“You’re just going to leave?”
I turn to him, smirking. “Do you want to offer me tea?”
“I… You don’t know what I’ll do after you leave,” he points out in disbelief. “What if I call Budimir and tell him that you’re alive? That you’re coming after him?”
I shrug. “Sometimes to gain trust, you have to give it,” I tell him. I look directly at him and our eyes meet. “Time to choose a side, Anton.”
Then I walk out of his house and leave him to his decision. I know I’ve just taken a huge risk, but I feel good about it.
Even if Anton betrays me to Budimir, they don’t know where I am or where I’m operating from. My men are careful and all are on high alert.
I’ve got my spies in well-placed positions. I’m confident in the risk I’ve taken.
I did what a don must do.
Stanislav would be proud.
* * *
Once I’ve driven back into the main town, I make another call. It takes a while before I hear a silky voice on the other line.
“Well, well, look who it is.”
“Svetlana,” I reply. “How are things?”
She chuckles. “I think you’ll be pleased,” she says. “Budimir has engaged my services for tonight. It’ll be the third time this week.”
I try to control my excitement. “Fucking perfect,” I growl. “Has he given anything away?”
“Not a thing,” Svetlana says. “He’s still tight-lipped around me. All I know is that he has an important meeting coming up next week. He gets hard every time he talks about it.”
“With you?”
“He gets hard with me all the time. Most men do.”
I can’t help but chuckle at that. “I meant who does he talk about the meeting with, ‘Lana.”
“With his men,” she replies. “But I’m around.”
Hell fucking yes. Things are coming together.
“Any info on this meeting he’s so excited about?” I press.
“Not yet, but tonight I’m accompanying him to a business event.”
“A business event?” I repeat.
“That’s what he called it,” she says. “I imagine I’ll have more information for you tomorrow.”
I clench my fist, thrilled by a day of positive progress. “Good job, Svetlana. I knew I made the right decision with you.”
“You bet your ass you did,” she says. I notice the new confidence in her tone. “Oh, and Artem?”
“Yes?”
“I want a raise.”
I raise my eyebrows. “The amount I’ve offered you is pretty fucking generous.”