35. Andrey

35

ANDREY

I look around at the men surrounding my desk and tell myself I can trust them—even as a voice in the back of my head warns me not to trust anyone.

Shura steps forward. "Nikolai's attempt on Natalia can't go unanswered."

"I'd agree, except…" As I pause, Shura's eyes widen in surprise. He's not the only one. "I think it's what Slavik is counting on. Nikolai and Slavik hate each other. So why haven't they made a move on each other?"

"Maybe Nikolai doesn't believe Slavik is really back?" It's the first suggestion Leif has made the entire meeting.

It's his first day standing in Efrem's place in the circle. No one has mentioned the absence yet, but it looms between all of us like a black hole sucking the life out of the room.

" Nyet ," I say. "Slavik hasn't exactly been subtle about his return. They're both playing the long game here."

"They're relying on each other to take you out first," Shura realizes. "You're the biggest threat to both of them right now."

Leif perks up like an overeager pup. "What if we try to take them out together?"

"Because," I explain patiently, "I can't be sure of my own men. If I plan that kind of attack and I'm betrayed from the inside, it won't just be a defeat—it'll be a fucking massacre."

Jaw clenched and fists tight, I drift away from the circle. "We need to weed out all the men who might move against me and we need to do it quietly. I don't need rumors of disloyal vory circulating. Not to Nikolai or Slavik and certainly not to our allies."

"We could use their help, though," Yuri says.

"If they sense even the smallest hint of weakness, those fickle mudaki are more likely to jump ship than risk dying on it. We need to be discreet."

A murmur rumbles through my men, but no one seems to have a clue what to do. They're all looking at me for answers.

"Who's been keeping tabs on my useless brother?" I ask.

Yuri raises his hand. "It's a waste of time. All the man does is get drunk, get high, and get laid."

I'd hoped that keeping eyes on Viktor would pay off eventually, but so far, no dice. I run a hand through my hair. "This meeting is over. Get out."

They file out of the room, but Shura is the only one who dares to linger.

"I'm not interested in company right now, Shura."

From the stubborn set of his jaw, though, I know he's not going anywhere. "We need someone on the inside, ‘Drey. Someone who can get close enough to extract valuable information."

"Don't you think I know that? But there's no way we can plant anyone trustworthy at this stage."

Shura arches a brow, waiting for me to follow his train of thought.

It doesn't take long.

"No. No. "

"Think about it," Shura persists. "The boy knows Nikolai. He's lived in the compound. He can convince him that he managed to escape from our hold and now has inside information on you."

"Do you think I haven't thought of that already?"

"Then what's the problem?"

"For one, Natalia. She'd have my fucking balls if I sent the kid in there. And for another…" I drop wearily into the closest seat. "I'd never forgive myself for sending him back to that hellhole."

"Since when do you have a conscience?"

I laugh hollowly. Fuck if I know, but it's a beast to carry around. "The boy is off-limits. I promised to protect him."

"Maybe you should let him decide."

"He's fourteen years old and desperate to prove himself. Of course he's going to want to jump into the fray. That doesn't mean we should let him."

"'Drey—"

"It's not going to happen, Shura."

Shura falls silent, the vein in his forehead throbbing. The tension feels at the point of spilling over when someone clears their throat from the doorway.

And then, of all people, Katya steps into the space between us. "Before someone walks out of here with a black eye, might I make a suggestion?"

"You're not supposed to be here," Shura grits.

"Well, I am, and I heard everything. Andrey's right, Shura: sending Misha would be a huge mistake. And I'm not just saying that because Natalia would burn this house to the ground in a rage."

Shura scowls. "This doesn't concern you, Kat. These are Bratva matters."

She meets his scowl with one of her own. "Since it concerns the safety of my best friend, I'm making it my concern." She pushes past Shura to face me. "Send me instead."

I wait for the punchline.

It doesn't come.

"Have you lost your fucking mind?!" Shura roars.

Katya doesn't so much as glance in his direction. "I'm smart and resourceful. I'd make a good spy."

" Prygat !" Shura grabs her arm and steers her towards the door.

She shakes him off. "Touch me again, buddy, and I'll kick you in the nuts."

Shura's hand drops along with his face. His anger drains away, and his voice wobbles in a way I've never heard before. "Kat, baby… you can't."

"I can. I'd do anything for Natalia. Do you think that's changed just because you and Andrey entered our lives? We've had each other's backs long before you two showed up."

Shura reaches for her, but stops himself when she levels him with a glare. "If you think I'm going to let you get anywhere near Nikolai Rostov?—"

"I'm not planning on getting anywhere near Nikolai Rostov," she interrupts. "I'm planning on getting close to Viktor."

Oh, for fuck's sake. She might be right.

As much as I understand Shura's fury, Katya is onto something.

"Viktor knows you're Natalia's friend," I remind her. "Why would he trust you?"

"Because as far as he knows, Natalia cut me off after we crashed his wedding to Mila. I'll let him think we're on the outs, and I'm looking to get even." She gives me a dark, melancholy smile. "I'll make him believe what I need him to believe, Andrey. I've always been good at that."

"This isn't fucking happening." Shura throws his hands in the air. "Andrey, you can't seriously be considering this."

Reluctantly, I force my eyes to my second's. "She makes a good case, brother."

"She is my woman!"

Katya stamps her foot on the ground. "I'm my own damn woman, Shura. Just because we sleep together doesn't mean you own me."

He steps towards her, getting right in her face. "Doesn't it?"

I shift between them if only because the heat in their gaze has me worried about my office. "Shura, you're my right-hand man and the closest thing I have to a true brother. If you're against this, I won't insist. But I do think Katya's plan has a chance of working."

Katya is crackling with outrage. "Who cares if he's against this? Back me up, Andrey!"

"If it was Natalia wanting to do something like this, I'd feel the same way." She opens her mouth to argue, but I hold up a hand. "Convince him to get on board with your plan, and I'll agree to it. But if Shura says no, it's dead in the water. That's my final offer."

She turns her ire on Shura, and I slip out of the room. As I shut the door, something shatters.

I don't turn back.