It was like being in a war zone again, and many of the images she saw that day were seared into her memory. They featured heavily in her nightmares.
She shook the memories away and turned to Havel, who was looking down at her with concern. He was wearing a black suit and tie, his arm sitting in a sling. He hadn’t been wearing it earlier when they’d been in the graveyard. He’d said he didn’t want his movement obstructed if he had to act quickly.
“I’m okay,” she told him.
It was a lie, and they both knew it. Havel didn’t call her out for it, though. He nodded and continued to stand sentinel next to her until Jozef could make his way back to her. Havel wasn’t okay either. He hovered around her and Jozef and looked haunted, even though he tried to suppress the emotions.
It helped to have him near. It was like having Karl again. She felt less lonely, less lost in a world she didn’t understand. A world that swallowed people up and either turned them into killers or captives.
Which was she now? Killer or captive?
The air seemed to go out of the room and Shaun searched desperately for Jozef. He was standing with the two Bratva men Havel had pointed out to her. He was nodding his head, but his face was unreadable. She couldn’t tell if he was happy, sad, angry.
She hated when Jozef became blank to her.
A cold sweat broke out across her body. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. It didn’t help. The squeezing in her chest continued, suffocating her until she thought she would scream.
A warm hand touched her back, causing her to jump. She looked at Havel, unable to hide her vulnerability. She hated him seeing her this way. He’d been the one who’d wanted her to die all those months ago when they first met. He had rightfully pointed out that she didn’t belong in their world, and now here she was, proving his point.
“Breathe,” he told her.
She nodded, unable to speak, and turned her mind to her breathing exercises. As she sucked in air through her nose, releasing it through her mouth, she practiced her therapist’s mental exercises. She pictured a filing cabinet in her mind. Reaching in, she opened a file and carefully placed her fear and all the terrible memories inside. She closed the file and replaced it in the cabinet. She closed the drawer and locked it, sealing her fear away. It wouldn’t stay there forever. She would pull it out and examine it when she was ready to deal with the trauma surrounding the emotion, but for now, anxiety and fear wouldn’t serve her well.
When Jozef approached, the two Bratva men following him, Shaun was breathing normally again and able to give him a tight smile. Havel’s hand fell away from her back before Jozef could see him touching her. It was an innocent touch. Shaun knew Havel had no designs on her, but Jozef didn’t like any of his men touching her unless there was a good reason.
Jozef took her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing her fingers, before letting go.
Come with me, he signed, then added, both of you, looking at Havel. We have a meeting to attend.
“I’ll say goodbye to my mother first.” Shaun held her breath as she realized she should have made it a question instead of a comment. Havel and Jozef had warned her she needed to play submissive around the men of the Bratva.
Of course, Jozef signed. I’ll go with you.
They left the two men with Havel and made their way toward Fatima, who was sitting on the couch with a woman who was sobbing. Shaun didn’t recognize the woman, but she seemed genuinely distraught by Krystoff’s death. Judging by the size of the reception, Krystoff had been a well-liked, well-respected man.
Fatima was handing the woman a tissue, looking up as Jozef and Shaun arrived by her side.
“Shaun, Jozef, this is Cece Mountbatten. She had gone to school with Krystoff and kept in touch with him over the years.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Shaun said, reaching a hand out to the woman.
Cece narrowed her eyes and slid along the couch, further away from Shaun. “You,” she said scathingly. “This is all your fault. I talked to Dasha a few months ago. I know everything.”
Jozef was quick to tuck Shaun against his side and drop his hand beneath his jacket where his holster lay. He narrowed his eyes at the woman, silently telling her to back off.
“Where is your aunt?” she asked Jozef. “Did you have her killed too?”
Jozef’s body tightened, but Shaun was quicker. She took a step in front of Jozef.
“You’ll want to control yourself, Ms. Mountbatten.” Shaun’s voice was chilly. “If you knew Dasha and Krystoff the way you say, then you know that this is the wrong room and the wrong group of people to throw accusations around.”
