Page 71 of Stricken

My cousin settles into the chair beside me, his cologne a cloying mix of citrus and something darker. He returns his attention to Tony, his smile sharp as a blade. "Speaking of insights, Dad, I've been meaning to discuss some interesting developments in our connections. It seems Nicola might have some unexpected... entanglements with the Russians."

My blood runs cold. Salvatore's words are innocuous, but the threat beneath them is clear as day. Unless it benefits him, he has no intention of keeping my secret.

"We've discussed this," Tony replies curtly. "Nicola's arrangement with the Russian is a one-off deal."

Salvatore's gaze flicks to me, triumphant. "Oh, I think it's best if we let these things unfold naturally, Dad. Don't you agree?"

"Your father made his decision, Salvatore," Claudio comes to my rescue. "After we close this matter, we will sever the ties."

"Right, Nico?" Tony glares at me.

I force a smile. "Of course. That's what you want, Uncle." I feel like I'm trapped here, cornered by Salvatore's veiled threats and Tony's expectant gaze.

One wrong move, and everything I've worked for could come crashing down.

And I can't afford it, not now. My father died for this family. I do have a right to fight for the seat behind that desk after Tony retires.

"Uncle," I say, rising to my feet, "I may need to look into a few more details to make sure the matter with the Armenians is handled quickly."

Tony frowns but tips his chin. "Very well. Keep me informed."

"Of course. If you'll excuse me..."

At the door, Salvatore's voice catches up with me like a knife thrown into my back. "Oh, Nico. Do be careful out there. You never know who might be... watching."

Asshole.

The door shuts behind me, and I allow myself a moment of weakness and lean against the wall. My breath comes in short gasps. I try to calm down, to force my brain to think. Does my snake of a cousin know Vlad and I visited his warehouse? We were careful to avoid any tails, careful not to leave any traces inside. Anyone could have used sparklers to prank the guards.

I push off the wall, my legs carrying me down the hallway on autopilot.

I need to think.

Need to figure out how to make sure Sal doesn't tell Tony about my secret.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I fish it out, my heart skipping a beat when I see Vlad's name on the screen.

Hot Shot.

It's like he read my mind.

"Pronto," I answer in Italian.

"We need to move." Vlad's urgent tone crackles through the line. "Tonight. We're taking back the shipment."

I glance around, ensuring I'm alone. "Tonight? Isn't it too soon? We barely have a plan—"

"We have a plan. It has to be now," he cuts me off. "Our window is closing. Are you with me or do you want to sit this one out?"

I hesitate for a second. Not because I don't want to but because he made us into awe. He made it a thing. An item that's one.

"Nico?" he says my name. "It's fine if you can't. Just tell me where you want the package delivered and my guys will get it there for you."

"No, I'm coming with. My problem. I should be there to help solve it."

"Good," Vlad says, a hint of relief in his tone. "I'll text you the details. Be ready."

The line goes dead, leaving me alone in the silent hallway. My heart pounds against my ribs, a war drum heralding the night to come. I resume walking, my mind already strategizing even though I don't know Vlad's play yet.

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