Page 58 of Sold By The Siren

“Yes. That’s all I know how to do,” he says and casts his eyes down to our table.

“But you’re in charge now, right?”

“Yes, since Ivan’s passing last month, I am officially the Avteriot, the authority over the Bratva.”

“And who would be named Avteriot if you leave?”

“Artyom would take control.”

“Artyom? Do you think Artyom could hold a candle to Ivan? You told me how Ivan forbade forced prostitution and sex trafficking. And the men went along with him. Could Artyom, would Artyom continue that policy?”

“Probably not.”

“We could do it. We could help people who can’t get away like Connie did.”

“I feel selfish now. I thought of getting away from it all and opening a boxing gym in Argentina.”

“You could do that here. Open gyms here, lots of them, and make sure the kids are alright too. And I can help with cleaning up the organization.”

“Yeah!” Johnny, standing a few feet from our table, cuts in. “You can help clean up the boxing scene and keep it free from sickos like Jack and Freddy. I can help with that!”

“I bet you can, you little eavesdropper!” Josef says to the young man he invited. “I said keep your arms up, not your ears. Go talk to one of Mari’s cousins over there. And be a gentleman!”

“Yes, Sir!” Johnny says cheerfully and goes towards a cousin of mine, who’s waiting for Johnny, with a smile.

“Am I hearing this right? You really want to stay here and help me run the Bratva?” Josef asks.

“That and sing in Uncle and Dad’s new Yummy Family Studios.”

“I don’t know if you should be wearing that,” Honey’s voice startles us both as she approaches our table with a drink in each hand. She stumbles but catches herself before falling.

“My kimono?” I ask. “Why, what’s wrong with it? You helped pick it out.”

“It’s awhitekimono,” Honey teases

“Excuse me, but I am agoodgirl!” I exclaim as I stand up.

Honey takes a drink from one glass, then from the other.

“I’m not some slut,” I whisper and give my sister a hug.

“The sluttiest virgin in town,” she whispers back with her eyes shut tight. “I love you, Mari. You know that, right?”

I pull away just enough to look her in the face.

“Of course I do. I love you too.” This time, Honey has a tear in her eye.

“You know you’re going to have to come up with a new phrase tomorrow,” I smirk.

“Hah hah! Good. By the way, I also have a hot, blond bombshell waiting for me. I’ll catch you guys later,” she says as she takes a couple more sips and walks away, joining Ghost on the dance floor.

“Do all Bratva wear that same medallion?” I ask, looking over at Ghost, then back at Josef.

“What medallion?” he asks.

“The one you always wear. Ghost has the same one. I saw it when he was helping you onto the boat.”

“My mother gave this to me when I was very young. I’ve never seen another one like it before,” he explains.

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