I can’t say I’m surprised.
I also can’t say I don’t have a plan B for something like this.
“Is that all?” I press, sounding bored as hell but plotting out my next move.
Nikolai’s face lifts, looking a bit flustered at how I haven’t thrown a toaster at him yet. “Did you hear what I said?”
“I heard,” I confirm. “However, I wouldn’t get too comfortable.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” my father’s voice strings through the space, prompting my attention toward the other entrance to my kitchen.
He’s in a gray suit, fitted perfectly to his decaying frame.
Old stupid fuck.
My father meets my eyes for a long beat. There is no warmth there, only the thin, cold thing of a man who has always calculated his family as he did assets and liabilities.
He doesn’t blink.
I’m out.
“You know why you’re here,” he says.
“I don’t,” I reply flatly. “Why don’t you tell me?”
“Benedikt, you cannotmess with the politicians in this town nor the police?—”
“Iownthe police,” I leer through clenched teeth. “I can do what I please.”
“No,Iown the police,” my father grinds back, obviously in denial. “You’re too aggressive. You’ve always been—” he waves a dismissive hand in the air. “—arrogant. I gave what I thought was best for the family. For the business. For a future that doesn’t implode.”
“Your eldest son went to prison for being a fuckingmoron. I think I’ve proven my worth here.”
“You have.” Our father steps forward, examining my kitchen like it needs his approval. “But it won’t be here.”
The words leave his mouth like a taut wire snapping.
However, I don’t play at reverence.
I don’t bow.
I did the work.
I built his empire higher, and I took the shots.
I earned the ledger of debts and paid many of them in blood. The thought of being told I’ve lost the fight because my father prefers a prettier story is a joke.
“You will carry our business across the pond and manage foreign interest. Your exile will prove useful.”
Did he just say exile?
He says the words like it’s a business pivot. As if exile were merely a promotion with a better view.
My men exchange glances, probably coming to the realization that they fucked up.
“Also, your future wife.”
Now, I’m about to lose my shit.
