Page 28 of Crimson Sin
But as we move through the room, I notice Viktor's campaign intensifying. He speaks with increasing urgency to key figures, his words spreading like an infection. I catch fragments, “rushed ceremony,” “convenient timing,” and “academic background raises questions.”
Each whispered doubt builds on the last, creating a narrative that questions not just our marriage but my judgment in making it. The men who were charmed by Naomi begin to study her differently, looking for flaws or deception rather than appreciating her genuine qualities.
Near the windows, we encounter Seamus O'Brien, whose Irish crew controls significant territory on the South Side. His red hair has gone silver, but his green eyes remain sharp as emeralds.
“So, this is the lass who's captured Daniil's black heart,” he says with a slight brogue, his manner more direct than the others.
“I prefer to think he captured mine,” Naomi replies, glancing up at me with an expression so convincing it makes my chest tighten.
“Ah, a romantic,” Seamus grins. “And what does a cultural liaison make of our little world? Must be quite different from museum life.”
“Different, yes,” she agrees. “But people are people everywhere. They want to protect their families, build something lasting, and leave a legacy. The methods may vary, but the motivations are universal.”
“Spoken like a true academic,” Seamus chuckles. “Breaking everything down to human nature.”
“Human nature is fascinating,” Naomi continues.
The conversation flows easily, Seamus clearly charmed by her willingness to draw parallels between their worlds without judgment. But I can feel the tilt in the room's atmosphere as Viktor's whispers continue their destructive work.
As we move away from Seamus, Naomi leans closer to me, her voice a whisper over the jazz trio.
“The way they talk about ‘territory’ and ‘disputes,’” she murmurs, her eyes sweeping the room with new understanding. “And everyone seems to know exactly who controls what areas of the city. This isn't just business networking, is it?”
Her observation is too accurate for comfort, but before I can respond, she continues.
“And the security... I count at least twelve armed men positioned around the room, not including your people. That's not normalfor a charity function.” She pauses, her gaze finding mine. “Daniil, what exactly do these men do for a living?”
She's not asking out of casual curiosity anymore. She's demanding answers. The academic in her has been gathering evidence all evening, and now she's ready to test her hypothesis.
“They're entrepreneurs,” I say carefully. “They've built empires in industries that require... discretion.”
“Discretion,” she repeats, tasting the word. “Is that what we're calling it?”
Her tone is calm, almost conversational, but I can see the wheels turning behind her eyes. She's not frightened yet, but she's no longer naive about the company she's keeping. As we navigate toward a quieter corner of the room, she pauses, studying my face for confirmation. “Plus, there's an undercurrent of fear mixed with respect that you don't typically see in legitimate business circles. And the way everyone defers to you, Daniil... it's not just wealth they're respecting, is it?”
The intelligence in her eyes is admirable but dangerous. She's too smart to keep in the dark much longer, but tonight isn't the time for complete honesty.
“These are complicated men with complicated businesses,” I say carefully. “Some operate in gray areas that academic circles might find... questionable.”
“Gray areas,” she repeats, her tone suggesting she understands the euphemism perfectly. “How gray are we talking about?”
Before I can answer, we're interrupted by the approach of Pavel Kozmin and his cluster of younger associates. But I can see in Naomi's eyes that this conversation is far from over.
“Mrs. Zorin,” Pavel greets, his smile too wide. “I hope you're enjoying your first taste of our social gatherings.”
“Everyone has been very welcoming,” she replies cautiously, sensing something in his tone.
“Of course,” Pavel continues. “Though I imagine it's quite an adjustment from your academic life. Must have happened very quickly, this change in circumstances.”
The implication drifts in the air like smoke. I feel my eyebrows snap together, but Naomi handles the veiled insult with grace.
“Life has a way of surprising us,” she says evenly. “The best opportunities often come when we least expect them.”
“Indeed,” Pavel presses. “And you seized this particular opportunity with both hands, I'm sure.”
The insult is clearer now, suggesting she married me for money or position. My hand twitches instinctively, but Naomi's subtle pressure on my arm stops me from knocking out a few of Pavel’s teeth.
“I seized the chance to marry a remarkable man,” she says firmly. “Everything else is just details.”
