“I was under the impression that the Dragons weren’t going to get involved in this dispute.” I say it as calmly and dispassionately as I can, but inwardly my skull is screaming,you fucking cheating traitor piece of shit bastard.
Zohran clucks his tongue and wags a finger. “Come, come, don’t treat me as though I were a fool. You think I don’t know you’ve had visitors? Special guests, friends of a certain Dragon we both know very well?”
I grit my teeth and glance at Artyom. The smug fuck’s looking pleased with himself. “Big difference between talking to a lieutenant and having the full weight in the same room.”
“Yes, what is the phrase? Split hairs? We shall split the hair a thousand ways and still we are all wrong. Can we skip this part now?” Zohran reaches forward and takes a cookie, chewing obnoxiously. He talks with his mouth full. “Truth is Gabriel, you have done very well. Much better than anyone expected. You managed to insert yourself into Medved’s former network, ripped his Bratva in half, and would have likely muscled your way to victory if I hadn’t stepped in.” Zohran slaps Artyom on the shoulder and it all slips into place.
That’s how Artyom’s been able to hold together his coalition. Zohran’s been backing him from the start.
But that raises a question. “Why him? What’s the point?”
“I thought that was obvious. What’s better than one Dragon?” He waits, eyebrows raised.
“He’s going to be your pawn. You install him into his position, and now you controltwoDragon seats.”
“Exactly! Dear young Artyom here is a clever man, very strong, vicious too, but our deal is clear. He works for me, and when your employee is a Dragon, well—“ Zohran spreads his hands wide with a massive grin. “This is the game, isn’t it?”
“The others have to know.”
“Perhaps they do, perhaps they don’t, but it’s too late for that. Massimo was so honorable, only sending lovely Lucy to do his bidding, but he was a fool. He should have thrown all his weight behind you from the start.”
“They’ll realize. If you kill me here.” I’m doing the math, running the figures, trying to work through the implications. “The meeting is soon. There’s no way Artyom could put me down on his own.”
“I agree! I entirely agree, which is why I’m giving you an opportunity. I am not a stupid man, Gabriel, and I know talent when I see it. So I am going to make you this offer, and I am going to make it once only. Step away, cede the seat to Artyom, and come work for me. I will place you in a lucrative and powerful role within my organization. I will give you a kingdom. You will be a Dragon in all but name, believe me.”
He beams at me, seemingly convinced by his own bullshit.
I sit back and pretend to consider.
In other circumstances, in other lives, an offer like that from a Dragon isn’t exactly something a man can turn down. It’s not empty, either. He has the ability to give me anything I want, and if Artyom really does work directly for him, that means he’s going to be the most powerful man in the world. Nations will bend to his will. International treaties will be signed at his say-so. The world will jump when he snaps his fingers.
It might not be so bad.
Nika would be safe. I could protect her, full and truly. If Zohran really is serious about employing me, I could help him grow his empire. I could become a part of something enormous.
All these people who rely on me… my family back in New York… my brothers and Nika and Daniel…
“It’s a generous offer, Dragon Zohran. But do you know what’s better than working for a powerful man?”
His smile fades. “What’s that?”
“Becoming one. I have to respectfully decline.”
“Oh, Gabriel, Gabriel, please reconsider.” He tuts disapprovingly. “You are going to lose. The other Dragons have already decided against you. Too violent, too risky, they all say. Massimo, yes, he’ll have your back because he’s married to your sister, but that is not enough. You willlose, and when you do, you will die. You will burn. But here I am, offering you life instead. This is a way out, Gabriel, a future for you and your family.”
“I’m sorry. The answer is no.” I stand. Zohran sighs, lips pursed together. I move away from the coffee table, keeping my hands visible in case one of the Dragon’s men decides to do something stupid.
“You know where this leaves us then. You will lose, and you will die.”
“I’m taking that chance.”
“Kill him now,” Artyom says, snapping it sharply. “Why let him go?!”
“Because Massimo will be furious if that happens, and I don’t want a war.” Zohran sips more tea, watching me shrewdly. “This is your one pass. You may leave here alive. But your breaths are running out. Your heart will beat only so many more times. The end is coming, Gabriel. When you decide to be a smart man, contact me. Come back to this apartment. Slip a note under the door. Don’t come inside though.” His smile lights up again. “I’ll make sure the men stationed here shoot first next time. Bye bye then!”
My soldiers shuffle from the apartment. I linger, watching Artyom. He’s livid but controlling himself. And in that moment, I’m sure that Zohran isn’t bluffing. Artyom really does work for him, and when the meeting happens, the other Dragons will choose him. Massimo’s work behind the scenes won’t amount to anything.
I’ve already lost.