Page 47 of Emerald Vices

“Because…” There’s a pause while Andrey thinks, and I’d give everything I own to see the look on his face right now. “Because out of everyone in this world, she matters the most to me.”

Bang. The words hit me like a gunshot. I clap a hand over my mouth as tears blur my vision.

Forcing myself away from the door, I stumble to my room. Andrey’s never said that to me before, and now, I realize why.

Because it doesn’t really change anything.

We each have our issues to sort through, and until we do, we’ll just be two people, eavesdropping on each other from opposite sides of a wooden door.

19

ANDREY

“How many routes have we secured?”

“Fourteen.” I can practically see the dollar bill signs reflected in Luca’s eyes every time he looks down at the route map we’ve spent the last two weeks perfecting. “I’ve got men stationed down all fourteen of them, ready to facilitate the drug shipments when they come through. We’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”

I take the map off the table and study it closely. Fourteen thick, red lines wind through the city.

Fourteen ways for drugs to flow in and money to flow out.

Fourteen ways for my Bratva to solidify our future.

Slapping the map back on the sticky tabletop, I point at route number seven. “I need this one taken off.”

Luca leans in to hear me over the thumping music of the club. “Route number seven is a strategic meeting point in and out of the Upper West Side.”

“So are routes two, five, and eleven. We can do without seven.”

Luca eyes me carefully. “May I ask why?”

“Personal reasons. I want it free of interference. That means no drugs and no threat of police activity.”

Luca’s eyes are bright with curiosity, but he has the sense not to push the issue. “Have you cleared it with Bujar and Cevdet?”

“Considering I’m the one running this operation, not to mention taking on most of the risk, I don’t see why any of the partners would have a problem with it.”

Luca raises his hands. “No, there’s no problem here. Only interest.”

“The only thing you should be interested in are the profits we’re going to make.”

It’s a successful carrot dangling in front of him. “Oh, believe me, Andrey, all I’ve been dreaming of for weeks is profit.” He cackles as he helps himself to another cigar. “Leave it to me. I’ll have the route cleared for you, no questions asked. We’ll talk again soon.”

After Luca leaves, Shura joins me for a cigar and a glass of whiskey. “Did he pry?”

“Of course; it’s Luca. But I managed to divert him. He’ll clear route seven.”

I decided early on that we needed a contingency plan on the off chance things went south and an all-out Bratva war breaks out. It’s the first time I’ve ever had to have one.

Then again—save for Maria—this is the first time I’ve had something to lose.

“Any word from the Brigadiers?”

“Silent as the night,” Shura confirms. “Yorick told me that they’ve severed ties with Slavik. They were a no-show at the last scheduled meeting and his calls have gone unanswered.”

I help myself to some more whiskey. News like that deserves a toast.

“Once this expansion is underway, he’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who will be willing to ally with him.”

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