Page 64 of Possess Me

Ludolf’s admittance, whether real or simply an attempt to stroke my ego, was still amusing. “Is that your point in asking for our involvement? Surely this resort is not the reason for an alliance.”

“I believe the alliance will be of great value to both organizations and send a powerful message to the Russians.”

“Ah, you want us to be seen as your muscle.” There was more to this, I could tell, and what the hell did I have to do with this?

“Yes, a helpful addition to working together,” Emilio answered. “But that’s not all.”

“Okay. Get to the point.”

“The Russians aren’t working alone any longer. They have formed an alliance of their own with the Cosa Nostra from Sicily. They have branches in several cities across the United States.”

While I bristled from hearing about another Italian group, the information meant nothing to me. Or at least it shouldn’t. “And I care why?”

“You are aware there are smaller Cosa Nostra factions within the United States. Yes?” Pierre was serious.

I had to laugh. “Yes, as evidenced by a friendship developed with the Costa Syndicate, something you obviously learned from various magazines over the last couple of years.”

“Yes, of course,” Ludolf said. “But the factions we are talking about are as dangerous as the Russians.”

“Good for them. While I do appreciate the opportunity to consider expanding our resorts worldwide, as I’m certain our Pakhan told you, we are really not in a current position to do so at this time.”

“You do realize that our alliance would make us the most powerful organization in the world. Yes?”

Ludolf was nothing if not insistent.

“Yes, I’m certain you are right, but power is in the eye of the beholder. Thank you again, but I won’t be recommending to our board of directors that we continue considering this option.”

“We could easily control aspects of various industries through our alliance and connections alone.” Emilio was equally frank. “And I assure you that there are substantial… perks to working together.”

“You want to rule the world financially.” My comment was off-handed.

Ludolf laughed. “You underestimate our power. Combined, it will be even greater. I’m certain both you and your Pakhan are aware you have enemies all over the world.”

“A necessary evil,” I answered. “But given we are nothing more than businessmen and women, forging a different path, we handle every danger entirely differently than before.”

The three men laughed. “Come now,” Ludolf added. “The reputation of your former Pakhan and his brother continue to create fear in syndicates throughout the world.”

“Again, I don’t disagree with you. What does this resort have to do with this future you have planned?”

“Call it a safety net. A secure location in a country that holds no particular alliance.”

Sighing, I glanced at Pierre after he made the statement. “We have no interest in going backwards in our methods of handling business. We are content with our power and wealth.”

“Your father would say otherwise.”

“What does my father have to do with this?”

“Let’s just say he was someone of importance to my father.” Ludolf lifted his eyebrows, waiting to see my reaction.

“Good for him. While this is a decision for a full board of directors to make, I will be recommending that we don’t accept your offer.” They weren’t ready to divulge whatever hand they were holding. That alone pissed me off.

As soon as I started to walk away, something prickled my senses, which put me on edge. I almost reached for my weapon.

“Do you believe in love at first sight, Mr. Dmitriyev?” Ludolf’s voice was entirely different than before, the lilt of amusement as if dropping a bomb.

I stopped short, slowly tipping my head over my shoulder. “Why do you ask?”

“Women play an important role in our cultures. Sadly, they are often used as pawns in the game of power. Arrangedmarriages are still prevalent in our world. While we might like to think of them as barbaric, they are useful. They bring two families together such as the case with your cousin and a member of the Costa family. However, they and the relationships are often vulnerable especially when feelings are involved. Plus, when someone disobeys the rules, even trying to run from who they are, lives are put in danger.”