Page 33 of Scarred Temptation

I lifted my glass in acknowledgement. “I won’t make a promise you know I can’t keep.”

“One day that guardian isn’t going to be on your shoulder, Maxsim. There are some injuries even I can’t repair.”

With more pep in his step than when he’d arrived, he left the room, leaving another wave of silence in his wake.

Sergei spoke first. As the Brigadier, the captain of all the soldiers, he was required to develop and control a plan of retaliation. He was well aware of what was at stake. He’d been through countless situations with my father before I’d taken the leadership position.

But, not knowing the identity of the enemy, his job was that much more difficult.

“I’m sorry, Pakhan. There is no sign of the sedan anywhere, but I have men blanketing the city. It’s just a matter of time.”

I was certain he anticipated my rage, but even I knew at this point expressing anger wouldn’t do any good. Plus, I needed to stay in absolute control in front of everyone. “The older black sedan they used has already been destroyed, Sergei. They used a throwaway vehicle and don’t bother checking the hospitals as you won’t find anything there either. With two thwarted attacks, whoever is responsible will retreat with no sign. They’ll regroup. That may take days or even weeks, returning with new tactics when we’ve allowed our guard to fall. As we all did before. We will keep a vigilant watch, ensuring our product is protected and our clients are never made aware of the difficulty. Is that understood?”

I leveled my gaze on one captain at a time, ensuring there was eye contact before each one lowered their gazes out of respect. At least there was no hesitation in any of them. One test passed. But the nagging remained.

“Then what would you like done?” Sergei asked. My second in command had been through several violent battles, his bravery in taking two bullets for my father while still inside Russia earning him more than the family’s respect.

He’d been by my father’s side during the most difficult times, a trusted friend, more than just an employee. Which was why he’d been tasked with my training starting at the age of fifteen, something my father had no time to engage in.

He was as close to me as my own brother, which was why seeing the combination of concern and heightened anger was yet another reminder that life was precious.

“Tighten all security around our businesses. Check with our informants and make certain there are no appearances of any changes or concerns. But ensure that everyone is keeping a watchful eye. This is just the beginning. Any information will be brought to me.”

I sensed he had questions about the woman but also knew now was the inappropriate time. Let alone I had little if anything to offer.

“Yes, sir,” Sergei said, turning to face his soldiers. “You heard the Pakhan. It’s our job to project him and his family with our lives if necessary.”

The dozen or so men in the room all nodded. They would follow their orders as they had no choice. Sergei would keep them in line.

“Let’s leave the Pakhan alone now,” Kristoff suggested. “We have work to do.” He offered a single nod before guiding the others to the door.

Roman remained where he was, anticipating I’d want a private conversation with him.

Once the room had been cleared, he approached with the whiskey bottle in hand, pouring more than a single shot. He’d known better than to interfere with my soliloquy, groomed beside me in case I was killed in the line of duty.

“You look like shit,” he offered, which made me laugh.

“It’s been a tough day.”

“Yes, so it has been. After what happened with Mina, why in the hell did you send Sergei away? If he’d been by your side, this might not have occurred.”

“They would have made the attempt anyway if I’d had an army with me. Whoever is responsible, they were making a statement that they can get to me any time.” I eased off the corner of the desk, taking a gulp of my drink then placing the glass on the surface. The pain in my shoulder continued, the dull ache a decent reminder I wasn’t as infallible as I’d once believed.

“Who knew about the meeting?” He watched as I struggled to slide my arm into a clean shirt, clothes brought to the location by my brother. As he shook his head, I sensed his continued concern. Attacks weren’t an everyday occurrence, but they always indicated a bloody battle in the future. I’d refuse as usual to ignore the altercations.

Everyone knew how stubborn I could be.

“Sergei, Kristoff, yourself, and whoever Grigor told, but I doubt he shared the information with anyone. Besides, I chose the location at the last minute.”

“You’re not suggesting one of our men betrayed you?” Roman pulled back, his eyebrows furrowed.

“No, I am not. I believe I was followed, although I saw no evidence of that. However, we’re not dealing with the usual idiots and assholes.” I returned to my desk.

“Yeah, you’re right about that.”

“Is Mina alright?”

“She’s fine, Max. Svetlana is staying with her. However, you should head back to the house before dawn. You know how your daughter expects you to be there for breakfast.”