Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75814 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“Hmph. He didn’t even glance at me,” Katya complains.
“Take it easy on my cousin,” Galina mutters. “He’s working.”
“Oh, the two of you are family?” I ask as I glance between them.
“We’re cousins-in-law,” Katya explains, then she gestures at Vera. “And we’re sisters.”
“The Bratva consists of a tight-knit group,” Galina informs me. “Outsiders don’t understand our world.”
Marina comes back to get me, and excusing myself, I once again do my rounds, trying to memorize as much as possible about the women I’m meeting.
By the time the guests start leaving, I’m dead on my feet and regret choosing to wear high heels.
Katya hangs back to ask, “If you’re not busy next week, would you like to go out for lunch? I know a cute bistro that serves the freshest baked bread you’ll ever taste. It’s to die for.”
“Anastasia will check her schedule and let you know,” Marina answers for me, which makes me frown.
Shaking my head, I say, “I don’t need to check anything. I’d love to have lunch with you. Send me the day and time, and I’ll be there.”
“Great!”
As Katya walks to the front door, Marina mutters, “You said yes too quickly. Telling them you have to check your schedule shows them you’re busy as the pakhan’s wife and your time is valuable.”
I’m so over the lessons for today and just nod and smile, but as soon as she’s done, I say, “With that done, I’m taking a well-deserved break. Thank you for all your help. I really appreciate it.”
Pulling my shoes off in the foyer, I go barefoot up the stairs so I can soak in a long hot bath.
Rodian
Done checking the final crate, I order, “Pack everything and get the trucks on the road.” I pull my phone out as I walk to the exit of the warehouse and dial Constantin’s number.
It almost goes to voicemail before he answers, “Dragomir.”
“It’s Rodian. I’m calling to let you know Atanas’ shipment is en route to you.”
“My guy at the border will be ready. How’s my order coming along?”
“It will be done by Tuesday, but I’ll wait a week between shipments, so we don’t draw attention at the border.”
“That works for me.” I hear a little girl’s voice, then he mutters, “Rodian, give me a second.”
“Sure.” I stop by the Rolls-Royce and glance over the deserted area where the warehouse is located while I wait.
“What’s wrong, my precious girl?” Constantin asks.
“I-I was brushing… my baby’s hair... and her head fell off,” the little one cries, making my heart squeeze in my chest.
There’s movement, then he uses a loving tone I haven’t heard before as he says, “There, all fixed. I’m almost done, then we’ll go to the park. Go put on your shoes.”
“Okay, Daddy.”
There’s a moment where nothing happens before he returns to his usual clipped tone as he says, “I’m back. I’m sending through another order today. I’d appreciate it if you could get it done as fast as possible.”
Frowning, I ask, “Are you preparing for a war none of us know about?”
“Something like that,” he grumbles.
“You need backup?”
“Not yet.”
“Just let me know when and where, and I’ll be there.” Curious, I can’t stop myself from asking, “You have a kid?”
“Yes.”
His brusque answer draws a chuckle from me. “One day I’ll get you to talk more.”
“Don’t start. Atanas is already a pain in my ass,” he mutters. “Talk later.”
When he ends the call, I open the passenger door and get into the SUV.
“Where to?” Andrei asks, already waiting behind the steering wheel.
“The office.”
Now that we have the manufacturing of weapons up and running, I’m looking into expanding into steel fabrication, foundries, and metal processing. It makes sense to start producing more of the materials we need for weapons.
While I have a second, I send Anastasia a text.
Rodian: How did the tea party go?
She reads the message almost immediately, then three dots appear.
Anastasia: It actually went very well. I met Sergei’s wife. She’s really nice, and we have a lunch date for next week.
I glance at Andrei. “Anastasia is going to have lunch with Katya next week. Will you mind taking over from Sergei for an hour or two? I don’t want to put him in a position where he has to choose between his own wife and mine.”
“No problem,” my friend answers without thinking twice.
Rodian: That’s good. Andrei will guard you during that outing.
Anastasia: Why? Where will Sergei be?
Rodian: He will be with me because his first instinct will be to protect Katya. Andrei will guard you.
Anastasia: Okay.
Rodian: See you later, moya krasavitsa. I love you.
Anastasia: Be safe. Love you!
Tucking my phone away, I rest my elbow on the door and rub over my beard that’s in desperate need of a trim.
“Constantin is sending through another order,” I mention to my underboss. “I think he’s getting ready for some serious action.”