I nod. I don’t want to leave her, but I can’t bring her into the meeting with the Russian Pahkan.
Eleonora turns to me, eyes bright. “I’ve never been to a place like this.”
I signal to Sophia, one of my most trusted hostesses who manages the VIP experience.
“Sophia,” I say, voice low. “Take my guest to the private terrace. No members allowed up there tonight.”
Sophia nods immediately. “Of course, Mr. Lombardi.”
I look at Eleonora. “Stay with her. Don’t wander. I have a meeting.”
She opens her mouth like she wants to argue, but then closes it and nods.
As Sophia leads her away toward the quieter, more exclusive section of the club, I watch every step she takes, fighting the urge to follow.
This might be the stupidest thing I’ve done in years.
But the thought of leaving her alone at the mansion felt worse.
I make sure four of my best men shadow Eleonora and Sophia before I head to the private VIP lounge, where Nikolai is waiting.
The Russian Pahkan is already seated like he owns the place. He’s big, broad-shouldered, with a shaved head, cold gray eyes, and a scar running through his left eyebrow. Nikolai Volkov is a brutal, calculating bastard, but he’s a man of his word.
We’ve done good business together for years. He respects strength, and I respect the fact that he’s never tried to fuck me over.
He stands when I enter, and we clasp hands firmly.
“Nico,” he says in that thick accent. “Good to see you.”
We sit. His guards stay back, silent and watchful.
“Straight to business,” I say. “You want to increase the volume.”
“Da. Thirty percent more product per shipment. Your products are good. I need more.”
I lean back, studying him. “Thirty is a big jump. That kind of volume draws attention. We’d need new routes and better protection on the water.”
Nikolai smiles like a wolf. “I’ll pay a premium. And I’ll make sure the Italians don’t interfere. Speaking of… I hear you have the Caruso girl. And that Andrea Gallo is losing his mind.”
I nod once. “The Gallo-Caruso alliance is dead if I have anything to say about it. Weakening them benefits both of us.”
“Exactly,” Nikolai agrees. “If you break that deal, the ports open up more for us. I’ll back you if it turns bloody.”
We talk logistics for a while, new drop points, payment structures, extra security.
Nikolai swirls the vodka in his glass, then gives me a calculating look.
“There’s a masquerade ball next weekend. High-profile. Politicians, old money, a few syndicates. We’ll be there. Might be a good idea for you to attend as well.”
“Sounds exhausting.”
He taps his finger on the table. “With the masks, it’ll be easy to move around unnoticed. Could be useful if you want to stir the pot with the Gallos or Carusos without showing your hand too early.”
I consider it for a moment, then nod. “I’ll think about it.”
When we’re done, I signal one of the hostesses.
“Bring some girls for my guest and his men. The best ones.”
