I frown.
"Besides, tattoos don't buy loyalty," he adds. "It's actions that do."
"And clearly his actions," I nod toward Arpad, "have confirmed his loyalty to you?"
Niko tilts his head.
"Even if I buy that, which somehow, I am finding it difficult to believe," I turn to Arpad. "I am a security consultant, remember? I checked out all seven of you before I took you on as clients."
"You looked into our background?" He draws himself up to his full height. "You had us investigated?"
"Of course, I did. I wouldn't have accepted the lot of you as clients without doing it."
His jaw tics; a nerve throbs at his temple. Then, he nods. "Smart." He rubs his jaw. "I’m glad you did."
"I am not looking for your approval." I grimace. "All I'm trying to do is make a point that what you told me can't be possibly true."
He firms his lips. "I'm afraid it is."
"So, your job... All the investments in startups that you make—"
"I have staff to oversee them." Arpad scowls.
"And your past... You lived in LA. You used to be a full-time angel investor, you were known for finding and launching new ventures."
Niko turns to me, "You need to get over the outdated concept you have of the Bratva. Someone like Arpad is part of the new generation of the Brotherhood. We look, sound, walk like anyone else in the real world. But when tested, our loyalties and interests lie with 'the family.’ It doesn't mean he's out killing—"
I wince.
"—or committing illegal acts. His financial and tech expertise are what makes him an invaluable asset to us," Niko adds.
"So, financial and cyber frauds?" I venture. "That's what you are talking about?"
Niko's features stay impassive. I know that look. It means he won't say anything more. He won't confirm or deny the statement, which means it's more true than not. Normally. Which doesn't mean it is fact. It's what I am used to from my family. As the youngest and the only girl, they'd done their best to protect me from the details of what the Bratva were associated with. And then, they wonder why I am so against the family business.
I turn to Arpad, "Tell me it's not true," I plead. "Tell me you are saying all this just to get a rise out of me."
"Sparks," he squats down so he's eyelevel with me, "all I can say is that I am not involved in anything illegal."
"How can you say that?" I laugh. "You are part of the Bratva."
"Haven't you listened to anything I have been saying?" Niko explodes.
Arpad holds up a hand. "Let me handle this from here," he snaps at Niko, whose face grows thunderous. But he tightens his lips, then nods at Arpad.
Whoa. My oldest brother, who in some ways, I’ve feared more than my father, who is known for his ruthlessness, just backed down?
I turn back to Arpad, who scrutinizes my features. "Niko and I have a bond that is almost as strong as what I share with the Seven. When he asked me to help him out, I couldn't say no."
"So, you became one of them?"
"I only deal with Niko, and only when it's absolutely essential. I help him by steering things along in the business world. A carefully placed word here, a play on the stock market there, snapping up a startup that could send more business his way."
"You're his Ace," I conclude. "He plays you when he needs that extra edge."
Arpad nods.
I stare into his features, take in his clear gaze, the set of his shoulders. That half-pleading, half-defiant look on his face. It's true. Everything he's said so far is true. My throat closes. The band around my chest tightens.
