Page 21 of Embrace of the Russian Tiger

Nikolai raised his glass, swirling the amber liquid inside. “It’s been a long time.”

“Too long,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral.

Nikolai’s eyes gleamed, but before he could respond, he leaned back, his expression softening. “Maxim… about yoursister… about Katya. I know I never called. I am sorry for this. You know how I felt about her. She was like a sister to me, and when this happened, I felt like my whole world shattered. I should have been there for you.”

The mention of my sister’s name hit me like a punch to the gut, but I kept my face emotionless. Of course I remembered that he never called or showed up. How could I forget?

Nikolai continued, his voice quieter now, more nostalgic. “I still remember the last time I saw her. She was wearing that blue dress—her favorite, wasn’t it? And that necklace she always wore, the one with the little heart pendant. She was laughing about something… God, she was full of life.”

A muscle in my jaw twitched, but I remained silent. I didn’t need Nikolai bringing up memories I had long since buried. The loss of Katya had been the turning point for me—the moment I decided that emotions were a weakness I couldn’t afford. But hearing her name now, spoken by someone who had known her, it brought back a wave of pain I wasn’t prepared for.

Nikolai seemed to sense my discomfort, because he leaned forward again, his expression serious. “I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to think that I did not care. I cared too much and could not show up for you. I ran to the West Coast like a coward. Ran away from my pain and left you behind. I am so sorry.”

I clenched my fists under the table, willing myself to stay calm. “I appreciate the sentiment, Nikolai,” I said, my voice steady. “Yes, I remember her necklace. I was the one who gave it to her. I think one of the cops stole it when they were examining her body. But… There is no reason to dig in the past. All is good now. Truly. Katya wouldn’t want this for you or me. So, let’s move forward. You did not owe me a phone call. What is important is that her memory still lives with you and with me. Let’s cherish that. So, what actually brought you here?”

He chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. “Always straight to the point, aren’t you? You haven’t changed a bit.”

I didn’t respond, my gaze steady on his. I didn’t have time for games.

Nikolai sighed, leaning forward slightly, his expression turning serious. “Alright, I’ll get to the point then. Word on the street is that things aren’t as stable in your empire as they used to be. People are talking, Maxim. They’re saying you’re becoming… weaker. I came here to help you, for old times’ sake.”

My jaw clenched at his words, but I kept my expression neutral. “Nikolai. Are you not too sure of yourself, my old friend? What exactly did you hear?”

I glanced at Mikhail, who remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened. Nikolai was watching me closely, waiting for my reaction, but I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me rattled.

“There is a rumor going around that the great Maxim is losing influence with the Italians. One of my man reached out and told me that the Italians are now looking to merge with the Colombians. I can help with…”

“With… what? Your assistance?” I asked, keeping my tone cold.

Nikolai nodded, his smile returning. “Exactly. We have history, Maxim. You know I’ve always had your back. If things are starting to slip, I can help you regain control. We could join forces, make sure no one dares question your strength again. I have plenty of influence on the West Coast, and that can give you leverage.”

I stared at him for a long moment, the wheels in my mind turning. Nikolai was good—too good. He wasn’t doing this out of the goodness of his heart. He wanted something. But what?

“Interesting,” I said slowly, leaning forward slightly. “And what makes you think I need your help?”

Nikolai’s smile widened, but there was something darker behind it now. I took a slow, deliberate breath, keeping my gaze locked on his. “And what would you want in return?”

For a moment, something dark flickered in Nikolai’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “I figured you’d ask. I want a partnership. We go in 50/50. I will watch your back, and you will watch mine.”

“Nikolai, I appreciate our past friendship. I really do. I have nothing but fond memories. If you need help, you can always reach out to me. But I do not need your help. I say we have dinner now and have a few shots. But we won’t talk business. Are we clear?”

Nikolai’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but he recovered quickly, setting the glass down. “I see. Yes, Maxim.” His expression was unreadable as he regarded me carefully.

Nikolai chuckled softly, standing up and extending his hand. “You haven’t changed, Maxim. Not one bit.”

“Neither have you.Na zdorovie” I raised a shot of vodka, cheering to Nikolai’s health. To be honest, I could care less about his health or anyone else’s. But this was the game.

As the evening was ending and a bottle of vodka was chugged by Nikolai, he then said: “You know, Maxim, you will always be the Tiger. The Russian Tiger. Even as a teenager you were so different, and look at you now. I miss Katya every day. If she was alive, things would have been different.” His expression was angry.

Nikolai then got up and left , his bulky figure disappearing into the shadows outside the restaurant. The moment he was gone, I let out a slow breath, the tension in my chest loosening slightly.

Mikhail was silent beside me, his eyes still narrowed in thought.

“Something’s off,” he muttered, more to himself than to me.

I nodded. “I know. Find out what you can about the rumors he mentioned. I want to know who’s been talking.”

Mikhail glanced at me, his expression hard. “You think he’s planning something?”

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