Page 141 of Sinful Blaze

Mak folds his arms and grimaces. “I know exactly what you mean. Everything he says checks out, but…”

“Exactly. But.”

We share a knowing look before returning to the rest of the group. Arlo sees us approaching, holds up a finger, and wraps up his phone call. “Apologies, Pasha. That was my son, checking in on how things are going here.”

I figure that’s as good of an entry point into this man’s mind as any. “And how are they going?”

He smiles. “We’d like to offer a contract. A renewal of an old one, rather. We may have been estranged, but your father and I remained allies despite the distance.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Sofi glancing at Mak. They’re both suspicious of this supposed friend of our father’s, who has always been an ally but never bothered to show up.

Where was he when all hell broke loose?

Better yet—where was he before? When we needed him, someone, anyone, to step in and put Kostya back in his place?

“I’m all ears.” I nod at Sofi to start taking notes.

Only an idiot wouldn’t be able to pick up on our suspicion, and Arlo is clearly not an idiot. He eyes us with a warmth I’m not entirely comfortable with and nods. “We have five warehouses Stateside with weapons and ammunition we’re eager to offload. All new, all verified and tested, all ready to hand over to you for half the markup you’re getting from these other suppliers. And, with a continued agreement, we’ll keep supplying you at the same rates and expedited shipping.”

If I smelled a rat before, it reeks of rodent now.

What does he gain in return for all this?

“One thing we ask, before we dive in.” He thumbs through his phone until he finds the right picture, then holds it up for me to take a look. “There’s a mudak in your city causing us more problems than he’s worth. Find him, bring him to me, and consider our contract signed.”

I’m no one’s errand boy, and he knows that. “Take a few of my men. Find him yourself.”

“I could. But I don’t know this place half as well as you do. Find him for me, and we’ll throw in an extra few million dollars as a bonus.”

“I thought you said he’s not worth much.”

Arlo shrugs. “He isn’t. But you are. Your Bratva is. I know this game all too well—you need to make sure I’m good on my word and trustworthy as an ally. I need to know the same about you.” He gestures to Mak. “Send your brother to my warehouse. I’ll give the tour myself, so he can verify I have what we’ve promised.”

“How much are we talking? In that bonus.”

“Fifty million.”

Well… shit.

I don’t need the money. I’ve already recouped my loss from burning that painting and then some, so there’s nothing to refill in terms of finances.

But the thought of my daughter is what makes me hold back from scoffing in his face. Fifty million dollars is more money to ensure my baby girl is never in need of anything, no matter what happens to me.

Or, God forbid, should anything happen to her mother.

“Done.” I exchange a look with Mak, who nods and begins to coordinate with Arlo’s men. “As soon as Makari confirms everything, you’ll have your man.”

Arlo flashes me a wide grin. Whether it’s that of a friend or a wolf in sheep’s clothing, I’m still not quite sure.

“Fantastic,” he says. “I’m looking forward to it.”

So am I, Arlo Fedorov. So am I.

53

DAPHNE

I glance at the clock for the twentieth time in the last ten minutes and silently beg it to go faster. Shockingly, it does not comply.

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