, his brothers following. “Let me know how the meeting goes.”

“We will.”

As they turn to leave, Konstantin pauses, his eyes locking with mine. “Ah, and the woman from my club? How is she?”

My pulse spikes.

Shit. He knows.

“It’s new. I don’t know yet.”

“I heard she’s Russian.” He smirks.

Aleksei chuckles low.

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