Page 60 of Deadly Legacy
“There’s been news from Moscow.” Alexei kept his voice low. “Andrey’s settled in with Uncle Leonid. Apparently, he’s working in the export business.”
“Clean export business?”
Alexei’s lips quirked. “As clean as anything Leonid touches.”
Grigorii joined them, the lines of his face relaxed in a way Nikon hadn’t seen in months. “City Planning just approved our waterfront application this morning. The casino expansion breaks ground next month.”
“So, Dmitrii’s former contacts proving useful?” Nikon sipped his bourbon.
“Very. Amazing how cooperative people become when ownership changes hands.” Grigorii nodded toward Reuben. “His deal with Quantize Guard helped too. Having their security systems backing our applications gave us serious credibility.”
“Matthew Capital’s rubbing shoulders with the big players now,” Alexei said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Got three calls this week from VCs wanting in on our next deal. Seems everyone wants a piece once you bag the hot new tech.”
Nikon quietly observed as Samuil shuffled the cards with careful precision, his small tongue poking out between his teeth in concentration. Reuben’s patient guidance, the way he adjusted the boy’s fingers without taking over. These small moments caught Nikon’s attention more than any business talk could.
“Dinner’s ready,” Natalia announced, the silver bracelets on her wrist jingling softly as she gestured toward the table. “Samuil, you can finish showing Uncle Reuben your trick afterward.”
The boy’s shoulders slumped for a moment before Reuben whispered something in his ear that made him straighten up and nod solemnly.
They took their places around the table—Grigorii and Natalia at opposite ends, Samuil beside his mother, Alexei across from him, with Nikon and Reuben completing the circle. The established pattern of the Matvei family dinners, now with Reuben, seamlessly integrated into their formation.
Grigorii raised his glass. “To family.”
“To family,” they echoed, the crystal singing as glasses touched.
The rich, buttery scent of Natalia’s beef stroganoff filled the air as the dishes were passed around. Nikon took a bite, savoring the tang of sour cream against the earthy mushrooms—comfort food elevated to an art form.
Throughout the meal, business talk drifted in and out between more personal conversations. Reuben spoke briefly about the Quantize Guard deal going well, but quickly transitioned to asking Samuil about his school projects.
When the boy struggled with cutting his meat, Reuben leaned over to guide the knife in the boy’s small hands, demonstrating the technique without completing the task for him.
As the meal continued, Nikon found his attention repeatedly drawn to the easy rapport between Reuben and Samuil. The boy clearly adored his “Uncle Reuben,” hanging on his every word and beaming whenever Reuben praised him.
It stirred something unexpected in Nikon... a longing for something he’d never considered possible for himself. A family beyond his brothers. Children of his own.
The thought was foreign, yet compelling. Not just any children... but children with Reuben. A family they would build together, teach together. Protect together.
As dessert was served—Natalia’s signature honey cake, the sweetness of the honey balanced by the subtle tang of sour cream between the layers—a moment of quiet fell over the table. Nikon turned to Reuben, his voice low enough that only his partner could hear.
“Have you ever thought about it?”
Reuben’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. “About what?”
Nikon nodded subtly toward Samuil, who was dissecting his cake into perfect squares. “Kids. Having our own.”
The fork lowered slowly as Reuben’s green eyes widened. “Our own?”
“Just something I’ve been thinking about.” Nikon’s voice remained carefully steady. Even after all this time, showing vulnerability didn’t come easily.
Before Reuben could respond, Grigorii tapped his knife against his glass, the crystal ping cutting through the background hum of conversation. The table fell silent as all eyes turned to the eldest of the family.
“Three weeks ago, we closed a difficult chapter in our history,” Grigorii said, his deep voice brooking no interruption. “We lost someone who was once dear to us, but we’ve also gained.” His eyes traveled the table before fixing on Reuben. “We’ve buried our ghosts. Made our peace. And our family is stronger now.”
Nikon smiled when he noticed the slight flush creeping up Reuben’s neck at the direct acknowledgment. His partnerstill wasn’t comfortable with the spotlight, despite his growing confidence around Nikon’s brothers.
“So, in recognition of this,” Grigorii continued, reaching into his jacket pocket, “I have something to present.”
Reuben watched as Grigorii withdrew a small leather box from his jacket pocket. The conversation around the table ceased. Even Samuil sat straighter in his chair, his small fingers stilling on his fork.
