Page 120 of Nemesync
I exhaled sharply, feeling my features softening from relief. After the meal, we just sat in his living room, and the conversation changed to important and urgent topics again.
“We need more about Naevio’s father’s place. Especially the security. It’s our biggest problem now,” I said, leaning forward.
Zanae nodded, already deep in thought, “Last time, during the mission, when I overheard the men saying that Lukas was hiding here for the first time and avoiding official events, I started checking out the mansion’s layout. With the right timing and if we find a way to exploit the weak points, we might have a shot, but there’s still this ‘alarm’ thing, we need to figure out how to shut them off before entering.”
“About the other woman, it’s like she’s a ghost. Couldn’t find a thing for now, but I’m still on it.”
Nikolai’s concern filled his eyes, “I checked with our men, gave them the picture but nothing came out, I’ll try with some of our contacts.”
Zanae suggested with her soft voice, “I could check with mine, those who still have ties with my father. Maybe they know something about her.”
I shot her a soft smile, “If they can help, go for it.”
Nikolai observed us, a little smile on his mouth, “I knew you could be the greatest team if you just stopped trying to kill each other. Now, Eli has a soft spot for you Zanae, that’s sweet.”
“Aren’t you the one calling her Little Z?” I teased.
Niko grinned, “Aren’t you the one calling herMilaya?”
I kept it cool and smirked at his remark, but Zanae was confused, and he continued, “Not that I don’t like this nickname, Little Z is still better, just saying though.”
I played along, “You kept calling meMilyuntil we were like 18, I couldn’t resist using it again Niko.”
Nikolai grinned, “You’ll always beMily.”
Zanae looked at us perplexed and said, “Now I’m puzzled.”
I almost lost myself in the memories of our past. The kids, the Pakhan, the Don and their Consigliere.
I had to grow up fast, and he had to move on quickly. Ben had to be alone for a long time and always supported us. We built everything together, and I know I might not say it as often as Ineed to, but I would never have survived if it weren’t for Niko and Ben.
Niko laughed, bringing me back to earth and spoke again, “There’s something else.”
“Go on,” I said.
“The Zennites have this ball every four months. We missed three because of you, Elijah, do you remember?”
Oh, hell no.
I know where this is going.
Without any answer Niko continued, “The thing is we’re the fucking leaders of this coalition and we’re never at these events, this time we have to go. Plus, Benny threatened us into coming with him this year. He hates being there alone.”
Yeah, we let him go to represent us at those meetings, but I guess now we have to go too. But not without my obsession.
I turned to Zanae, serious, and not even thinking about another option. Why would I? I told her I’d be her shadow and I will.
“You’re coming with us.”
Nikolai added, his tone a bit conflicted, “They’re all pretty conservative. A Lebanese heiress might not sit well.”
“Isn’t it perfect that we’re the leaders, then? If I want her there, who’s going to say something?”
Is it very unfavorable for my image to come with the enemy heiress? Certainly. But I couldn’t find fucks to give.
I know I’m not thinking logically and rationally with this decision, but there’s nothing rational about what I feel about this woman so fuck it.
Zanae waved at us and said, “Hey, I’m right here! Plus, I can’t go, I don’t have the right dress, and I don’t want to cause trouble if it’s not okay, I understand.”
