Page 14 of Ivory Sins
“What’s going on, Marco? It's not like you to drop by for a social visit,” he says, going straight to business.
“I need your help,” I reply, my eyes pinned on him.
He squints, wonder flickering in his gaze. “With what?”
“I need you to help me set up a meeting with Viktor Petrov,” I say, my voice tinged with confidence.
Viktor Petrov is the Pakhan of the Bratva. People know him for his ruthlessness, cruelty, and strategic mind. He has more eyes and ears in the streets than every other powerful man in the city.
Matteo's brows arch, a light chuckle, especially his lips. “You can't be serious,” he says, his expression darkening slightly.
“Never been more serious in my life,” I respond.
He watches me in silence, then leans forward, elbows on his mahogany table. “Listen, Marco, Viktor Petrov isn't someone that you can decide to set up a meeting with on a whim.”
I edge closer. “I know. And I wouldn't ask this of you if it wasn't important.”
“Does this have anything to do with my sister?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“What's going on, Marco?” he demands, looking right at me.
I don't say a word yet, I just stare blankly. Whatever's going on, Olivia is keeping it hushed because she doesn't want anyone finding out. She's going through a lot of trouble to keep it quiet. I can't say anything.
“I'm not sure yet,” I reply. “But perhaps this meeting with Viktor Petrov will help set things right.” I adjust in my chair. “Look, I know I'm asking a lot, but this is urgent, and I just need you to trust me. Please.”
Matteo's eyes are locked on me as he thinks for a moment before responding. “Petrov owes me a favor. He should meet with you.”
I nod, gratitude flashing in my eyes. “Thank you.”
“I just hope you know what you're doing, Marco,” Matteo says, his voice dripping with caution, his suspicious gaze fixated on me.
_________
True to his word, Matteo set up the meeting and Petrov agreed to see me in his office.
I'm seated across his desk as he reclines in his chair, a stick of cigarette between his lips. A thread of smoke swirls around him and the air is thick with the scent of Cuban cigars. A half-filledglass adorns his table and a bottle of vodka stands large beside his laptop.
His long curly hair is styled in a bun and his green eyes seem to simmer in the light. He releases a puff of smoke and says, his voice deep and husky, “Matteo tells me that whatever you have to say is…important.” His Russian accent cuts deep in his tone.
“It is,” I reply, placing the bug on his table and sliding it over to him.
Petrov picks it up and examines the device. “What's this?”
“I was hoping you'd tell me,” I say, watching how he studies the bug with squinted eyes.
“This is a high-tech audio bug—very effective and also very rare,” he says without taking his eyes off the device. “There's only one person I know that has access to such equipment.”
Now, we're getting somewhere.
“Who?” I ask, my voice calm and devoid of desperation.
He shifts his gaze from the device and looks at me. Petrov stares like he's trying to read me, his eyes narrowing, but I maintain a blank expression.
“Nova Koslov,” he says after a short while as he sets the device on the table. “The man's a highly skilled independent operative who specializes in information warfare and assassination.”
I know who that fucker is. But why the fuck is he spying on Olivia? What business does he have with her? It doesn't add up. Something's missing.
