Page 54 of Bratva Bride
Viktor sits back, considering. “And then?”
“We use the meet to triangulate Grigori’s position,” I say. “He won’t risk showing up himself if it’s a trap, but he’ll send someone to check. We track his messenger, follow the trail back to wherever he’s hiding Nikolai. If we’re lucky, Alexei’s curiosity will put pressure on Grigori to act faster, or even flush him out.”
Viktor grins, a flicker of approval in his eyes. “Dangerous as hell, but it just might work.”
I nod, my heart pounding a little harder now that there’s a path forward. “Set up the rumor. Make sure it sounds just real enough to be dangerous. I’ll take care of the rest.”
He pours another shot, slides it my way. “To dangerous games, then. May the best liar win.”
I clink my glass to his, the taste burning all the way down. There’s no going back after this. If the plan works, I’ll have Grigori in my sights. If it fails…I’m gambling with my son’s life. But right now, it’s the only move left on the table.
Viktor leads the way out of the back room, his jacket already back in place, the world of secrets locked up behind us. The thump of music and rush of voices hit me all at once as we step onto the balcony overlooking the main floor. Everything down there sparkles, slot machines, dresses, a sweep of dancers moving through colored lights. The view, although artificial, never gets old no matter how many times I see it.
Anya is waiting, perched by the railing, her smile bright as headlights. The second she sees me, she’s at my side, slippingher arm through mine. “Come on, I want to show you something!” she says, tugging gently.
I glance down at her hand, gently but deliberately easing her fingers away. Her smile fades just slightly; she masks it quickly, but disappointment flickers in her eyes. I feel a pang of guilt, but boundaries are necessary—especially now.
“Lead the way,” I say politely, nodding toward the crowded room.
She walks ahead of me, guiding me to the center of the casino, where a small crowd gathers around a performance. Acrobats twist gracefully in the air, ribbons of silk spiraling down from the ceiling. Neon reflections glide over her face as she turns to me again, eyes glowing.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she asks, voice softer now, more intimate.
I watch the performers, but my mind is elsewhere. “Beautiful things often hide a darker truth.”
Anya tilts her head slightly, considering me. “Is that how you see everything? Always looking for shadows?”
“It’s how I survive,” I say quietly. “When you’ve seen enough, you learn beauty is just a distraction.”
She glances away, the crowd around us murmuring appreciatively as the acrobats spin and twist. When she speaks again, her voice is gentle. “Then what brings you here, Konstantin? Distraction, or truth?”
“Maybe both,” I admit, eyes meeting hers for a moment longer than necessary. “Sometimes one can lead you to the other.”
She nods slowly, turning her gaze back to the performance. The silence settles comfortably between us. We’re not quite touching, but somehow close enough for me to feel the heat from her skin. I’m careful not to cross that invisible line, but part of me feels the temptation, the pull of something simple and uncomplicated.
She hides her disappointment behind a laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, but I can see it in the way her eyes dart away for a second. “You’re always so serious,” she teases, though her voice is a little quieter.
I don’t say anything as we walk between the acrobats. The hot air licks my back. I see a few people watching me, their gaze not openly hostile, but they know who I am.
“Don’t let them bother you,” she says. “They’re jealous.”
I look down at my cane. “I’m hardly a competition.”
“Looks can be deceptive,” she says lightly. She’s definitely flirting. “Besides you’re the Bratva prince, the Buryakov heir.”
“I’m hardly an heir,” I scoff. “I’m the bastard.”
“So is Viktor, but that doesn’t stop him,” she says.
“I’ve lost my hold on the city,” I say, looking away. “Nothing is as it once was.”
“I don’t believe that. Viktor trusts you,” she says. “That means something here.”
I nod, eyes always scanning. “Trust is a currency like any other. You spend it, or you save it. Sometimes you lose it all.”
She leans closer, her voice dropping so low only I can hear it. “I hope you find what you’re looking for tonight.”
I meet her gaze. Her eyes drop to my lips. She’s making her intentions known.
