Page 4 of Tangled Roses
It surprises me that Nikolai wasn’t more careful, and Luka nods. “Either sloppy, or he doesn’t realize we are catching up.”
“Or he is here for another reason, perhaps.”
I lean back and frown. “Whatever his reason is for coming to New York, we must remain on our guard. Nikolai doesn’t venture out of Russia often and so whatever brings him here is extremely important. Titus is working on possible leads, and our job is to protect our guest.”
The alarm on my phone cuts through our conversation and I groan.
“Fuck. Business calls. I’ll leave you to work on this unexpected predicament while I meet with Travis Garcia.”
Luka nods and as I reach for my jacket, he prepares to take my place at the computer.
As I head to the boardroom, I push all thoughts of Gabrielle Adams firmly out of my mind. I didn’t ask to be involved in this side of my family business and the sooner we deal with the situation, the happier I’ll be.
She is already an irritant that I wish I could scratch and move onto the real reason I’m in New York.
Since my father’s death, the markets have been uneasy because the Romanov dynasty is a formidable power to fall. As the man in charge of our international business efforts, it is up to me to steady the ship and placate the nervous shareholders, and Travis Garcia is the man I need to convince.
He heads up one of the largest investment banks in the world and our business dealings are frequent. I rely on him for information and he relies on me for investment.
As I reach the boardroom, I don’t hesitate and head inside, knowing I am five minutes earlier than planned for a very good reason.
I always am. It places my meetings under my control and gives me an edge over my opponent. They are all considered opponents because when the Romanovs do business, it’s considered a battle. One we always win, but the way things are shaping up lately, we are about to go to war.
Five minutes and ten seconds later, the door opens and Travis walks in, unusually alone, causing my heart to sink.
This doesn’t look good.
I stand and offer him my hand and as he grasps it, he won’t meet my eye.
Once again, that is unusual and speaks volumes, way more than words.
As we take our respective seats, he inches his finger under his shirt collar as if needing the air.
“Arman.”
His voice shakes and I say nothing as he looks anywhere but into my eyes.
“The Vander-Williams have withdrawn their support.”
I say nothing and wait for him to elaborate and he glances at his watch as if he wishes time would move faster.
“Along with the Wilsons. The Johnsons and the Montagues.”
Fuck! This is worse than I thought because those names belong to extremely powerful families that are responsible for half of our investments.
He carries on. “Russian business is considered dirty business. I’m sure you understand the reasons why.”
“Why now?”
My voice scratches in the air, and he visibly winces.
I lean forward. “Why now, when the current situation has been the current situation for two fucking years already? Answer me, Travis.”
My voice is wrapped in steel, and I am briefly distracted by the bead of sweat that trails down the side of his cheek.
“Your father’s passing.” He replies simply, and I lean back.
“What of it?”