Page 26 of A Silent Reckoning

Shaun and Jozef may have some major relationship obstacles, but his caring for her was not one of them. Shaun knew without a single doubt that Jozef loved her and would do almost anything for her. His devotion was beautiful, seductive and frightening in its intensity.

“Switch plates with me,” Saskia said from across the table, glancing around at her family. “No one would try to poison me.”

“Saskia!” Dasha said sharply. “No one here tried to poison Shaun.”

Shaun smiled her gratitude at the younger woman. “Thank you, but I’m fine with my plate.” She extended her smile to Dasha, though Dasha’s own expression was a mixture of annoyance and frustration. “Thank you for this lovely meal, Mrs. Koba, it looks incredible.”

It took Dasha a moment, but her expression finally smoothed out and she was able to smile once again. “Of course, dear. We’re so grateful to have you back. You weren’t here for long, but you certainly made an impact on us.”

Though the words were friendly enough, Shaun was left with the distinct impression that Dasha wasn’t at all pleased to have Shaun back.

Shaun looked at Krystoff from beneath her lashes, wondering how he felt about her presence. His gaze was on Jozef, a troubled frown wrinkling his brow.

It was becoming clear that despite Jozef’s move, intrigue still shrouded the Koba mansion.

Chapter Thirteen

After they finished eating, Krystoff suggested he and Jozef retire to the study for a drink. Jozef was hesitant. He didn’t want to leave Shaun alone. Throughout dinner she’d been tense and jumpy. She was thinking about the poisoning and likely wondering if her would-be murderer was sitting across the table from her.

Perhaps it had been too soon to bring her back to the Koba estate, but Jozef was still family. Though his position had shifted, this had been his home for thirty years. His aunt had acted as mother to him, his uncle a father figure.

Despite their rift, the Kobas were still the most powerful organization in the Czech Republic. Jozef would have to work with them if he wanted his own budding organization to succeed. He’d far rather be on Krystoff’s good side than his bad. Though Jozef had been his enforcer for two decades, growing in both intelligence and brutality, he was under no illusion that his uncle didn’t still have a few tricks up his sleeve. If Jozef decided to take the old man on, he would have the fight of his life.

Jozef squeezed Shaun’s shoulder reassuringly when he stood to follow his uncle from the salon, where they would leave the women. Adam, Leeza’s husband, excused himself to go back to the house and check on his son. It was a bullshit excuse not to linger with the family. Adam didn’t care about his son any more than he cared about his wife. The strange pairing was a mystery to Jozef. His uncle had arranged it, but Jozef hadn’t paid much attention at the time, having been too young and cocky to want much more than to hang out with his crew.

“Drink?” Krystoff made his way to the bar in his office and picked up a decanter of Scotch, glancing at Jozef with a raised brow.

Jozef nodded and walked to the fireplace, warming himself while Krystoff poured drinks. It was fall, nearly winter. Soon the snow would come, and the mansion would become blanketed. Krystoff would hire local artists to create ice sculptures in his rose garden. Aunt Dasha would throw her annual Christmas bash, inviting half the countryside and beyond. Jozef wondered if he and Shaun would receive an invitation. He hated the idea of taking Shaun anywhere near a crowd after what’d happened at the engagement party.

Krystoff pressed the drink into Jozef’s hand and stepped back, his eyes sharp on Jozef’s face. He pulled a cigar from his inside suit pocket and lifted it in question. Jozef nodded his permission for Krystoff to light it, appreciating the silent exchange. His uncle knew him well enough that there were few words needed.

Jozef felt a pang in his chest. He’d managed the distance from his family while he was in prison; he’d had no choice. Now that he was out, everything had changed. He no longer lived in the home where he’d grown up. He was dissociating from the organization he’d helped build. His aunt and cousins were wary around him. He had Shaun back, but that victory felt hollow in light of her anger and resistance.

A part of Jozef longed for everything to go back to the way it was, but he knew that was impossible. Change was inevitable and this one had been coming for a while. Even before Shaun, Jozef had been outgrowing his uncle. He’d balked at some of Krystoff’s orders as well as some of the missions Krystoff sent Jozef and his men on. A mafia organization was a complex and potentially dangerous undertaking. Having two alpha men, Krystoff and Jozef, at the helm had been ofttimes contentious and stifling.

“Have a seat, son.” Krystoff waved Jozef to the armchairs next to the fireplace.

Both men settled into their seats, sipping their drinks and allowing the heat of the fire to wash over them.

“Have you settled into your new home?”

Jozef nodded.

Krystoff took a sip of his drink, a puff of his cigar, then asked, “Would you consider moving back?”

No, Jozef signed.

Krystoff waited, seeming to expect more. Jozef didn’t give it to him. His uncle knew the score, knew Jozef’s reasons for leaving. Though the older man preferred to have his family close, living in the mansion wasn’t necessary to doing business.

“What can I do to convince you? Family should be here, on the estate. You know this.” There was an edge of desperation to his voice, making the pang in Jozef’s chest flare hotter.

Nothing.

“I don’t accept that, Jozef.” The strain of the past year showed in the lines around Krystoff’s eyes and the new patches of white streaking his hair and beard.

Havel had reported to Jozef on a weekly basis, giving updates on Jozef’s people, the move, and their new business connections. He’d also reported on every move the Koba clan made, especially regarding the organization. Krystoff had suffered the loss of Jozef and his team, both financially and in reputation. It was well known the majority of Krystoff’s protection came from Jozef and his team. Though Krystoff scrambled to replace them, his new hires didn’t have the skill or background with the organization to be nearly as effective.

Though Jozef had no intention of taking over the Koba interests, the past year had shown which way the wind would blow if ever there was a separation. It was Jozef who held the majority of the power.

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