Page 26 of Brutal Unionn
I glance up.
“This is… delicious,” I say sincerely, surprised at how much I mean it. “Thank you, Matsumoto-sama.”
Takeda inclines his head in acknowledgment, his eyes resting on me for a beat longer than necessary.
“It is a tea for those who know patience,” he replies. “A quality I hope we all share.”
“We do,” I nod. “I do not want to take much of your time Matsumoto-sama, but as I take over the Bratva, there are many that do not want to do business with me. I am coming to you to see your intentions.”
Takeda takes his own measured sip, then places the cup down with a practiced grace. His eyes remain on me as he speaks.
“The alliance your father forged with our organization still holds value,” he says in English, though his cadence is precise—measured like every word is an instrument of control. “Despite his… absence, the Bratva remains a necessary partner, even with you as the leader. Trade routes, financial networks, weapons distribution—all stable, all profitable.”
Aleksandr nods. “Then we are aligned in purpose.”
Takeda glances between us. “Stability, however, cannot exist alongside uncertainty. And Boris Petrov’s disappearance, aided by one of our own, has created uncertainty.”
There it is. The first real blow. I suck in a breath.
“We believe the Yakuza knows where he is,” I say, keeping my tone even. “We want his location.”
Takeda leans back slightly. “Do you? Or does the daughter seek closure?”
My jaw tenses, but I don’t flinch. “Both.”
A beat of silence. Then Takeda lifts one hand subtly. Matsuda Kenji steps forward from the shadows, voice slick as oil.
“Boris’s location is not without cost,” he says. “We have not forgotten the betrayal. You align yourself with a wanted man, Sho Matsumoto aided in the release of a man who killed your mother and destabilized both our empires.”
“He was supposed to be traded for Boris, not attack you.” Aleksandr’s voice is low. “Sho acted alone.”
“So did Judas,” Kenji replies smoothly.
Takeda raises a hand again, and Kenji steps back. The room settles.
“Last night,” Takeda says, eyes sharp on me now, “Sho Matsumoto was seen leaving the Kitano district. You were seen minutes before. Same block. Same surveillance feed.”
I don’t respond. “There are whispers that he is your… companion.”
“He’s not,” I say quickly, firmly, despite the words burning on my tongue. “We have an acquaintance.”
Takeda’s gaze doesn’t waver. “Then use that…acquaintanceship to your advantage.”
Aleksandr cuts in. “What is it you want?”
Takeda clasps his hands in front of him.
“Surrender Sho Matsumoto to us. In return, we will provide the exact location of Boris Petrov. We will consider the slate clean, and the alliance will remain intact. No retaliation. No war.”
“You know the exact location of Boris?” I question, my eyes narrowing as I lean in forward.
“He ran to us, after he was denied entry in Russia.” Takeda nods, leaning back. “Your father has many allies in Japan. We just haven't felt the need to get him, as he doesn’t have much value to us until now.”
I look over at Aleksandr, but his eyes stay locked on Takeda. “Do we have a deal?”
Aleksandr’s silence beside me is thunderous. I know he wants to say yes. I know what I’m supposed to say.
But Takeda is still watching me—waiting to see if my heart will get in the way of my crown.
