Page 32 of Deadly Hands

“Recruiting?” Nikon’s fingers tensed against Reuben’s spine.

“Worse. He’s convincing them you’ve gone soft.” Alexei’s gaze shifted to Reuben. “No offense intended.”

“Because I’m the soft spot.” Reuben straightened, shrugging off Nikon’s touch. Both brothers turned to look at him. “That’s what this is about, isn’t it? Andrey thinks Nikon’s compromised because of me.”

“Partially.” Alexei settled onto one of the bar stools. “Though I suspect it has more to do with Andrey’s own... proclivities. He’s always been the most volatile of us.”

“You mean he’s always been a psychopath,” Reuben muttered.

“Reuben.” There was a warning in Nikon’s voice.

“What? Am I wrong?” Reuben turned to face him fully. “Your brother tried to have me killed because what—he thinks you’re getting too attached? Because God forbid you might actually care about someone?”

“It’s more complicated than that.” Alexei’s voice carried a note of sympathy. “Our world operates on very specific rules. Attachment equals vulnerability. Vulnerability equals weakness.”

“And weakness gets exploited.” Reuben’s fingers found the bruise on his collarbone—Nikon’s mark. “Yup, I got the memo.”

“Which is why,” Nikon cut in, “you’ll be moving to the townhouse today. Alexei will arrange—”

“No.”

The word hung in the air between them. Both brothers stared at him.

“No,” Reuben repeated, stronger this time. “I’m not going to hide away in some safe house while Andrey tries to tear apart everything you’ve built. I won’t be the weak link he uses against you.”

“This isn’t up for discussion.” Nikon’s voice had gone dangerously soft.

“It is.” Reuben met his gaze. “You just told me you love me. That I’m not temporary. So either you meant that, and I’m your partner in this, or you didn’t, and I’m just another asset to be protected.”

Alexei made a small sound that might have been approval. Nikon shot him a glare.

“You could die.” Nikon’s words came out rough. “If you stay visible, Andrey will try again.”

“Maybe.” Reuben stepped closer, reaching up to trace the tense line of Nikon’s jaw. “But I’m good at what I do. I can spot threats, read people’s intentions. And more importantly, I canhelp you track whatever Andrey’s planning through the poker rooms. Your brother’s not the only one who can play politics.”

“He’s right.” Alexei twirled his hand in the air thoughtfully. “Andrey’s men frequent the card tables. They talk. Drink. Make mistakes. And no one reads people better than your boy.”

Nikon remained silent, jaw working beneath Reuben’s fingers.

“Let me help you,” Reuben pressed. “I’m not gonna hide away.”

Something shifted in Nikon’s expression—pride warring with fear. His hand came up to cover Reuben’s, where it rested against his face.

“If you stay, you follow my security protocols. No exceptions.”

“Agreed.”

“And you will move in here.” Nikon’s grip tightened. “I need to know where you are. That you’re safe.”

Reuben shrugged, a small grin on his face. “Agreed.”

“Well,” Alexei interrupted, taking a moment to smooth his already perfect suit, “while this is all very touching, we have more immediate concerns. Andrey’s called a family meeting for tonight.”

Nikon’s expression hardened. “Where?”

“The restaurant.” Alexei’s voice held a touch of irony. “He’s insisting on neutral ground.”

Nikon went still. “Neutral ground,” he repeated, each word precise and cold.

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