Page 131 of Break Me
Grinning, I rolled down the street to try to find a parking spot, casually glancing at the remains of the building that had been partially saved by Halle and her firefighters. What goes around comes around. “She knows my intentions.”
“So damn romantic of you. There’s a space right there to park.”
“Not in front of the fire hydrant. You should know better than that.”
He laughed. “She’s the one. Perfect for you. A girl who can keep you in line. By the way, Bristol found the perfect companion. You should talk to her when we’re finished.”
“I’ll do that.” When I was parked and out of the car, I pulled my briefcase into my hand, still smiling.
“Do you have the contract?” Mikhail asked and buttoned his jacket.
“Oh, I do. And a special pen.”
I unbuttoned my jacket while Mario and Vladimir joined us. They would remain at the front.
There was no need to knock. As I’d done several times before, I simply opened the door and Mikhail and I walked inside.
The Papadakis brothers were obviously expecting Liam and whoever else he usually brought with him, both men standing with their faces highlighting their surprise.
“What are you fucking doing here?” Viktor asked.
I shifted my jacket, showing them I was armed. I knew the trick of having a weapon attached under the table. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Viktor. As a matter of fact, Liam O’Leary made that mistake right after he confessed to doing your dirty work and torching my house. He also mentioned that I was supposed to die in that fire.”
Petros managed to toss a single look at his brother.
“Let me give you a tip,” I continued. “Don’t hire a conman to become an arsonist. It never works. Especially when you have the city’s best firefighter on duty.”
“What the fuck do you want?” Petros finally found his voice.
I turned toward Mikhail, allowing him to explain while I pulled out a fresh contract and the pen I’d brought with me.
“We’re here to offer you a deal,” Mikhail said.
Viktor snorted. “The time for deals is done.”
After placing the contract on the table, I gingerly placed the pen in the center. “I think you’ll want to read it. The terms are lucrative and in continuing a partnership with us, you will both remain alive.”
“If not,” Mikhail added, “then we’ll be forced to destroy your entire business. But that’s up to you.”
We took a step back, knowing exactly how the two would respond. Viktor simply shoved the contract to the edge of the table.
Sighing, I shrugged for effect. “Why don’t we leave the contract with these fine gentlemen and give them a little time to discuss.”
Mikhail pulled back, taking a few seconds as if thinking it over. “Fine. If you don’t have the contract returned signed to us within twenty-four hours, we’ll need to have a different discussion.”
Since the two men were at a disadvantage and they knew it, they didn’t attempt to retaliate. But left alone too long, they would.
Viktor snorted. “Fine. We’ll think about your kind offer.”
“You do that. Keep the pen,” I told them, sliding it forward while pushing in the plunger for ease of use. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”
As suspected, we were able to walk outside without issue, taking long strides toward where I’d parked, which was just far enough away.
“Is Halle working today?” Mikhail asked while I checked my watch.
“Nope. I required her to take the day off.”
“A good thing since her engine company would be called to the scene.”