Shaun lifted her gaze to the two Bratva men and the woman followed her line of sight. It was clear she either knew who they were or understood the implication behind Shaun’s words.
Fatima pushed herself off the couch and stood to Jozef’s other side. “You are welcome to mourn, but you won’t be insulting this family while you’re enjoying their hospitality.”
“I…” she stared at the trio in front of her. “My apologies, I’m simply distraught over what happened. If you’ll excuse me.”
The woman stood and quickly left the room.
Once she was gone, Shaun deflated. Defending Jozef had come easily to her, but the energy it took after so many sleepless nights was almost more than she could handle.
“Do you think she’s going to be a problem?” Fatima asked anxiously. “I saw her crying and thought no one should have to cry alone. I shouldn’t have spoken to her.”
Jozef shook his head. You should speak with whoever you want. C-E-C-E won’t be a problem. She knew my aunt and uncle a long time ago, but she has no power to make a nuisance of herself now.
“We’re going to a meeting,” Shaun told her mother, remembering the reason they’d come over. “Will you be alright alone?”
“If you don’t need me anymore, I think I’ll go home.” She hugged each of them and waved to her new bodyguard, heading toward the man.
“Thank you for assigning someone to her. I think it helps her feel more secure.” Shaun watched her mother talk to her bodyguard, smiling at something he said.
Her safety means as much to me as yours, Jozef signed. Come, it’s time for us to find out what the Russians have to say to me.
Chapter Four
You’ll translate, Jozef told Shaun, leading the procession into his study and closing the door. He took Shaun’s arm and led her to the seat she liked in front of the fireplace.
She sank gratefully into the plush leather armchair, wishing she could kick her shoes off and rub her feet. It had been a long day for heels, but she chose them knowing there would be powerful men at the funeral and reception. She felt better, more powerful, with more height. She couldn’t afford to look weak around these people, couldn’t afford to make Jozef look weak. He’d been preparing her for weeks so she would understand what was at stake. It wasn’t just his livelihood, but their lives as well.
Jozef didn’t invite the others to sit, so the group of men remained standing. Shaun nearly stood as well, wanting to be on equal footing, but resisted the urge. Jozef placed her in the chair for a reason. She wouldn’t question his decision. Not in front of these men, anyway.
While Jozef poured drinks, Shaun studied the two newcomers.
One was named Alexei Ivanov. Jozef had told her the man was there to assess the level of organization surrounding the Kobas. If it looked like Jozef had the situation well in hand, then he would keep the power he had seized for himself. Alexei could make Jozef’s life difficult if he took a less than stellar report back to the rest of the Bratva.
The man wore a beautifully tailored suit. He was tall and robust. He looked to be around fifty, but it was difficult to tell. She looked him over with a professional eye. He’d had work done. Facelift, cheek surgery, chin surgery, lip surgery. She wondered if cosmetic surgery was common to the oligarchs of Russia or if this one was vain.
Shau
n glanced away, realizing her bias toward these criminals could be a problem if she continued down the path of her current thoughts. She didn’t think cosmetic surgery was inherently wrong. She’d seen gastric bypass surgeries give patients a new lease on life and something as simple as a Botox injection give patients the self-esteem they needed to face the world again.
But there was something about Alexei that rubbed her the wrong way. She just knew he chose his surgeries with the same whim he used to choose his next meal.
She glanced at the other man, Yuri Antonovich. She was curious about him. Both Havel and Jozef had warned her to keep her distance. Neither explained why, but she suspected it had something to do with the cold, slimy eyes slithering down her body and resting on her crossed legs.
She held his stare for several uncomfortable seconds. The heat rose in Shaun’s cheeks and she was about to move, just to break his intense look, when Jozef stepped in between them, breaking Yuri’s line of sight.
Shaun sighed her relief and accepted the glass of red wine Jozef handed her.
