I shrug. “It is not the business of anyone but me and my wife. If I want to give her money, I can give her money.”
“I’ll make her a laughingstock.”
“You cannot. We did nothing wrong. I gave her money because being married to me means she cannot have good job. I can be traded at any time. This money is security for her, nothing more.”
He snorts. “Do you think I was born yesterday, son? She thinks she’s so clever, that I don’t know about her trust fund? How do you think that happened? Nathan and I are business partners. He didn’t lose that money—he took it because I asked him to. Without that money, she couldn’t afford to keep up with the taxes and the sanctuary and she would be forced to sell. Instead, you swooped in and saved the day. Now I’m asking you to talk her into doing the smart thing and selling. My people are offering a fuck-ton of money. Make her take it.”
“I cannot make her do anything,” I say quietly. “She is grown woman.”
He leans forward, eyes narrowed dangerously. “Listen to me, boy—this won’t end well for either of you. I’m going to get that land, one way or another. She can give it up for a ton of money or she can lose everything.”
“She will lose nothing,” I growl. “If you try to hurt my wife, I will spend every dollar I have to make you regret it.”
Our eyes lock, and his are filled with hate. “Don’t fuck with me, boy.”
“I am not a boy. I am a man.”
“Viktor. Mr. Grant.” My father joins us and I can tell by his stance he senses something is wrong.
“My son-in-law and I need a moment,” Mr. Grant says without looking at him.
“I have no secrets from my father,” I say, turning to my dad and speaking in Russian. “He wants me to convince Holly to sell her property. And he threatened us.”
My father glances at Mr. Grant, his expression filled with distaste. “You are a very hateful man, attempting to manipulate your daughter. Orchestrating the break-in at the sanctuary.”
Mr. Grant rolls his eyes. “I had nothing to do with that, but I can’t speak for my business partners. They’re motivated, and frankly, they offered her almost double what the land is worth.”
I didn’t know about that but it doesn’t matter.
“Business is business,” Mr. Grant continues. “Family is separate.”
“You are wrong,” I tell him. “Family is everything.”
“You’re a hockey player,” he says, shaking his head. “You don’t understand what’s at stake. I’m a visionary. I worry about things like infrastructure, planning, and the future. People like me make sure the world is a good place for people like you.”
“Dad?” Holly moves against my side. “What are you doing here?”
“I came down to congratulate your husband and the team.”
“Tell her the truth,” I say, wrapping my arm around her waist. “Tell her about your…business associates.”
Her father’s face hardens. “I came to you to discuss something man to man. There’s no need to involve the women.”
“There are no other women—only this one. My wife.” I turn to her. “He wants me to convince you to sell your property.”
She scowls. “Not happening, Dad. And if you come back, or do anything to hurt the birds, I will make sure the whole world knows how evil and corrupt you are.”
“You realize I have the power to get your husband deported,” he snarls.
I feel Holly stiffen, but I just laugh.
“Go ahead,” I say magnanimously. “Team owner is over there.” I point. “Tell him your plans and see what happens when the NHL gets involved.” I actually smile. “Go. Would you like me to introduce you?”
Her father hesitates.
Bullies never like it when they get called on their bluffs.
“Dad, stop this,” Holly says quietly. “You know I love that land. The house. The birds.”
