Page 52 of Gangster's Empire: Leeza & Havel

Jozef and Havel were evenly matched. Havel was the larger man with a heavier musculature. He was ruthless in his approach, but Jozef was faster and had more precision on his side, his leaner body moving like lightning as he lunged away from Havel’s punches.

Havel grunted, his head snapping back as Jozef dodged under his guard and threw a fist into his jaw. Havel recovered quickly enough to retaliate with a flurry of fists, sending Jozef into the ropes, his arms up to cover his center.

Havel got a few good hits in before Jozef was able to throw a shoulder into Havel’s solar plexus, winding him and sending him stumbling back.

Jozef was on top of him in half a second, pushing his advantage until Havel was forced to retreat.

The two danced around each other, taking turns jabbing and throwing kicks.

Jozef got one more good hit in, burying his fist in Havel’s side.

“Motherfucker!” The flash of pain gave Havel the impetus to go on the attack again, shoving Jozef back, causing the other man to stumble. Havel took quick advantage, gripping Jozef around the neck and taking him down to the mat, twisting him into an armbar-headlock.

Jozef struggled for a few seconds, realized the futility of fighting back and tapped Havel’s thigh.

Havel rolled away from Jozef, laying on his back on the mat and panting. It was a quick but brutal match. He’d be feeling the bruises tomorrow, but for today he felt good. The fight had cleared his mind and gave him renewed energy and focus. He would hunt down Leeza’s ex-husband and explain in detail, as he wound the other man’s guts around his fist, how very much Adam should have never touched what belonged to Havel.

Jozef was sitting up against a corner post, removing the tape from his gloves as he used his forearm to stem the flow of blood coming from his nose.

Havel stripped his own gloves off, leapt over the ropes and returned with a towel, tossing it toward Jozef.

Jozef gave him a bloody grin and thrust it up against his face.

“Good match,” Havel muttered, lifting his water bottle and drinking deeply before spraying what was left over his head.

Jozef grunted his agreement.

“I’ll keep an eye on her for you,” Havel said, tossing Jozef a bottle of water from a stocked fridge. “You know I got your back, man, especially when it comes to the security of your family. I’ll personally monitor Shaun’s involvement with the Prime Minister and send you detailed reports.”

Jozef set the water and towel down so he could sign. You’ll bug his office and residence?

Havel switched from verbal to sign language. The conversation was taking a turn into territory that could get them in hot water if it was overheard. We’re already on it. Should be done by the end of the day. We’ll let you know if B-R-A-N-I-S-L-A-V is being respectful toward your wife or if you need to pay the man a visit.

Good. Shaun frowns upon my so-called thug tactics when it comes to intimidation. She prefers I be more diplomatic in my approach to people, especially those who might hold our future in their hands.

Havel laughed. Jozef was plenty diplomatic. He negotiated using fists and bullets, same as Havel. Leopards didn’t change their spots, but they knew how to keep the peace in their homes by appearing domesticated.

I didn’t come here for Shaun alone, Jozef continued. I have a favour to ask. It’s about a job.

Havel was used to Jozef bringing him jobs. It had been their dynamic for the better part of a quarter century.

It better be a good job. My people despise babysitting duty, especially S-A-S-K-I-A. That kid has a special place in hell with her name on it for the trouble she puts my bodyguards through. She fucking lost my new guy at the University twice in the same day. He offered to quit due to incompetence, but the rest of us assured him getting the Saskia slip is a rite of passage.

Jozef flashed him a grin. We all took our turn watching her. Leave it to the younger bodyguards to keep up with her. I’m not worried. If anyone knows how to get out of a situation, it’s Saskia. I’m not talking about a job for you, I’m talking about one for me. I want in on your next overseas contract.

Havel let out a bark of laughter. Domestic life already boring you?

Jozef shook his head. Says the guy proposing to settle down with my cousin.

Your cousin is mafia through-and-through. I won’t know a boring minute of marriage with her in my life.

Jozef’s lip curled. Sometimes I wonder where we would be if L-E-E-Z-A had been born male.

“She’d be dead,” Havel said flatly, pushing himself off the bench. “Krystoff would’ve done it himself.”

Jozef nodded his agreement. He would’ve put a bullet in his son’s head as soon as he found out they weren’t blood related. Couldn’t have the kid inherit. It’s cold, but maybe not any colder than what he did to the woman he raised as a daughter.

Havel was about to agree when a piercing scream split the air sending a shot of adrenalin through him. Years of security had both men on their feet and running toward the door. Jozef’s face was set in grim lines while Havel’s only purpose was to get to Leeza.

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