Page 22 of The Pakhan

He snuffed and glanced out the window. “I’m glad to see you’re up and around. Horrific what happened to you.”

“Oh, I’ve been up and around, just extremely busy with dozens of new diamond clients.” I knew that would perk his interest.

“That is excellent to hear, Vadim. I know your business was almost decimated after your attack and you and your father worked so hard to achieve your goals. l would hate for you to lose it altogether.”

“Oh, I assure you, Stefano. That’s not going to happen. You seem to forget I have an army of men to keep that from being the case. All highly trained. All very dangerous.”

“Yes, as all men in our position should have.”

I took another belt of my drink, noticing Aleksander was watching me intently.

“I agree completely.” Now the two most powerful men in the city were studying each other, as if drawing a line in the sand.

“Well, I wanted to offer you a greeting,” Stefano said as he rose to his feet. “Incidentally, if you’re looking for recommendations for a delicious meal, may I be forward enough to suggest the linguini with the red clam sauce.” He pressed his index finger and thumb together, kissing both. “Magnifico. The chef adds a very special ingredient no one else does inside this fine city.”

“I just may take you up on that,” I told him.

“Excellent. Enjoy your meal, gentlemen.” He started to turn away, even buttoning his suit jacket. But he turned back, his expression graver than before. “I don’t believe I need to tell you this, Vadim, as you’re a highly intelligent men but I suggest you find another Italian restaurant in the future. I mean our food is amazing, but I can’t honestly promise that you and whatever companion you bring will be safe. You understand. My men find Russians… deplorable. Pig-like, I think, is what they told me.”

“Mmm… Yes, I understand, Stefano, although that sounds mysteriously like a threat, which is something I know you wouldn’t dare offer a man sitting in one of your fine establishments. Still, duly noted. Just like I suggest when you take a vacation with your lovely wife, you don’t do it in Brighton Beach.”

He laughed. “Also duly noted and I wouldn’t dream of doing so. But I do appreciate the heads up. Please, enjoy your meal, compliments of the house.”

After giving me a nod of respect, he walked away and I did nothing more than sit back and enjoy my drink.

Aleksander finally let out the breath he was holding. “I will give you credit, Pakhan. You haven’t lost your touch. You know how to play a mean game of Russian roulette.”

“Yes, well, my father taught me well, but in this case, it’s more like tossing out the gauntlet or showing our weapons so to speak. He wants me dead. I want to destroy him. It’s simply going to be who tackles the task first.”

My phone buzzed, indicating an incoming text. I’d given Caroline the number for emergencies. Before I had a chance to look, another one came in. I tugged it into my hand, realizing there were two different texts from two different people.

When I glanced at the first one, I had to smile. The second one made me laugh.

“What is it?” my counselor asked.

“If you thought my guest was formidable, don’t ever cross my daughters. They arrived from Italy and are wondering why I have a new house guest. Sadly, we’ll need to take a raincheck from our friend.”

“Suits me just fine.”

There was something to be said about dealing with women that a lot of men couldn’t tolerate, even strong men.

When I arrived home, Sofiya and Caroline were already together, chatting outside by the pool as if nothing was going on. I watched them initially from the window in my office, shaking my head more than once. Sofiya’s text had been her usual gruff self.

What the hell happened with Caroline? You didn’t hurt her, did you? If you did, I will kill you myself, Father.

I did adore my daughters with everything I had and had taught both to be independent and speak their minds, but there were times I wished they were more demure, instead of taking every bull by the horns.

Speaking of taking the bull by the horns, I finally walked outside. Neither noticed me until I was only a couple of feet away.

“Daddy!” Sofiya jumped up, throwing her arms around my neck. “I missed you. Shocking given you’re a grumpy old man, but I did.”

I coughed in response and hugged her back, keeping my eyes on Caroline. She seemed slightly intimidated but if I didn’t know better, I’d say there was lust in her eyes. Something I’d need to shut down quickly.

“I have so many stories to tell you. Sorry Daniella left. She had some things to do.” Sofiya backed away, her face beaming.

“You mean she has a boyfriend to visit.”

Sofiya laughed. “You weren’t supposed to know about that.”

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