Jozef stood next to Shaun’s chair, his hand sliding across the back. He didn’t touch her, but his presence warmed the room and chased away any lingering panic she’d been feeling earlier.
“Let’s get started,” Alexei said, glancing around, probably for a chair. When he failed to come up with one, he leaned his hip against Jozef’s desk.
Jozef dipped his head in a nod and straightened. He positioned himself so the men could see him and so Shaun could too for translation. She didn’t understand why he wanted her to translate instead of Havel, but she suspected it was so Jozef could project a united front to the Bratva. She was to be his bride and would occupy an important role in his life and organization.
There is nothing to discuss. I will not relinquish my title or holdings to the Bratva. You will recognize my right to ownership, or you will declare war with the Czech Republic.
It was everything Shaun could do not to gape at Jozef. Then it was everything she could do not to question him in front of these men. He’d assured her that these two men spoke for the Bratva and could bury the Koba organization if they judged against Jozef. Did he really want to start off so aggressively?
Apparently, he did.
Shaun dutifully translated.
Alexei laughed. A chilling, disdainful laugh that gave Shaun goosebumps.
“You speak boldly for someone of your position. You are new to the title of Vor, yet you challenge those who are well established. I’m not sure if you are incredibly smart or stupid, but I will warn you to go more carefully with this conversation.”
Shaun agreed with Alexei.
Jozef didn’t.
You will recognize my claim, or you will leave. If you choose the second option, the next time we meet you will die by my hand.
Alexei straightened from the desk and glared at Jozef. “You shouldn’t make threats you could come to regret. The power of the Koba organization may be behind you, but you are in disarray. You couldn’t organize a coup if you wanted to, and you certainly couldn’t bring it to Moscow.”
Are you so sure of that? Do you want to risk everything on that assumption? We are a powerful family with a powerful nation behind us. We have allies in Poland, Ukraine, and beyond who will not hesitate to side with me. Some who are tired of living under the thumb of the Bratva would welcome a war.
Shaun bowed her head as she translated, not wanting to meet the eyes of Alexei as she said the words.
She felt a slight tug on the back of her head and realized Jozef was lightly pulling her hair. He wanted her to project a calm and professional front. They’d already talked about this.
Shaun took a deep breath and straightened her spine, lifting her chin. She didn’t meet Alexei’s gaze, but she feigned the calm arrogance Jozef always seemed to project with such ease.
“You would make an enemy of Moscow?” Alexei asked incredulously.
“Enough.” This came from Yuri, who calmly interjected into the conversation. “Jozef is not threatening. I have known this young man since he was a child, he does not threaten. He will follow through on everything he says, even if it kills him. Am I correct?”
Jozef didn’t respond, and Shaun supposed he didn’t need to. His actions spoke louder than words. He’d made a name for himself as a mobster and a mercenary.
“We were sent here to welcome you to the Bratva and negotiate terms, not threaten the empire you have rightfully claimed,” Yuri continued. He was calm and measured, but there was a coldness to him that Shaun suspected seeped into every aspect of his life. She wondered if she was looking at a true sociopath.
Then let’s negotiate, Jozef signed while Shaun spoke for him.
“Twenty-five percent and you will attend all Bratva meetings for five years until we are sure of your loyalty.”
Jozef barked his laughter but quickly sobered. Eight percent and I will attend the annual meetings only.
Shaun realized Jozef wanted these men to think he intended to treat the Bratva cavalierly, but in reality, she knew he had great respect for the institution and was looking forward to joining the ranks of the Vory. She wondered why he was playing hard to get.
“You will pay twenty percent and you will attend the next five meetings, then annually.”
Havel and Alexei stood silently, watching while Jozef and Yuri negotiated. The percentages confused Shaun. She didn’t understand what exactly they were negotiating. Her confusion must’ve shown on her face, because when she glanced up, Havel began signing to her, quickly and out of sight of Alexei and Yuri.
They’re negotiating for a portion of Jozef’s fortune. He will relinquish the amount they agree on, then he will pay that same percentage of his yearly earnings.
