Page 35 of Deadly Hands

“Quiet.” Grigorii signaled to his men. They appeared silently, flanking Andrey’s chair. “You’ve lost the right to explanations.” Grigorii nodded at the men, who then began to lead Andrey away.

A few tense minutes later, Grigorii broke the silence. “A moment, before you leave.” His voice stopped Nikon and Reuben as they moved to stand. “Reuben, walk with me.”

From the terrace, city lights sparkled below; a million-dollar view that had likely hosted many dark dealings.

Grigorii offered a cigarette. Reuben shook his head.

“You know why I showed you this tonight?” Grigorii lit his own cigarette, the flame briefly illuminating the scars on his hands.

“To show what happens to traitors,” Reuben said quietly.

“That boy was family.” Grigorii’s voice held no warmth. “My second cousin. Andrey’s favorite cousin.” He exhaled smoke intothe night air. “Blood means nothing without loyalty. And you, Reuben–you’ve come between Nikon and his brothers.”

Reuben stayed silent, feeling the weight of Grigorii’s cold assessment.

“But Nikon has chosen. And when he chooses, he’s immovable.” Grigorii turned to face him fully. “So now you are family, too. Just like that boy was family.”

The threat hung in the air between them, clear as the city lights below. Grigorii’s departing pat on Reuben’s shoulder felt like a brand of ownership — or a mark for execution.

When they were finally alone outside the restaurant, Nikon pulled Reuben close, feeling the slight tremors that betrayed his emotional state. “What did he say to you out there?”

“That I’m family now.” Reuben’s fingers traced the line of Nikon’s jaw, finding comfort in the texture of his skin. “Whether I like it or not.”

“And do you? Like it?” The question carried layers of meaning, weeks of unspoken fears and desires.

Reuben weighed the dark realities of the Matvei family; a young man’s death, Andrey’s struggle with drugs, the constant violence. Yet there was also Nikon’s fierce protection, his unwavering devotion, and the gentle way he held Reuben last night like something so precious.

“I chose this,” he said finally. “Just like you chose me. Maybe that’s what family really means.”

Reuben leaned in to nuzzle Nikon’s neck, his words half-muffled by the warm pulse point under his lips. “Take me home.”

Epilogue - Three Months Later

The soft tap of Reuben’s fingers against the conference table glass was a movement so subtle most would miss it. But Nikon caught it through the one-way mirror, just as he caught the calculated pause before Reuben’s next words to the Macau delegation.

“The house rake seems high.” Mr. Zhou’s English carried the faintest hint of an accent. His gold watch caught the light as he shuffled the contract pages.

Tap. Tap. Pause.

Blood rushed in Nikon’s ears. Six months ago, that soft tapping would have betrayed fear. But now, it was a hunter’s rhythm.

“For a standard poker room, yes.” Reuben’s fingers traced his water glass rim - the gesture that always preceded a trap. “But you’re not buying into a standard poker room.”

The door clicked behind Nikon. He recognized Alexei’s distinctive gait before his brother’s reflection appeared in the glass.

“Reuben appears to be getting better at this.” Alexei’s cellphone cast a blue glow on his face. “The way he led Zhou right to the security protocols without mentioning our name once? Beautiful.”

A muscle ticked in Nikon’s jaw. “He’s a natural.”

“Natural enough for Grigorii’s port meeting next week?”

Ice slid down Nikon’s spine. Through the glass, Reuben was standing now, extending his hand to Zhou. A tremor flickered through those elegant fingers - invisible to everyone but Nikon.

“No.” The word came out sharp enough to draw blood. “We agreed. He stays away from shipping.”

“He doesn’t need details. Just reads. Like he reads them.” Alexei nodded toward the Macau group. His voice softened. “You can’t keep him in glass forever, brother.”

“He’s not made for that side of the business.”

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