Page 17 of The Russian Retribution

“And you think that makes him trustworthy?”

Resting back in my chair, I study Faina and squint slightly. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know. He just gives me the creeps, that’s all. Him and Erik too.”

That catches my attention more than Viktor and I lean forward, one elbow on the desk. “What about Erik?”

“He follows after Viktor like a puppy,” she remarks, dropping down into the seat before me. “It’s pathetic.”

“They’re close,” I say. “Besides, he saved my life.” Just thinking about that makes my heart flutter. “Like, really saved it. If anything, they’re probably the only two people in the entire world that I can trust.”

“I’m not so sure,” Faina murmurs, drumming her fingers against her thigh. “Maybe I’m too suspicious.”

“You’re my underboss. It’s your job to be,” I say gently, offering her a rare moment of softness. “This life makes you suspicious of everyone, but if either of them wished me harm, they could have done something countless times.”

“You’re right.” Faina sighs. “But that doesn’t mean I have to like them.”

“True.” I chuckle. “I’m only as sharp as you, y’know. You’re my second pair of eyes in this hellhole.”

“Speaking of hellholes.” Faina digs her phone out of her pants. “You remember the nightclub we lost to the Irish?”

“How could I forget?” A deep sigh rises in me. “Having to deal with all this shit on top of Cormac Gifford thinking I had time to murder his brother. If only I were that skilled.”

“Well, we’re halfway through the rebuild and they want your feedback on some of the designs.”

“Aren’t we just rebuilding the whole thing?”

Faina shrugs. “It’s your chance to put your own mark on the place, don’t you think? I mean, everything you’re working with right now is your father’s history. This is your chance to make something your own.”

“Not my only chance,” I say, taking her phone from her and typing in an address. “Have you seen these?” I handing the phone back to her, and Faina’s eyes widen.

“You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“You’re insane.”

“Maybe. But we meet with them on Friday, so read up on all that and see what you can do on your end. The sooner we find buyers, the sooner money starts rolling in.”

Faina’s smile widens. “I’m on it.”

“Condos.” Three days later, Erik stands in front of me with his hands on his hips, staring around the largely empty building in the middle of being prepared for further construction.

“Yes.” I adjust the hard hat on my head. “The important thing is the construction side of things. I won’t bore you with the details, but all those men down there?” Approaching the makeshift balcony, I peer over the edge of the scaffolding. I’ve barely leaned an inch when Erik’s hand closes firmly on my upper arm as if he expects me to topple right over.

“I see them,” Erik says.

“Well, they now work for me. In fact, we have seven construction companies operating under the Remizova name and I’m hoping to secure more.”

“Construction,” Erik repeats, and his tone suggests he doesn’t quite believe in this new direction.

I lean back and pull my arm from his grip. “Don’t sound too enthusiastic. But I’ve been working hard on this. There’s a housing crisis, y’know, and construction is a much safer way to make money. Shutting down my father’s old businesses has left us with a hole I need to fill, and what better way to fill it than with luxury condos, housing extensions… well, anything we can get our hands on, really.”

“I’m not judging,” Erik says genuinely. “I’m just surprised. Out of all the routes you could have taken, I didn’t think you’d commit to something so… ordinary.”

“Why?” I challenge immediately, and my body heats up. “Do you think it’s weak? That my business ventures don’t hold the same weight because I’m not exploiting someone?”

“No, I’m not saying that at all,” Erik replies immediately, not shying away from my gaze. “I merely meant that I’ve seen the pressure you face from all sides. Crime is easy, that’s all. This is… decent.”

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