Page 7 of Deadly Offer

“He has proved his loyalty to our family, sure.” Grigorii regarded Nikon from across the table. “But to you?”

The mere questioning of Reuben and Nikon’s relationship made Nikon’s knuckles whiten against the armrest of his chair. “What thehellare you getting at?”

“I think you’re too close to see clearly.” Grigorii’s face held no judgment. “Miroslav doesn’t just take what he wants... he makes people want to give it to him. That’s what makes him dangerous.”

The words hit too close to the conversation with Reuben earlier. The frustration in those green eyes, the barely contained desire for more independence, more trust, more...

“Fine. We use it against him.” Nikon’s decision crystallized, sharp and clear as a blade. “Let him think Reuben’s vulnerable to persuasion.”

Alexei straightened, interest sparking. “So, you’ll send Reuben in?”

“It’s risky,” Grigorii warned. “If Miroslav suspects—”

“He won’t.” The certainty in Nikon’s voice brooked no argument. “Reuben’s better at this game than any of you realize.”

Andrey snorted. “Better at some games than others, I’m sure.”

Nikon’s head turned slowly, fixing his youngest brother with a look that had made harder men flinch. “Something you want to share with the family, Andrey?”

Andrey stretched, a lazy smile playing at his lips. “From what I hear,” Andrey drawled, “your boy’s getting restless. Maybe Dmitrii will know how to handle him better than you do.”

“Then we’ll find out.” Nikon’s voice dropped to a dangerous tone. “Reuben goes in. Gets close.” His eyes locked on Alexei. “But only as close as he needs to be.”

A smirk spread across Andrey’s face as he stood. “Of course.” The dismissive wave of his hand as he stood seemed to carry more challenge than any direct threat.

Nikon’s fingers twitched against his armrest. But Andrey was already strolling toward the door, that infuriating smile still in place.

The meeting dispersed. But Nikon remained seated, watching his brothers file out, noting how Grigorii’s hand clamped down on Andrey’s shoulder; whether in warning or support, he couldn’t tell. Only Alexei hung back, perching on the edge of the conference table with studied casualness.

Alexei’s fingers drummed against the hardwood surface. “You know I’m right about using Reuben. He doesn’t need to get close to Dmitrii. Just close enough.”

Nikon’s jaw tightened as he watched Alexei, refusing to break first.

“Just one game.” Nikon’s words came out like ground glass. “He scouts one poker game. Nothing more.”

“That’s not enough.” Alexei straightened. “Dmitrii’s too careful. We need Reuben to get close enough to see behind the curtain. Use his skills to read what Dmitrii’s really planning.”

Nikon’s knuckles whitened against the armrest. The thought of Reuben anywhere near Dmitrii made his skin crawl, but Alexei’s logic was undeniable. Still, the risk...

“If it makes you feel any better, I think you’re finally making the right move.” Alexei’s lips curved in a half-smile. “But probably not for the reasons you think.”

That earned him a sharp glance. “Meaning?”

“Meaning Dmitrii doesn’t just take what’s yours.” Alexei scratched the side of his chin for a moment before continuing. “He moves pieces so subtly that by the time you realize you’re in check, you’ve already lost the queen. That’s his real talent.”

“Reuben isn’t a chess piece to be moved.”

“No.” Alexei’s voice softened. “He’s not. But Dmitrii won’t see that. He sees what everyone else sees.” A pause. “Your blind spot.”

Heat crawled up Nikon’s spine. “Get to the point.”

“The point is, you trust Reuben. I get that. But does Reuben trust you enough to do what needs to be done?”Alexei straightened, his usual diplomatic mask slipping to reveal genuine concern. “Because Dmitrii will try to break that trust. He’ll dig into every crack, every moment of doubt between you.”

The words hit too close. Reuben’s voice echoing in his head:“You know I’m yours. But I’m not your property.”

“Leave it.” Nikon’s voice carried an edge.

“You know I respect what you two have.” Alexei moved toward the door, pausing with his hand on the handle. “But Dmitrii... he’s different from our usual enemies.” Alexei’s eyes met his brother’s. “And he’s always wanted what you have, Nikon.”

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