Shaun discreetly nodded and sent Havel a quick smile while she continued to translate. It helped to understand what the men were negotiating for. She didn’t know how much money Jozef had inherited from Krystoff, but she suspected it was quite a lot.
Ten percent and annual meetings.
It was Yuri’s turn. “Fifteen percent and one visit to Moscow in the next few months, then annual meetings after that.”
Twelve percent, Jozef signed.
Yuri’s gaze settled on Shaun’s face as he thought about it. Then he nodded, his head bobbing up and down in an exaggerated motion. “Fine, twelve percent and you bring your lovely fiancé to the palace when you visit. You can explain your marriage plans to the council.”
Jozef growled, but Shaun reached out to take his hand, squeezing it. He looked down at her. His eyes were glittering with anger. She was the only thing that could set him off like a firework. It didn’t matter what anyone said to him, he was always the picture of calm unless she came into the discussion.
Shaun turned a smile on their guest. “I would love to visit Russia. It’s always been on my list of places to visit.”
Yuri’s gaze continued to linger. “You must allow me to show you around the Kremlin while your… fiancé is busy.”
Shaun shivered but kept the smile plastered to her face. “Of course, that would be lovely.”
Tension vibrated through Jozef and Shaun gripped his hand harder to keep him from flying across the room and strangling the Bratva’s secretary. She didn’t know what the man was playing at, but she suspected he was deliberately trying to provoke a reaction.
Havel must have sensed the same intention because he stepped forward and said in a jovial voice, “Come, we must celebrate the success of this negotiation with Vodka. We have the best here, imported from your homeland.”
Chapter Five
The soft glow of the lamp caressed Shaun’s features, giving her an ethereal appearance. Jozef had been watching her for hours, occasionally picking up a nearby book and reading while she slept. He wouldn’t sleep himself until she woke.
Her enormous orange cat, Fitzy, was curled on top of the blankets against the inside of her knees. He was relaxed but alert, his eyes open and shining in the lampli
ght as he waited. He knew what was coming as well as Jozef did.
Shaun had been experiencing nightmares every night since the attack on the club. Like clockwork, her body would jerk beneath the covers, then she would cry out, until finally she was thrashing and screaming for help.
Jozef stayed awake so he could bring her out of her nightmare before it reached that point. He knew he wasn’t getting enough sleep and that it could make his thinking sloppy when he couldn’t take a single misstep, but he refused to allow Shaun to suffer. Not even for a few extra seconds.
Watching over her had become an obsession. He watched her constantly through cameras as she drifted restlessly through the mansion. He watched her while she ate and slept. Watched as she tried to navigate a mansion filled with staff. He clocked her every move and worked to help her when she hit an obstacle. She didn’t know it, but he’d fired a maid who’d gotten impatient with her and a gardener for snapping at her when she stepped off the stone path winding through the garden.
He knew it would be a long time before Shaun could consider the mansion home, and he would do whatever it took to make her feel more comfortable. If he could, he would burn it to the ground and start over, but the estate was too important to the Koba organization. It was a symbolic seat of power.
Given their past, it amazed Jozef that Shaun wanted to try to make things work with him. But she’d been clear. She was with him willingly now, and she wanted to work on their relationship. It was a far cry from a year earlier when she couldn’t see a clear path for their love. It’d taken a lot of sacrifice on her part to get to where they were now.
Jozef owed Shaun everything. She might’ve been the catalyst that ultimately pulled his family apart, but she also helped him see the reality of his existence. His family had valued him when it was convenient. They’d used him to further their own gains. He’d been the guard dog rather than the loved son he’d always longed to be.
Without Shaun, he wouldn’t have questioned Krystoff’s orders. He wouldn’t have wondered what’d happened to his parents, instead continuing to believe the old story of revenge killing. He still didn’t know the whole truth, but now he knew to look past the half-truths and lies.
Goodnight, Sinners (Sinner's Empire Book 3) Page 3