Page 60 of Runaway Queen

I met old Artur in a Russianbanyain Brighton Beach. The timing couldn’t have been better, as I needed a favor from him. It was time to see if his prowess with explosives was all he made it out to be.

“I didn’t know you lived in New York,” I said to the older man.

“Here, there, everywhere is home for thevory v zakone. I came to visit my brother’s widow and heard you got out. A happy coincidence.”

“You heard from who?” My frown deepened as Artur waved his hand vaguely.

“You think you can get out and not make waves. In this city, there is only one Nikolai Chernov. You are known, Niko. You should be more careful. You’re the kind of name that lesser men would love to test their mettle against.”

“They’re welcome to try.”

Artur let out a bark of laughter, slapping my bare shoulder. “Spoken like a man with nothing to lose.”

His words hit me in the gut. Was I still a man with nothing to lose? No. As soon as I’d known she might be alive, I’d had something to lose. Now, I had everything.

“Well, I don’t plan on hanging out in the Russian community, or New York even. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“You won’t dabble in bratva business with your brother? You’re just here for a visit?”

I considered my answer as we stripped off for the sauna. I picked up a small towel and wrapped it around my hips. Heading through the swinging double doors into the steamy, balsam-scented air, I breathed deeply, enjoying the heat.

“I don’t plan on staying.”

“Are you going traveling or looking for someone? The one who got away?”

Artur’s knowing tone sent me turning toward him. Unease rippled through me. I didn’t want anyone knowing that I’d found Sofia. Fuck, I didn’t want anyone knowing about Sofia, period. She was mine to do what I wanted with, when I wanted. I wouldn’t allow anyone to stand in my way.

Artur chuckled and dropped the subject, moving toward a wide wooden bench along the wall. He patted the space beside him. “Sit, Niko, don’t worry, I’m not going to ask you to tell me your secrets. I want you to meet some people.”

Settling beside Artur, I peered into the steam. Meet some people? Here? I hadn’t imagined that the meeting I’d been waiting for would happen while I was naked in a sauna.

Shapes gradually shifted into view. There were three other men in the banya. Every single one a powerful-looking Russian, judging by the tattoos. I took stock of the ink, assessing the position of each man as I went. Stars on the shoulders and knees denoted rank, as did the epaulets of a general on each shoulder.

They were high up in thevory v zakone. This was my official introduction.

“Nikolai Viktorovich,” the one who sat in the middle said, his deep voice sinking through my bones.

I nodded toward them, knowing there was a very real possibility that I wouldn’t walk out of this room alive.

“Artur, this is the man you think should bevor?” The same man spoke again.

Artur nodded beside me. “He is worthy of keeping the code. A man of honor, who understands our way of life. He would be a strongvor.”

“And what do you have to say about it, Nikolai Viktorovich?”

“I’ve never asked to bevor,” I started.

The man to the right tutted. “It is not something to be asked for, it is something to be bestowed. Knights are chosen by the kings. The question now is, are you worthy, like Artur Ivanovich believes you to be?”

“We’ve watched you, we are happy with your judgment. You conducted yourself with dignity in prison and upheld the code. Getting out early was your brother’s doing, and I wouldn’t say he cooperated with law enforcement, as much as corrupted it. For me, you deserve the marks ofvor.”

The third man, silent until now, finally spoke. “Do you know the code of thevor?”

“I do.” The principles of thevory v zakonecame naturally to me.

The three men exchanged glances, and the middle one slapped a hand to his bare knee.

“Very well, Nikolai Viktorovich. Your past speaks for itself, your conduct is worthy, and you aren’t eager for the title to be bestowed upon you, refusing to lie or barter for the honor. That is the mark of a man who can carry the title ofvorwith honor.”

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