Page 10 of Deadly Legacy
“From outsider to family,” Reuben said, voice gentle with wonder.
“And now I’m your chauffeur to chess lessons with my nephew.” Nikon’s laugh rumbled from deep in his chest, warm and intimate. “Anyway, I have business at the casino, but I’ll pick you up when you’re finished.”
As Nikon pulled up to Grigorii’s driveway, he leaned across the console, drawing Reuben into a passionate kiss that lingered, neither man rushing to break away. When they finally parted, Reuben’s fingers traced Nikon’s jawline.
“See you tonight,” he murmured, reluctantly pulling away.
Grigorii’s suburban mansion stood like an anomaly among the more modest luxury homes surrounding it; larger, more imposing, with discreet security features that only trained eyes would notice. The circular driveway welcomed them as Nikon’s sleek black Mercedes pulled into the entrance.
As he stepped out, Reuben glanced at his watch—right on schedule for his Wednesday chess lessons with Samuil. He leaned back into the car window for a moment, saying a quick goodbye as Nikon nodded toward the house.
“I’ll text you when I’m done,” Reuben said, stepping back as the Mercedes pulled away, gravel crunching beneath its tires.
“Uncle Reuben!” Samuil’s excited voice rang out the moment he entered the foyer. The seven-year-old barreled toward him, his dark hair neatly combed, dressed in miniature slacks and a button-down that mirrored his father’s style.
Reuben caught him mid-launch, swinging him up with exaggerated effort. The boy’s small frame was surprisingly solid against his chest. “You’re getting too big for this. What’s your father feeding you?”
“Protein and vegetables,” Samuil replied seriously, then broke into giggles. “I set up the chess board already. I’ve been practicing.”
“Homework first,” came Natalia’s melodic voice as she appeared from the sitting room.
Grigorii’s wife moved with a natural grace that had always impressed Reuben, her elegant figure draped in a simple, yet expensive, cashmere sweater. At thirty-eight, Natalia carried herself with a poised beauty that drew attention in both high society gatherings and the Matvei’s family business affairs. Her dark hair was swept into a low chignon, her light brown eyes warm yet observant as they met Reuben’s. “Then chess.”
Samuil’s face fell for a moment before brightening again. “I only have math left. Ten problems.”
“Ten problems it is,” Reuben agreed, setting the boy down. “Show me.”
While Samuil retrieved his homework from the dining room table, Natalia greeted Reuben with brief kisses on both cheeks—family rituals that once felt foreign, now as natural as breathing.
“No Nikon today?” she asked, leading him toward the living room where crystal glasses and an open bottle of wine waited on a silver tray. The room smelled of lemon polish and the faint vanilla scent Natalia preferred.
“Business at the casino,” Reuben explained with a shrug.
“And Grigorii is out on a call,” Natalia sighed. “Matvei’s and their urgent business.”
Reuben settled into his usual spot on the plush carpet beside Samuil, the same corner of the living room where they’d spent countless Wednesday evenings. He guided the boy through multiplication problems while Natalia arranged tea things nearby.
“You’re much better at explaining these than Papa,” Samuil whispered, leaning against Reuben’s shoulder. His pencil scratched softly against the paper. “He gets impatient.”
“Your father is very busy with work,” Reuben whispered back conspiratorially. “He has lots of important meetings.”
“And you don’t?” Samuil looked up, genuine curiosity in his eyes.
“I save my best thinking for chess days,” Reuben tapped the boy’s nose gently. “Plus, your dad asked me to help because I’m good at explaining things. He wants you to learn from the best.”
Once homework was complete, Natalia brought tea in delicate cups, while Samuil set up the chess pieces with meticulous care. The porcelain was warm against Reuben’s palms as he accepted his cup.
“How was your meeting today?” Natalia asked. “Grigorii mentioned it was important—some security company?”
“Quantize Guard,” Reuben confirmed. “They have some innovative surveillance technology. And it went well, I think.”
“Did you win?” Samuil asked, carefully placing knights on the board.
Reuben smiled. “Business isn’t exactly like winning or losing, but—”
“Of course it is,” Samuil interrupted with the certainty only children possess. “Papa says business is always about winning.”
Natalia rolled her eyes. “Perhaps we shouldn’t repeateverythingPapa says.”
