Page 138 of Corrupted Heart

Around us, the other blackjack players shrug as they collect their chips and stand from the table. I clear my throat, sitting back in my chair with my arms folded over my chest.

“Lukas,” I growl quietly with a nod at the man clad in a black suit with a black shirt, buttoned all the way up but without a tie.

He leans back in his chair, drumming his fingers on the table. “What are you doing in my casino, Kratos.”

I arch a brow. “I was under the impression that this was Dima Novikov’s casino.”

“On paper, sure.” His fingertips walk across the green baize of the card table. “So again, Kratos. What exactly are you doing here?”

“Blackjack, mainly. I hear it’s the best odds for the player.”

He looks the opposite of amused.

“Is that a problem, Lukas?”

“No,” he murmurs. “But you don’t gamble.”

“You don’t know that.”

He smiles. “Actually, I do.”

I could argue, but we’re talking Lukas here. I might be good at stalking and hunting for prey or information. But Lukas Komarov is on another level.

“Because I like and respect you, let me make this clear for you, Kratos,” he murmurs quietly, leaning forward. “Trust me when I say the usual mayhem you’re looking for when you go out at night will not be found here. Drinks? Yes. Degenerate gamblers? Also yes. And I’m not gonna lie to you, you’ll probably find fantastic cocaine and pretty much any other poison you might be partial to, if you ask the right people.” His smile fades. “But my concern is that you’re after your usual choice in vices, which matches my own. If you’re looking for that here, you’re wasting your time.”

I shake my head. “I’m not looking for traffickers.”

“What, then.”

“I’m here to right a wrong.”

“Personal?”

“You could say that. Someone hurt someone I care about.” My pulse drums. “Someone I love.”

Lukas’ brow furrows. “And the nature of this wrong?”

“Sexual assault.”

His face goes grim. “Really,” he growls.

I nod. “He likes to gamble, and he’s in deep tonight…” I level a gaze across the table at Lukas. “And I’m not leaving without taking care of this. But I also didn’t realize this was your place. So, for the trouble, I can pay?—”

“I don’t want your money, Kratos.”

“Then I’ll be in your debt for a favor.”

He shakes his head. “Not that either.”

Lukas rises from his seat, buttoning his black suit jacket. He walks around the table and drops a hand on my shoulder heavily as he leans close.

“Just try not to make a mess,” he murmurs quietly. “Happy hunting, my friend.”

Great minds think alike.

I stand from the table, pocketing my hefty winnings and stopping by the bar for a drink. I sip the whiskey slowly, eyeing the poker table across the room. Tim is spiraling, I can see it from here. He shoves his fingers through his greasy, thinning hair, looking nervous. The dealer flips the river, and I can almost hear Tim’s stomach hitting the floor from here. He’s just lost more money.

I wait until he stands on wobbly feet. He slams back his drink and turns to stagger toward the restroom.

---