Page 104 of Cursed

“What every businessman wants, Mr. Blackwood. Market expansion, elimination of competition, and… proper respect.”

Orlov’s men position themselves around the perimeter, forming a tight circle of armed guards. We’re completely isolated in the center with him.

“The Blackwood territory has been profitable for many years,” Orlov begins, circling us slowly. “Your family has enjoyed dominance without meaningful competition. That changes tonight.”

“You won’t leave this garden alive if you harm my brothers.” Landon’s voice lacks any emotion.

Orlov laughs. “Such devotion to family. Admirable, even if misplaced.” He stops directly in front of Landon. “I don’t want to kill your brothers, Mr. Blackwood. I want to partner with them.”

“Partnership implies mutual benefit. I see nothing beneficial about this arrangement.”

Orlov’s smile vanishes. “The benefit is that I don’t eliminate your entire operation tonight.” He gestures around the garden. “I have men positioned throughout this charity event. One word from me, and the headlines tomorrow will be about the tragic massacre of Ravenwood’s elite.”

I watch the exchange, my mind racing. Landon’s fingers flex at his side—a tell I’ve learned to recognize when he’s calculating odds. Despite the chaos unfolding around us, I find myself cataloging his reactions.

“Here are my terms,” Orlov continues. “The Blackwood Group will cede thirty percent of their territory to my organization. Your distribution network becomes available to my products. And most importantly...” his eyes flick to me again, “you and your brothers personally step away from operations for one year while I take your toy.”

Landon’s expression doesn’t change, but I feel him tense beside me. “You seem particularly interested in Sadie,” Landon observes coolly.

Orlov’s smile is vicious. “She’s not part of the negotiation, merely an... insurance policy. She’ll remain with me during your year of retirement.”

The realization hits me like ice water. Orlov doesn’t just want Blackwood territory; he wants to break Landon personally by taking what belongs to him, by taking me.

“That’s not happening,” Landon states.

“I’m not a bargaining chip,” I interject.

Orlov regards me with amusement. “Ms. Reynolds, surely you see this as an opportunity? From one captor to another—at least I wouldn’t carve my initials into your skin.”

How long has he been watching us? The thought of being under surveillance by yet another man makes my skin crawl.

“You have thirty seconds to accept my terms,” Orlov states, checking his watch. “After that, I start with the woman’s friend,then move to your youngest brother. I understand Knox has quite the pain tolerance—it’ll be interesting to test it.”

Landon takes a deliberate step forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. It’s a subtle movement, but it’s protective.

“You’ve miscalculated, Orlov,” Landon says quietly.

“Have I?” Orlov raises an eyebrow.

“Yes. You assume my primary concern is territory or business. It’s not.”

“What is it then?”

Landon’s eyes meet Orlov’s with chilling intensity. “What’s mine remains mine. Always.”

In that moment, I realize Landon’s priority isn’t the Blackwood empire—it’s me.

Orlov checks his watch again. “Twenty seconds, Mr. Blackwood.”

Landon’s hand moves to his jacket pocket in a casual gesture that I recognize as him reaching for his concealed weapon. At the same moment, I notice a small red dot appearing on Orlov’s chest—a laser sight from somewhere in the darkness.

“Ten seconds,” Orlov continues, oblivious to the targeting.

Landon’s fingers brush against my wrist—four quick taps, a signal we had practiced. I know what it means.

Get down. Now.

“Time’s up,” Orlov declares.