Page 86 of The High Priestess

Dominik: What offer?

Cassia: Access to my trade routes at a discounted price.

I wait a few seconds, then my phone vibrates.

Santiago: I think it can work. I’m knee-deep in Rojas shit and don’t need a war with the Bratva.

Leo: Sounds good.

Dominik: I’m okay with that. Avoiding bloodshed at this point in time is wise.

Enzo only sends a thumbs-up.

Let’s hope my plan works.

As I type the phone number, I suck in a fortifying breath.

Here goes nothing.

Knight is sitting on the other sofa, his eyes glued to me as I press dial.

The line connects, and my heart starts beating faster as I listen to it ringing.

“Da!” A man barks over the line.

“Is this Rodion Nikitin?” I ask with a firm tone.

“Yes. Who’s this?”

“Cassia Dimitrou.”

He lets out a chuckle. “I heard rumors there was a survivor.”

“Four bullets aren’t enough to take me down.” I inhale slowly. “I want a meeting with you. I have a proposal.”

“Why should I meet with a little girl?” He laughs. “What kind of proposal?”

“Use of my trade routes,” I offer.

“The other Greek already gave me that deal.”

I expected as much.

“Yeah, but did he give it to you at a discounted price of five percent for the first year, ten percent for the next year, and fifteen percent thereafter?”

There’s only silence for a few seconds before his voice rumbles over the line, “That’s a good deal, but how will you make it happen? You’ve lost everything.”

“I only suffered a temporary setback,” I mutter. “I’m sure the traitor didn’t mention to you that he has no access to the organization’s finances. You wouldn’t be that stupid as to make a deal with a man who doesn’t have the millions needed to run the business, would you?” I take another breath.

“He said he would get the money after the attack,” Nikitin replies. “He told me this morning he’ll have it all handled by the end of the week, so I guess you should watch your back.”

Jesus.

I know who betrayed us because, besides Dad and myself, only two other people had access to the bank accounts. He would know I transferred all the money out of the accounts, and he’s probably trying to figure out a way to kill me and still get the money.

Holy shit.

“Only if I died, which I didn’t.” My tone is much harsher because of the information I just learned. “I’m the only one with access to the funds.”

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