Page 34 of Deadly Legacy
“Then we understand each other.” Nikon released his grip slightly, offering the illusion of choice.
Broken-Nose suddenly jabbed a finger toward Nikon’s chest. “You don’t scare us. Word is you’ve gone soft since—”
Nikon moved. He grabbed the man’s extended finger and twisted sharply. A wet pop of cartilage tearing free from joint cut through the clinking glasses and muted conversations aroundthem. Broken-Nose’s scream caught in his throat as Nikon’s other hand clamped over his mouth.
“Quiet now.” Nikon removed his hand once the initial shock passed. A beat later, he straightened his cufflinks as though nothing had happened. “You’ll disturb my other guests.”
Around them, three of Nikon’s security had materialized. Their jackets hung open just enough to reveal holstered weapons.
Dmitrii’s men froze, hands nowhere near their own guns. Their eyes darted between Nikon and the security personnel. Fight-or-flight calculations played across their features.
Broken-Nose cradled his hand against his chest. His face drained of color. His breath came in short, shallow bursts.
“As I was saying to your colleague,” Nikon continued, turning back to Eyebrow-Scar as though nothing had happened. He straightened the lapel of the man’s suit. “When Dmitrii wants a civilized conversation about boundaries, my door is open. Until then, consider this a courtesy.”
Nikon straightened to his full height, adjusting his suit jacket. The platinum cufflinks caught the light.
“You have three minutes to leave through the front entrance,” he stated coldly. “My men will escort you,” he added with finality.
Nikon turned his back deliberately. One step. Two steps. Three steps. Four steps. Five.
“Dmitrii sends his regards about your brother, Andrey.” Eyebrow-Scar’s voice carried clearly despite the casino noise.
Nikon’s stride faltered. His right foot hesitated mid-step for a fraction of a second. So brief that only the most observant would notice. His shoulders stiffened beneath his tailored jacket.
He did not turn around.
“Two minutes,” he amended without looking back. The muscles in his neck tightened.
Nikon glanced at the two men being escorted from his casino. “Stepan, sweep the entire building again. They may have planted more than we found.”
“Already in progress, sir.” Stepan nodded toward three security team members fanning out across the floor. “Full spectrum scan, private rooms first.”
“Good work.” Nikon smoothed an invisible wrinkle from his lapel. “I’ll be in my office.”
The elevator hummed softly as it carried him back to the upper floor. Over a year ago, he would have had the two men dragged to a warehouse for questioning. Now Nikon found himself handling confrontations with a different touch. Still firm, but with calculated restraint.
He could almost hear Reuben’s voice suggesting alternative approaches, diplomatic solutions. The thought brought an unbidden smile that he quickly suppressed. Perhaps his partner’s influence was making him... not softer, but calmer.
He entered his office and crossed to the bar cart. The vodka bottle felt substantial in his grip as he poured a measure into a glass. He held it up to the light, watching the liquid catch and scatter the illumination from the soft overhead light in his office.
The door swung open without a knock. Alexei strode in, his Italian loafers silent against the carpet.
“Next time announce yourself,” Nikon said without turning. “I could have shot you.”
“Stepan just told me what happened.” Alexei dropped into the chair across from Nikon’s desk. “Broke a finger in the middle of the main floor? Bold choice.”
“He put hands on me in my own house.” Nikon finally took a sip of vodka. “The lesson needed to be clear.”
Alexei’s mouth quirked upward. “Rather civilized of you, Nikon.” The words carried a gentle mockery, but his eyes held understanding.
“Different times.” Nikon tapped his fingers against the desk. He didn’t elaborate further.
“Say no more.” Alexei leaned forward, sliding a phone across the desk. “Dmitrii just sent me this. A formal invitation to Le Délice. Tomorrow. Nine o’clock.” He loosened his tie, watching Nikon’s reaction.
Nikon’s eyebrows rose as he picked up the phone. He read the message twice. “That was too fast.”
“Too fast?” Alexei crossed his legs, Italian leather shoes gleaming under the office lights.
