“This idiot really thinks he's playing gangster?”
Marat smiles.
It's not a pleasant smile.
“No. He’s dumber than that,” he says. “He thinks he's exploiting gangsters.”
The distinction matters.
Because I've met arrogant men before.
And Joel Jonas might be the worst of them.
A spoiled politician.
Rich family.
Town council seat.
Congressman uncle.
He thinks he's untouchable.
He thinks money makes him dangerous.
But these people?
The Sarkisians?
They aren't politicians.
They're predators.
“He's too stupid to realize he's dealing with criminals who have zero moral compass,” I say.
Josef nods.
“He thinks they're business partners.”
“Well, then he is stupider than he looks,” Adrik says quietly. “Trust me when I tell you the Vor of the Sarkasian family doesn’t think Jonas is a partner. To them, he is livestock.”
Everyone looks at him.
The Russian billionaire shrugs.
“They will use him until he becomes inconvenient.”
Cold.
Simple.
Terrifying.
Which is probably why Adrik Volkov scares the shit out of everybody.
His voice is so calm as he announces the upcoming murder of the councilman.
Always calm.