Page 23 of Tarnished Tyrant (Zhukova Bratva 1)

“In name only,” I remind him.And myself.

“You say that like it makes a huge difference,” Arslan scoffs. “Either way, you’re married. She’s going to live with you. You’ll wake up to—”

“An empty bed,” I say quickly. “She’ll have her own room. Maybe her own penthouse, even. If I’m lucky, I won’t have to see her much.”

“I wouldn’t count on that. You aren’t lucky.”

“Watch your mouth,” I snap.

“No, I’m serious,” he says. “Nothing you have came from luck, Nik. You worked for it. I know because I was there every step of the way.”

I wince. “You know what? You’re right. I’ve had to deal with you since I was seven. That’s bad luck if I’ve ever heard it.”

“Fuck you,sobrat.” He shoots me the double bird and chuckles. “But really, the two of us living next door to each other in the same shithole neighborhood isn’t luck. We made the best of a bad situation. We helped each other survive.”

“That’s what my marriage to Xena will be like. I’ll make the best of a bad situation.”

“Or you could… I don’t know,” Arslan shrugs. “You could call this whole thing off and marry someone you actually like.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Is Jessica turning you into a romantic?”

“Her name is Jennica,” he corrects. “And that woman’s pussy could turn even you into a simp.”

I make a mockery of clapping my hands to my cheeks. “Is that so? Call her up. Maybe I’ll give it a try.”

“You’re not funny.”

“Neither are you,” I say. “I don’t want to get married to Xena or anyone else. So I might as well get married to Xena and do something useful for the Bratva. Giorgos Simatou is an annoying fucker, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a useful connection to have.”

“So join a bowling league with him. Start a poker night. Don’t marry his crazy sister.”

“Why do you care, anyway? This will make your life easier. No more bribing dockworkers to get our shit onto the boats. You’re welcome.”

“I don’t mind doing that extra work if it means you’re free, brother.”

I jab a finger into my chest. “I am always free. Whether it’s Xena Simatou or any other woman on the face of the planet… it doesn’t change shit.”

“I know, I know. Believe me, I’ve heard the speech plenty.” Arslan nods. “But you’ve spent your life overcoming your family ties to become who you are. I hate to see you tie yourself to someone else who isn’t worthy.”

I reach out and clap a hand on Arslan’s shoulder. “You’re a good friend. But shut up and let me make my own decisions.”

He laughs. “Fine. I’ll just do your dirty work and keep my mouth closed.”

“Great. Finally we have an understanding. It only took thirty-one years.” I lean back, smirking. “Speaking of dirty work, you have eyes on The Lion still?”

Arslan nods. “Always. He’s getting harder to follow, but I found him over—”

I hold up a hand to stop him. “I don’t need to know specifics. I just need to know he’s under watch.”

“He is,” Arslan assures me. “And I’ll add Xena to the watchlist if you want.”

“Why would I want that?”

“Because it’s a list of people who might fuck up your life. I figured you’d want to keep an eye on them.”

I roll my eyes. “Thanks for your concern, but I’m the only person with the power to fuck up my life.”

Arslan sighs. “That is exactly what I’m worried about, friend.”

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