While his tone was undeniably harsh, it conveyed the seriousness of the situation. It was a necessary lesson, especially after the barmaid confessed that a police detective had come in earlier today, inquiring about the fucking nun woman.
With the type of business we want to run, errors that can bring any law enforcement to the premises cannot be tolerated. The doorman will go too when he decides to fucking show upbecause he let her through the doors with the fake ID in the first place.
“We’re having some renovations done and it will only be a few weeks, a month tops,” Rodion tells the staff, his ass sitting on the lip of the desk I’m sitting behind. His arms are folded over his chest, his dominance well and truly asserted. I like it when he’s in boss mode.
It costs nearly as much as the property itself to get people to work on short deadlines to have the lower level renovated, but it will be worth it once it’s exactly how we want it.
“I will be bringing in our bar manager from Moscow at that time of the re-opening who will shadow you, Riley,” I tell the club floor manager. “Her name is Nikita, and she knows how we like things done.”
Riley looks a little apprehensive as he asks, “So, I still have a position here, or will she be replacing me?”
“Of course you have a place here,” Rodion answers for me, sensing the concern in Riley’s voice. “We do have a more hands-on approach with our clubs but you will still retain your position as long as you do a good job of it. Those who work hard and to our standards will be well rewarded.”
We will take the necessary time to conduct background checks on all our employees to determine for ourselves who is trustworthy enough to join the lower-level team. In the meantime, Nikita will be bringing along a few of our trusted staff members with her.
“And, from now on, we’re no longer serving any cheap liquor,” I declare firmly, locking my gaze onto the waitress who served us those shit drinks the other night. “You’re going to promote the Rainbow Vodka, not just because it’s our in-house brand, but because it’s crafted with high quality ingredients and it's delicious.” The staff exchange glances, nodding in unison.“Excellent. Help yourself to a bottle of Rainbow Vodka on your way out. Get to know it and enjoy it.”
Once we’re alone in the bar, a delivery driver finally arrives clutching two bags of fast food. I eagerly take it from him and shove a wad of cash in his hand.
I start to unwrap the first burger before he’s even left, when Rodion interrupts.
“Do you think we should check in with Alyona?” he asks unexpectedly, his voice cutting through my hunger.
Usually, I can read Rodion’s thoughts and emotions better than I understand my own, but this question completely throws me off balance.
“Do youwantto check in on her?” I respond, my curiosity piqued, wondering what has shifted in his mind. The anger and disappointment I feel toward her is still simmering under my skin.
Before he can answer Viktor steps into the bar, his arms outstretched in a welcoming gesture. “So, it’s all yours,” he declares with a broad smile, his eyes flashing with enthusiasm. Like us, Viktor, clad in a perfectly tailored Tom Ford suit and tie, always takes pride in his appearance and exudes sophistication.
“Thanks to you.” Rodion raises a glass.
“It was your money,” Viktor responds with a playful grin, shrugging his shoulders.
“Burger?” I offer, gesturing to the mountain of fast food.
Looking over my offering with a furrowed brow, he says, “I’m surprised to see you indulging in junk food.”
“I don’t typically make a habit of it,” I admit, chuckling lightly, “but when in Rome…” I trail off, taking another huge bite of my burger as he roams his gaze over my physique.
Where Rodion likes to fuck his feelings out, I tend to eat mine.
Taking a seat on the barstool beside Rodion, Viktor tilts his head thoughtfully. “By the way, I heard about Jeremiah and Adam.”
“Unfortunate news.” I scoff, finishing my burger in two bites.
“The woman?” Viktor queries.
“A gift from your father,” I say, swiping my hand across his mouth, my voice dripping with disdain.
Viktor’s jaw flexes, his otherworldly amber eyes sparking bright. “I see.”
“Apparently, she’s not the only one who was sent here to spy on what we’re doing with the club,” Rodion informs him as I move around the bar to pour us drinks.
“I’ll look into it,” he says, his tone steady. “The police chief, Stanton, also owes me a favor.” He leans back slightly, his gaze focused. “So, if there’s anything that needs to be swept away regarding this situation, just let me know.”
I hesitate, not wanting to delve into how that favor came to be, but I nod in acknowledgment, appreciating the offer. “That’s good to know.”
Suddenly, Rodion interjects with a sharpness in his tone. “Did you know about Alyona’s child?” The question is jarring and hangs between us. I can see confusion flicker across Viktor’s face as he turns to Rodion.
