Page 74 of Scarred Ruin

“A friend with a huge set of balls.”

“Well, then she might be perfect for you.”

“I’m not interested in any relationship.”

“Who said anything about a relationship, Sergei?”

“Isn’t that what you’re involved in?”

Thinking about his words, I merely shrugged. “Isabel brings some entertainment to my life.”

“That doesn’t mean her presence isn’t dangerous.”

“I’m aware of that, which is why protection is required. You of all people know how difficult this last five years has been. Five years of living in darkness. I’m surprised my daughter is as happy a child as she is. I don’t want to miss out on all the important things and with Isabel’s attention and her love, Mina is blossoming and thriving where she was existing before. What is so wrong with wanting her to enjoy life? Or me wanting to, for that matter?”

Sergei’s expression softened. “Nothing at all. You once reminded me that being cautious isn’t a weakness, but a reason that you were able to move on with your life. At the risk of angering you, I’ll also suggest that your personality is such that you swing from one side to the other. There is no middle ground with you.”

He was right on both counts, which was why I was irritated as hell. Yet he always knew the right thing to say. “Understood. Security measures are in place. Now, it’s business as usual, which is why you and Kristoff will meet me at the main office later. We need to ensure our clients know there has been no change in our business practices.”

“You mean that you won’t kill them inside your nice, gleaming corporate office.”

At least I could laugh. “Exactly. Did you have the opportunity to find what I asked for?” Our clients already had cargo boxes loaded up and waiting for departure in two days, yet they were prepared to renege on the deal, which was unacceptable. They were merely using the opportunity for a deep discount. Instead, I had plans on handing them a punch in the gut.

Just for pissing me off and wasting my time.

“Yes, your suspicions were correct. How did you know?”

I laughed. “Just something my father taught me.”

“Impressive. Do you think the switch was made to destroy our reputation?”

The items currently residing in the crates weren’t what had been listed on the manifest. That was due to our clients’ blind stupidity that would be made out to be intentional on our part. It meant whichever enemy was determined to bring down my organization was willing to cross every line.

“It’s worth considering.”

“The Saudis will be pissed.” Sergei laughed.

“Given their reprehensible behavior, I don’t care.”

“Just out of curiosity. You aren’t going to kill Mina’s teacher. Right?”

I shook my head while staring at him incredulously. “No, Sergei. I’m neither in the mood nor would I like to face Isabel’s wrath.”

He lifted both eyebrows. “She already has a significant influence over you. Interesting.”

“Papa!”

We were interrupted by the pounding of little feet and paws. Where I’d been on edge before, as soon as she rushed into the room with Shadow at her feet, the anger faded.

“Well, look at you.”

“Miss Sara says we can dress up for Halloween tomorrow.”

“Oh, did she now? I guess I need to ensure your costume is ready.”

She nodded about a million times and with every passing day, she appeared more like her mother. At least the ache wasn’t as severe.

“Well, let’s get you to school so I can have a nice, long chat with your teacher.”