Page 53 of Tainted Empire

He feints to the left, then strikes to the right. “‘Rabotat’ means to work, but in our circles, it’s more... sinister. It means to take someone out.”

I parry his next move, filing away the information. “What else?”

“ ‘Krysha’ means roof, but it also refers to protection,” he explains, his movements never slowing. “If someone says they’re your ‘krysha’, they’re your shield against trouble.”

“‘Shadow’ isn’t just a lack of light, either. It’s someone who moves unseen, a gatherer of secrets,” he says, blocking my kick effortlessly.

I absorb his words, trying to keep up with his pace. “And ‘ice’? I’ve heard that term before,” I ask, ducking under his arm.

“It’s not just frozen water. ‘Ice’ is diamonds, currency in many deals. There’s also black market trading, but that’s something else entirely,” he explains, his moves forcing me to stay alert.

Every fall teaches me something new, every block a lesson in resilience. “And what about ‘ghost’? Mikhail has used this before. Is it just someone who’s good at disappearing?” I query, feeling a new bruise forming.

“A ‘ghost’ is someone erased from all records, untraceable. Dangerous in our line of work,” he responds, pushing me to my limits.

As soon as he says this, I think about Devon’s family, but I push it out of my mind.

The training is intense, and I’m pushed to my limits. But with each fall, I learn something new, something vital. Alexei is relentless, his mantra clear – no one will go easy on me, especially not men larger than me.

Despite the intensity of the training, I find myself growing stronger, more confident.

“No one’s going to go easy on you, especially not men larger than you. I may be your bodyguard, but right now I’m someone who is out to hurt you,” Alexei states, his tone serious. “You need to be prepared, always.”

“Thanks, Alexei,” I say, panting slightly. “I appreciate you not holding back.”

As the session ends, I’m exhausted but invigorated. I’ve been thrown, pinned, and taught in equal measure. I understand now, more than ever, the importance of being prepared, of knowing how to hold my own.

“Good session, Mrs. Baranova,” Alexei says, approvingly. “You’re learning fast. Keep it up.”

“Same time tomorrow?” I ask, laying down on the mat like a starfish and he chuckles.

“I’ll be here tomorrow to hand your ass to you again,” he responds with a chuckle, tossing a towel my way. “Have a bath in some Epsom salts tonight. You’ll need it.”

“Cocky bastard,” I mutter under my breath, but I can’t help smiling as I sit up, grabbing the towel.

Alexei laughs as he heads for the door, then pauses, turning back to me. “Oh, and Viktor’s in the armory. He’s waiting to teach you more about weapons the way he specializes in. You’re not done for the day yet.”

I sat up, surprised. “Viktor? Really?” The thought of handling guns under Viktor’s tutelage is both intimidating and exhilarating.

“Yes. He’s the best we have when it comes to firearms. You’ll learn a lot. But be warned, he’s as relentless as they come,” Alexei says, grinning. “Just don’t shoot him, okay? We still need him around.”

I stand up, rolling my shoulders back. “No promises,” I reply, the hint of a challenge in my tone.

Alexei laughs, a sound that echoes slightly in the empty gym, and then he’s gone. I take a moment to gather myself before heading to the armory.

The armory is a different world compared to the gym. The smell of oil and metal fills the air, and the walls are lined with an array of firearms. Viktor is there, leaning against a table filled with various firearms. His presence is imposing, his knowledge of weapons evident in the way he handles a gun as I enter.

Lee taught me the basics, but from what Mikhail has said, Viktor was military, so I’ll be learning something different from him.

He looks up. “Ready to learn something new, Mrs. Baranova?” he asks, a slight smirk on his face.

I walk over to the table, my gaze running over the guns. “Absolutely. I’m all ears, Viktor.”

He starts by showing me the basics – the different types of guns, how to load and unload, the safety mechanisms. His explanations are thorough, and I listen intently, absorbing every word, even if Lee explained the basics to be already.

“Now, let’s get you shooting,” Viktor says, handing me a handgun. “We’ll start with something small caliber.”

I nod, determined to show no intimidation. “Let’s do it, but don’t go easy on me.”

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