The room vibrated with tension. Leila kept her hand near her gun, waiting.
Caruso exhaled. "Makros. Be smart."
Makros sneered. "I am. That's why I'm not bending over for the Orel."
Caruso's jaw tightened. "You know they won't take 'no' lightly."
Makros' smirk widened. "Neither do I."
For a moment, nobody moved. Then Caruso sighed and leaned back, rubbing his temple.
"You're a pain in the ass," he muttered.
Makros placed both hands on the table and leaned forward slightly. "I'll think about compensation, but I'm not handing over my territory. They can take that up with me directly."
Caruso watched him, his eyes unreadable, then finally gave a slow nod. "You'd better be ready when they do."
Makros straightened. "I always am."
With that, he turned on his heel, brushing past Leila toward the exit.
Leila lingered for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the men at the table.
Caruso met her eyes.
"You're still alive," he said casually. "That means you're useful to him."
Leila smiled a little, humorlessly. "Depends on who you ask."
And then she trailed Makros out of the room, leaving behind them an unfinished deal and a war.
They went back to their suite. Makros loosened his cuffs, rolled up his sleeves, and exhaled. Leila didn't speak at first, just watched as he poured a red wine and swallowed half of it in one gulp.
She crossed her arms then said, "You're not seriously considering giving them anything, are you?"
Makros glanced at her over the rim of his glass. "What do you think?"
"I think you just asked the Russians to attack you."
He smiled. "And?"
She narrowed her eyes. "And that's just stupid blind arrogance."
Makros set his drink down and leaned against the bar. "I don't deal with men who think they can take what's mine. If I give them an inch, they'll want the entire city."
Leila hesitated. She felt like nodding in agreement, but there was something in Caruso's warning that unsettled her. "The Orel don't play fair, Makros. They will war with you."
His eyes darkened slightly. "I know."
She sighed. "So what's the plan?"
Makros smiled. "You'll see."
That did not inspire confidence.
She turned her head to the window. "For once, I'd like to be on the outside of one of your damn wars."
Makros had another sip, watching her. "Don't worry, no harm will come to you. I'll be right back."
