6

Mikhail mumbles an apology and begrudgingly sits while still giving me the death glare. “It’s good that you’re here, Rai. We have some business to discuss.” Sergei speaks for the first time since I came in. There’s a huskiness to his voice due to the cancer, and soon enough, it’ll be noticeable to everyone. “I have business to discuss, too, Dvoyurodnyy Ded.” Kirill scoffs under his breath at the affectionate way I addressed Granduncle. My attention turns to him. “You have a problem?” “None at all, Miss Sokolov.” He pauses, readjusting his glasses with his middle finger. “Yet.” The threat behind his gesture doesn’t escape me, so I counter using his subtle way. Still keeping eye contact, I slide the cup of coffee in front of me then crush a piece of sugar inside before it melts. “Good to know.” His brows furrow, and his most loyal soldier, Aleksander, stiffens behind him, his hand going to his gun. He has feminine features and a smaller frame for a guard, but he’s as merciless as his dir