Page 2 of Deadly Legacy (The House of Matvei #3)
Reuben’s hands stilled on his shirt buttons. Quantize Guard was a security tech startup he’d scouted and pursued for months, pouring countless hours into due diligence and relationship building.
As the crown jewel in Matthew Capital’s portfolio—a venture fund he’d help build alongside Alexei—this investment represented far more than money. It was validation of Reuben’s financial instincts and business acumen. “What kind of situation?”
“Better discussed in the car.” Nikon glanced at his watch. “How quickly can you be ready?”
“Five minutes.” Reuben resumed dressing, mind already transitioning from training-room tactics to boardroom strategy. From physical combat to corporate chess.
Nikon nodded once. “I’ll have the car brought around.”
Alone in the locker room, Reuben studied his reflection as he slipped on his tie. The man who stared back bore little resemblance to the desperate academic poker player who’d stumbled into Nikon’s world two years ago.
His green eyes had changed. Where they once held uncertainty, now they assessed and scrutinized, missing nothing. The softness had melted from his face, leaving behind sharp angles and an even sharper jawline. Two years of bruises and battles had carved away everything weak, everything hesitant.
Reuben was no longer the man who needed constant protection. No longer helpless.
Four minutes later, his transformation complete from fighter to finance executive, Reuben emerged from the locker room to find Nikon waiting in the compound’s marble-floored foyer.
“Ready?”
When Reuben nodded, Nikon placed his hand on the small of Reuben’s back and guided him toward the exit.
Outside, a sleek black Mercedes idled in the compound’s circular driveway. The driver opened the door as they approached, nodding deferentially to Nikon.
Reuben settled into the leather seat, relishing the cool embrace of the car’s interior after two hours in the gym’s stifling atmosphere.
As the car pulled away from the compound, Nikon’s hand came to rest on his thigh, fingers splayed in that instinctive, affectionate gesture that had become as natural as breathing between them.
“Stepan’s training is paying off.” Nikon’s eyes wandered over Reuben’s body with undisguised desire as his gaze lingered on the places where the tailored suit hugged Reuben’s newly defined physique. “And that takedown was impressive.”
“Are you talking about my fighting technique or just admiring the view?” Reuben raised an eyebrow, lips quirking into the half-smile that always seemed to draw Nikon’s attention to his mouth.
“Both.” Nikon’s fingers traced an intricate pattern high on Reuben’s thigh, inching towards his groin. His voice dropped an octave, that private tone reserved for moments when they were alone. “Though I prefer when it’s me who gets you on your back.”
Desire pooled low in Reuben’s abdomen, his body responding to Nikon’s words. “And if we didn’t have a potential crisis to handle, I might take you up on that.”
Nikon’s smile faded. “Quantize Guard.”
“Okay, tell me what happened.” Reuben placed his hand over Nikon’s, their fingers intertwining.
“Someone’s made a competing offer.” Nikon’s thumb traced the ridge of Reuben’s knuckles. “And Alexei says it’s substantial.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. Our proposal is solid, and we’ve built a relationship with the founders.” Reuben’s mind cycled through the negotiations of the past months. “Unless there’s more you’re not telling me.”
A flicker crossed Nikon’s expression. It was gone in an instant, but not before Reuben caught it.
“Alexei has the details.” Nikon’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “He thought it best we discuss this in person.”
“Since when does Alexei get cryptic? That’s your specialty.”
Nikon squeezed his thigh gently. “You’ve built something real with Matthew Capital. No matter what happens today, remember that.”
The comment sent a chill through Reuben’s body. “You make it sound like we’re facing a catastrophe.”
“No, not a catastrophe.” Nikon’s thumb brushed over his knuckles again. “But... a potential complication.”
As they drove through the city’s financial district, Reuben watched the skyline shift from residential neighborhoods to commercial sky-rises, concrete and glass reaching toward the clouds.
Matthew Capital occupied the top three floors of one of those gleaming towers—twenty employees and a diverse portfolio of above-board investments housed in what had started as a simple money laundering front.
The change from poker player to venture capitalist still felt surreal some days. The finance degree Reuben’s father had dismissed as wasted now served as the foundation for something neither of them could have expected. Not that his father would ever acknowledge it.
The car slowed as they approached their building. And through the windshield, Reuben spotted Alexei waiting at the entrance, tall and elegant in his tailored suit, but with an uncharacteristic tension in his posture.
As they pulled to the curb, Alexei opened the car door before the driver could, his normally smiling face grave. “Look who finally decided to join the corporate world today.” The attempt at their usual banter fell flat.
In the months since Reuben had helped build-out Matthew Capital, he and Alexei had developed an unexpected friendship that surprised them both.
What had started as Alexei’s strategic invitation—recognizing that Reuben’s financial acumen could benefit the Matvei’s family’s legitimate interests—had evolved into true camaraderie built on mutual respect.
“Well, some of us were busy taking a beating in training today.” Reuben stepped onto the sidewalk, the summer heat hitting him like a wall after the car’s coolness.
“And it appears that Stepan’s methods are effective.” Alexei’s eyes flickered to a fading bruise on Reuben’s jawline. “Though I prefer my gym workouts with fewer contusions.”
Nikon stepped out from the car, clasping his brother’s shoulder briefly. “Any developments?” The question was direct and economical, typical of his approach to business matters.
Alexei’s smile dimmed. “Well, we’ve checked and confirmed the competing investment group.”
“And this mysterious competitor is...?” Reuben pressed as the three men entered the private elevator.
Alexei glanced at Nikon, then back at Reuben. “It’s Wallace Hoyt. He’s heading the investment team personally.”
Reuben halted mid-step. “Wallace Hoyt?” His brow furrowed. “From Hoyt Investment Group?”
Alexei nodded, his eyes carefully watching Reuben’s face. “The one and the same.”
“That’s...” Reuben swallowed, looking between Alexei and Nikon. “You’re talking about my father? Wallace Hoyt is my father.”
Nikon stepped closer, his hand once again finding the small of Reuben’s back. “Yes. We only found out this morning.”
Reuben let out a humorless laugh, running a hand through his hair. “Of all the investment firms in all the world...” He shook his head, processing the implications. “Are you sure? I mean, he hasn’t been involved in direct acquisitions for years.”
“He’s personally leading this one,” Alexei said quietly. “His signature is on all the paperwork.”
The name landed hard. Wallace Hoyt. His father. The man who had disowned him for being gay, and who had used his connections to blacklist Reuben from every reputable financial institution.
“Well.” Reuben fought to keep his voice steady. “Family reunions are always awkward, but this is taking it to a new level.”
Alexei’s expression softened with concern. “We have the full proposal. His firm is using their old-school status to make our company seem like the risky newcomer. They’re playing the ‘trust the devil you know’ card—painting themselves as the safe bet and us as untested upstarts.”
“Of course he is.” The elevator doors opened to Matthew Capital’s reception area, the stylized M.C.V. logo glowing against the back wall. “He always thought appearances mattered more than substance.”
“Reuben.” Alexei placed a hand on his shoulder, the gesture brotherly. “We have options.”
Nikon stepped forward, positioning himself slightly ahead of Reuben. The protective stance was so ingrained he likely hadn’t realized he’d done it. “This isn’t over.”
“No,” Reuben agreed, squaring his shoulders. “Still, my father taught me one valuable lesson—never back down from a challenge.” A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes. “Perhaps it’s time to show him I was paying attention.”