Page 54 of The Pakhan's Sold Bride

I have to get that proof. Once I have it, I can take him out. It’s as simple as that—yet so far, nothing about it has been simple at all.

I’ve been on the phone with Roan three times this morning already, going through the information we have discovered, but none of it would be enough to convince my mother. And she is all that matters in this specific issue. I don’t want her to lose faith in me or to think I’ve done something wrong. If I present the evidence to her, then she will finally see what I see, and she won’t be angry when I take Miron and Sergei out of the equation. My family will be safe again, freed from their tyranny.

Glancing at my watch, I notice that it’s already three. This day flew by, and I don’t think I got anywhere near as much done as I wanted. It’s because of her, always in my head.

At least the raging hard-on has subsided, and I can stand up. I need a walk. I’ll grab a coffee, then come back and try to finish up the last of this work before I head home.

Walking around the side of my desk towards my office door, I’m surprised by a visitor.

“Nestor, man, it’s good to see you,” he says, grabbing my hand and pulling me into a hug, slapping his hand against my back.

“Benedikt, I thought you were arriving tomorrow.”

“I had some free time, so figured I’d come down today and see if I could help with anything. But I stopped at the warehouse, and you have everything under control. A very impressive team.”

“We are fully prepped for tomorrow’s exchange. Your products arrived earlier in the week, and it’s all packed and good to ship.”

Benedikt smiles his usually charming grin and steps away from me, releasing me from his handshake.

I run San Francisco; Benedikt Karamazov runs Las Vegas. We hold the same power and position in the mafia, but in different cities. And because of that, we often have joint operations that run together, and some of our businesses are shared. It’s just how it works.

I respect the man, but that doesn’t mean I have to like him.

I don’tdislikehim. He’s given me no reason to do that. I guess it’s just a basic fact that in my line of work, you treat everyone with suspicion. He’s just one hell of an arrogant mother fucker.

I do trust Benedikt, though. We’ve worked together long enough.

“Listen, I heard about the attack on you last week. How are you? Is there anything I can do to help sort the situation out?” he asks, his jaw muscles feathering as he folds his arms across his chest.

“No, it’s nothing for you to worry about. I have it handled.”

“You sure? It’s no skin off my back to throw a few guys in your direction.”

I smile, nodding. “I’m sure. I’ve got it covered. Do you want to grab a drink later this week, after the shipments have gone off?”

“I can’t. I’m already booked for an event on Thursday, so I’m leaving the same day as we finish up. Next time, though.”

His offer to help is genuine. I appreciate it. But I know how Benedikt works, and he is not someone I want to owe any favors to—him or anyone else. I am perfectly capable of handling my own affairs.

There is a light knock at the office door, and we both turn towards it to find Lara standing there.

She’s wearing a gorgeous tight blue dress that matches the color of her eyes. She’s chosen blue high heels and her hair is braided over one shoulder. Benedikt’s smile spreads wide across his face.

“Who is this magnificent creature?” he asks with confidence as he walks towards her, holding his hand out.

I clench my jaw in annoyance.

It’s obvious he is smitten with her the moment he sees her.

“I’m Lara.” She smiles her sweet, perfect smile.

He takes her hand, and instead of shaking it, he holds it to his lips, and I envision ripping his eyes from his head.

“My name is Benedikt. Do you work here? Are you free tonight? Can I take you to dinner?”

Lara looks uncomfortable, but politely pulls her hand away. “I, um, I don’t work here.” She glances nervously towards me, her eyes almost pleading. She doesn’t want to be rude; she has no idea who this man is.

I walk to her side and wrap my hand around her waist, pulling her right up against me, and Benedikt takes a step back.

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