Leonid leaned back, watching my reaction. “I’m telling you this because, despite everything, I still remember your father. I don’t trust you, but I respect what he was.”
My father did a lot of business with Leonid. Ever since I was a boy, I watched from the sidelines as the two made deals with bloody hands.
Leonid sighed. “I know you hate Italians. But to some of us, business is business. As long as no one gets in the way.”
“What do I get in return?” If I couldn’t save the Bratva now, I could save myself and keep fighting for it later. My mind shifted to business. Mentioning the deal was a test, but deep down, I hoped there was some truth in it.
Leonid studied me. “I have money.”
“Good for you. But I don’t need your money.” A long silence stretched between us before I leaned in. “I need a kidney.”
Leonid’s expression turned to confusion. “For who?”
There and then, I knew he wasn’t aware of my condition.
“That’s none of your business.”
He let out a slow breath. “A secret wife?”
“Yes, or no?”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Fine. I’ll find what you need. Send me the details of the match, and I’ll make it happen.”
“Don’t fuck with me.” I leveled him with an icy stare. “I’m not my father.”
Leonid smirked. “Rodion, I deal with organs. This is what I do. I deal in flesh like Bratva deals in casinos, clubs, and loans. And I’m good at it.”
Rising to my feet, I fixed my suit. “Call me when you have something.” I leaned in, my voice dropping to a promise. “Don’t forget, I know things about your family. If this conversation leaves this room, I’ll make sure your empire burns to the ground.”
Leonid held up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just here for business.”
As I stepped out, the weight of the deal settled onto my shoulders. Alessia made a deal with me in a drunken haze, promising to do anything if I kept Carina and her family safe. I did that, and now it was time for her to give me something too.
Chapter Twenty
Alessia
Another night, another untouched meal.I pulled the shawl around my shoulders, already halfway to the door that would lead me out of Artur’s quarters. By the looks of it, he wasn’t coming home tonight.
As I reached the door, the handle twisted, and the door opened. I stepped back as Artur entered. Matvet followed behind him, quiet as ever. From where I stood, I could smell the alcohol on Artur, like whiskey left too long in an open glass. His shirt wasn’t fully buttoned, with its collar loose.
He walked right past me without looking at me, but he paused two steps away from me and turned. His look wasn’t confused or drunken; something cold fueled it.
“You’re done working here,” he said with the kind of voice that came right before a bullet lodged between someone’s eyes. Heturned to Matvet. “Find someone else to work from tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir,” Matvet said, and left like the well-trained shadow he was.
Artur didn’t spare me another glance. He took the stairs and went straight to his room. The door slammed shut behind him with a sound that rattled the frame. I stood there, blood rushing in my ears. What the hell just happened? Knowing I needed to be close to him for my safety, I didn’t do anything that could anger him.
Without Artur, there was no protection. If Renat suspected Artur threw me out, he would do terrible things to me. I couldn’t leave. Swallowing the rising panic, I started for his room. I had to talk to him.
My hand hesitated once before I knocked on his door. He didn’t answer. I knocked again, harder this time. The door jerked open, and Artur stood in the doorway, his eyes burning through me. He looked like war wrapped in human skin.
“What the fuck do you want?”
“I just want to talk.”
“Not interested.” He moved to close the door again. “I have no business with you.”