Page 171 of Begin Again, Part 2

The veiled threat turned Liam's blood to ice. Since getting shot accidentally or on purpose, he didn't doubt that the massacre Andrei spoke of could easily become a reality. He poured himself another shot even though he'd already reached his limit of zero a long time ago.

"I'm adding a few conditions to the deal," he announced as he sipped his drink, reached for the bloody envelope, and took out the agreement his legal team had drawn up.

Snatching the shiny Parker off the table, he scribbled his conditions, pushed the document back at Andrei, and finished his drink while the other man read through the new terms.

"Of course, we won't come after your family, and I'm happy to keep the shipping and storage as separate entities."

"Good," Liam replied. He wanted no part of Anderson Logistics getting entangled in shady activities. The previous deal had made them partners. Outsourcing the shipping side of the deal to Aero Shipping made better sense now, given their recent history.

"My legal team will be in contact to finalise the new contract," Liam said as he stood up and threw on his coat. "Let's never see each other again, Ivanov. I've given you what you want. Just make sure your business doesn't fuck with my eighty percent or affect Anderson Logistics in any way. And the minute I feel my family's safety is under threat, I won't hold back. There's something about almost dying that changes you."

"There's no need for the threats, Anderson!"

"It's a promise."

"And I also have a condition."

Of course, he should have known, Liam thought as he paused to listen to the man's demands.

"Keep Leks behind bars. I don't want that asshole coming out and ruining my business."

"You know damn well it's not up to me. It's up to the state to oppose his bail."

With that, Liam turned on his heel and made his way out of the room. But Andrei stopped him again.

"Your woman—"

"Stay away from her!" Liam rounded on him and snarled. The rage he'd put aside long enough to work out the deal was back and showed no sign of cooling.

"I would never have harmed her." Andrei insisted. "I love women."

"You fucking twisted her wrist, had your guards point guns at her head, and then sent someone to watch her. Why? Why would you do that?"

"I think we've already covered that." Andrei shrugged dismissively.

"What happened to you?" Liam asked. His history with the brothers went as far back as their primary school days. They attended the same boarding schools, university programmes and masterclasses, and they weren't this crazy or vicious.

"The Collective happened," Andrei said, a look of regret in his eyes. "I've always envied you, Anderson, but after seeing you with the little lady—"

"She's not little. She's a grown-ass woman. Have some damn respect!"

"That!" Andrei clapped his hands. "That's exactly what I'm talking about. That fire in your belly, that devotion and commitment. That love! I hate that you've found it! You've found something I can never have."

"Why can't you?" Liam asked, baffled at how his relationship with Eden had become the subject of discussion.

"Because love is weakness," Andrei said sadly. "And a man hated as much as I am, can't have any weaknesses. Hold on to the little lady. She's a lioness. You'll need her by your side."

Liam stared at him, searching for some ill intent behind his words, a hidden threat perhaps or a clear promise. He found nothing but resignation, sadness, and regrets in the other man's eyes.

"We choose our own path. It's never too late," he said over his shoulder, but he knew his words meant shit where the Ivanovs were concerned.

"Not if you're an Ivanov," Andrei said. "There's only one path."

Liam eased out of the room, drained and exhausted by their chat. But he felt lighter, too, like one was bound to feel when a disturbing chapter in their life finally reached a conclusion.

Chapter

Forty-Nine

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