Page 68 of Auctioned to the Russian Pakhan
“The attacks on the Nikolai operations, the ones on my husband’s businesses. Someone with real skill has been picking apart the most powerful families in the city.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Between you and me, I’m impressed. It takes real intelligence to play enemies against each other like that.”
“You seem very well-informed about your husband’s business affairs.”
“I make it my business to know these things. Especially when it affects my safety.” She paused, studying his face. “You know, the attack patterns remind me of some jobs I heard about in Moscow a few years ago. Similar methodology, same attention to detail. Wasn’t there someone named Kozlov involved in those?”
The man’s smile didn’t waver, but she saw recognition flicker in his eyes. He was trying to decide whether she was fishing for information or actually knew something.
“Moscow is a large city with many people named Kozlov,” he said carefully.
“Of course.” Irina waved her hand dismissively. “I’m probably imagining connections that aren’t there. It’s just that the work has been so... surgical. Professional. The kind of thing that takes years of experience to execute properly.”
She was walking a tightrope, feeding him just enough information to make him think she knew more than she was saying while stroking his ego about the “quality” of his work. Men like Kozlov had massive egos, and she was betting his would override his caution.
“You’re very observant,” he said finally.
“I have to be. Married to a man like Matvei.” She let real frustration bleed into her voice now, thinking about all the times her brothers had dismissed her abilities, all the ways she’d been sidelined and underestimated. “He thinks I’m some delicate flower who needs protecting from everything dangerous. Keeps me locked up in his mansion like a prisoner while he handles all the real business.”
“That must be... frustrating.”
“You have no idea.” She turned to face him fully, letting desperation show in her eyes. “Sometimes I fantasize about making him pay for treating me like property. Showing him that I’m not as helpless as he thinks.”
Kozlov’s smile widened, and she knew she had him. The combination of wounded pride and desire for revenge was something he understood, something he could use.
“Perhaps,” he said slowly, “you’re not as helpless as your husband believes.”
“What do you mean?”
“Those attacks you mentioned. The ones you find so... impressive.” He glanced around, making sure they weren’t being overheard. “Let’s just say that particular operation isn’t finished yet. There are still moves to be made.”
Irina’s heart raced, but she kept her expression neutral. “Really?”
“The Volkovs and Nikolais think they’re so powerful, so untouchable. But everyone has weaknesses. Everyone can be brought low if you know which pressure points to target.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Your husband, for instance. So protective of his family. So convinced of his own superiority. It would be... educational... for him to learn otherwise.”
“You’re talking about the attacks,” she said, barely breathing. “You’re behind them.”
“I’m behind many things, my dear. The auction where your husband acquired you, for example. The attacks on both families’ operations. The careful cultivation of their mutual hatred.” His eyes glittered with malicious pleasure. “And I’m far from finished.”
Bingo. The confession she needed, clear and damning. But Kozlov wasn’t done talking.
“In fact,” he continued, leaning closer, “perhaps you and I could work together. A woman with your access to Volkov operations could be very useful. And I would be happy to help you... express your feelings about your husband’s treatment of you.”
Irina felt bile rise in her throat at the suggestion, but she forced herself to look interested. “What did you have in mind?”
“Nothing too dramatic. Perhaps a small explosion at one of his warehouses while he’s inside. Or maybe something that looks like a Nikolai retaliation for his supposed attacks on their family.” Kozlov’s smile was pure evil. “The beauty of the plan is that both families will destroy each other trying to avenge slights that never actually happened.”
“And what would I get out of it?”
“Freedom. Revenge. And a very generous financial arrangement.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out a business card. “Think about it, my dear. You could have everything you want.”
Irina took the card with shaking fingers, knowing that every word of this conversation had been transmitted through the wire Viktor had insisted she wear. Both families now had concrete proof of Kozlov’s guilt, recorded evidence that would clear them both of any wrongdoing.
“I... I need to think about this,” she managed.
“Of course. But don’t take too long. I have other plans in motion that won’t wait forever.” Kozlov straightened his jacket. “It’s been a pleasure talking with someone who truly understands the game.”
As he started to walk away, Irina saw Viktor moving through the crowd, Ilya and Kostya flanking him. Across the room, Matvei and his brothers were also converging, their faces grim with purpose. The net was closing.
But Kozlov was sharper than they’d given him credit for. She saw the moment he realized something was wrong, saw hisgaze dart between the approaching Volkovs and Nikolais with sudden understanding.
