Page 129 of Bratva Menace

I had no idea what that was about, and quite frankly, I didn’t care enough to ask. “Needed to talk to you, and Sir DicksAlot over there wouldn’t let me in.”

“There is a reason for that. I want to be alone.”

I put a hand to my heart in mock hurt. “Grandpappy, you wound me. I’ve been missing for ten days. Were you not concerned?”

“Not really.”

“At least you’re honest.”

I grabbed the soldier by his boots and dragged him out of the office before shutting the door. Wiping my hands together, I walked further into the room. There were two chairs parked right in front of the desk. I hauled one over and plopped it right in front of Sergei. It obstructed his view, which, by the pursed lips, I could tell annoyed him, but whatever.

Exhaling heavily, I sat down and crossed my ankle over my knee. Silence followed. I didn’t talk. Neither did Sergei. There were a few indicators that told me he didn’t see me as a threat. Not even right then, at that moment.

One, his body was relaxed and calm, not even the slightest hint of discomfort.

Two, he knew I was armed. My blade was clearly visible, and he made no move to arm himself just in case.

And three, he was wearing his glasses.

In the past, he’d been very careful not to wear them out in public or around other people. I’d seen him quickly whip them off numerous times whenever my father or Aleksandr entered his office unexpectedly.

He didn’t even bother to hide them with me.

It worked to my advantage, sure, but it pissed me off a little to be so clearly underestimated.

The silence continued. He stared at me. I stared back. Sergei was trying to make me uncomfortable with that harsh, penetrating gaze, but it wouldn’t work. Everyone else might fear him, but I didn’t. Hadn’t for a very long time.

I decided to be the first one to speak. “How much longer are you going to let this go on?”

“Let what?”

“This beef you have with Father. Surely, you can see how much it’s affecting business.”

He narrowed his eyes. “What would you know about that?”

I knew a lot more than anyone thought. “You’re stretching yourself thin, Grandpappy,” I said, my voice light and playful—exactly how he hated it. “And because of that, your game is slipping. You’re in trouble,” I sang.

Anger rolled over his eyes. “I am not in trouble,” he growled.

“There’s no need to lie, Grandpappy. It’s only me. The useless, expendable grandson, remember? Who cares what I think?”

At that, he seemed to relax a touch. Kind of like an oh, yeah, that’s right kind of moment. It was what I wanted. I didn’t want him to know how drastically he’d underestimated me.

Not just yet.

“You’ve had a few deals go wrong, haven’t you? It happens to the best of us, don’t worry. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“And why would you think that?”

“People talk.”

“Not my people, or they’d lose their tongues.”

I had to admit that Sergei might be a dick, but he said some badass stuff sometimes.

“You’re right,” I admitted, nodding. “Your people know better than to discuss the particulars of your business. Even your clients know better. But there’s people out there who don’t know that.” I’d done an extensive investigation into his work over the last six months, including talking to people he might have overlooked.

I shifted the chair a touch closer. He didn’t notice. “You’re a paranoid man, Grandfather, but you’re also a man of habit. You’ve grown predictable.”