Page 77 of Mafia Target

“And I would like to know what you are doing on my yacht.”

“It has nothing to do with you. I didn’t know you were here before I stepped on board.”

His expression remained unchanged. “A coincidence. Is that it?”

“I did not choose to come to your yacht.”

“And Ravazzani? Does he know who I am?”

So he discovered Giulio’s identity, as well. “He knows.”

Nikolai tapped his fingers on the wood, restless energy crackling off his large frame. “I could kill you, yes? Put a bullet in your head and let the sharks have you.”

It was what I feared he would do. There was nothing stopping him. Except Theo. Hopefully. “And what would your luchik say about that?”

A muscle jumped in Nikolai’s jaw and I let out a silent breath of relief. Theo meant something to this Russian. Which gave me a small bit of leverage.

“My only goal is to keep Giulio safe,” I said quietly. “I don’t care about your secret or your relationship with Theo. As soon as I discover who tried to kill Giulio in Scotland, I will leave to go kill them.”

“And his father?”

“Does not know where we are.” I decided to give Nikolai a little peace of mind. “Giulio refuses to involve his father. He doesn’t want to put the rest of his family in danger.”

“Why should I take your word for it?”

“Because I don’t lie. And my business is keeping secrets.”

He watched me thoughtfully. “This matches what I have learned about you, that you can be trusted. I spoke to Alexi.”

Alexi Zaitsev. A Russian oligarch and former client. I killed his brother-in-law in Warsaw three years ago.

I said nothing. I wasn’t going to admit knowing Alexi or give information about the nature of the contract away.

“You will do a favor for me,” Nic declared, his jaw firm and unyielding.

I didn’t like it. But what could I say? Giulio’s well-being depended on this man at the moment. If I said no, what was to stop him from carrying out the shark threat and making up a lie to tell Theo?

I dipped my chin. “You have my word.”

“Don’t you want to know what it is?”

“Are you giving me a choice?”

“No.”

“Then it is pointless to discuss it. I will give you the name and number of my assistant. You schedule it through her. And I have a request of my own.”

“You presume to bargain with me?”

I held up my palms apologetically. “The sooner we discover which Sicilians want him dead, the sooner we leave. Do you have an untraceable laptop I can borrow to do some digging?”

He considered this, running a hand over his jaw. “I will do you one better. But you must agree to another favor.”

Two assassinations? Madonna, this Russian didn’t know when to quit.

Before I could answer, he said, “It’s not another job. I don’t want—” He glanced toward the deck, where Theo and Giulio were sunbathing. “I don’t want him to know. You and Ravazzani can’t tell him. Ever.”

Merda. Giulio wouldn’t like that. He was loyal to his friend. “That is a big favor. How do I know what you offer in exchange is worth it?”

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