NALEDI’S POV
if you wanted to catch a petty thief, you needed to become an armed robber. That was my logic as I proceeded with my speech.
“So you see, how does someone go from dealing arms to saving lives in Africa? You of all people should understand how that is out of brand for me.”
Luka went to the fridge by the side and dug out a bottle of expensive drink, and two pairs of glasses. He placed them on the centre table far from his desk and motioned me over. I took a seat in the comfortable cushion and he offered me a glass.
“Forgive my manners. I’d think I was the perfect host, and I didn’t realise I was yet to offer you something to drink.”
I took a sip from the wine. Reminding myself how laughable my alcohol tolerance would be seeing I wasn’t the big bad wolf at the moment. Who knew? Maybe he was trying to get me to loosen up. To talk. I couldn’t put it past him.
It was almost funny how easily he fell into that. “So tell me more about your investment in arms? Who knows, I just might invest myself.” He shrugged but I could tell he watched me closely.
“I am not in a telling mood,” A sip. “Especially seeing my deal fell through with you. Trust you’d understand.”
Luka shook his head, then sat up closer to me. “What if I propose a deal? You tell me all there is to know about your little arms business and I might tell you something about mine.”
I rolled my eyes. “You already told me all there is to know about your beautiful project. Unlike mine, I just wasn’t interested. How is that a fair bargain?”
“What if I told you there’s more to the creations? What if I told you that there is a lot more information you are yet to scrape about the deal?”
“Then I’d ask why you are keeping it from me.” We studied each other, glass in hand as we squared each other. Luka broke first.
“What do I do with you, Amara?” He said with a smile.
“Business, Luka. That’s all I want. Profitable business.”
An evil glint laced his eyes. “I think I have something you might fancy.”
That caught my attention. “Interesting.”
“But I’m afraid I might have to kill you if you don’t get on page with me.” He said so casually like he was talking about something unimportant. “And I’d hate to have to kill you.”
“Am I supposed to be swooned or be threatened?”
“Who’s to say you can’t be both?” Luka dropped his glass and headed to his desk, picking up a few things while I watched him.
“Where are you off to?” I asked when he finally appeared in front of me, urging me to my feet.
“I must confess you surprised me today. And I am not easily surprised.” He began. “Surprised enough that I think you might fit into the grand scheme of things.”
“Because I carry a gun in my purse?” A scoff, “Is that how low the bar is these days?”
A smirk plastered on his lips. “I’m afraid so.” He said, “Good thing you are just in time for the next partners meeting. Care to join me?”
I gauged him for a second. “Better be worth my time.”
“Oh I assure you, Amara, it’s everything and more.”
******
I joined Luka in his car while Marcus tailed us in ours. We took a turn and I could tell where we were headed because I had been there once. It was one of the historical nights of my life if you asked me.
The De Luca’s Club.
“I had the place renovated after the fire. Best decision ever.” He said and stepped out of the car, leaving the door open for me to do the same.
“There was a fire?” I feigned ignorance, and he nodded.
“Nothing you need to be worried about.”
We made our way inside the building, and true to his words, it was spotless. If I hadn’t known better I’d think it was my first time coming here.
“Do I need to know why we are in an almost empty club in broad daylight?”
“Too many questions.” He tutted. “I have an office in here. It’s the most secure place in the world.”
He meant that as a joke but I knew better. I shrugged as he led me through the executive lounge and back into that dreaded room.
My first instinct is to step back, my mind diving into the murky memories of the night I came here as a toy. I shook my head, forcing myself to be alert.
On my way here, I turned on the recorder and placed it in a more accessible place. All that was left was to get in there and figure out the best place to plant it. And that without getting caught.
Easy peasy. Except this time, I was convinced if I slipped up, even the littlest bit, I could be in trouble. And that was something I didn’t need at this moment, or in any foreseeable future.
Luka pushed the door open and I met with the man from before. Nicolai was it? Sitting with a grumpy look, and sipping wine. The moment the door opened, he gauged Luka with furious eyes, making to say something I was convinced to be very rude until he noticed me.
His eyes reverted to Luka like he couldn’t have it with him. “Again? You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Nicolai, meet Amara, our new partner.”
“Are you crazy? I thought we discussed this after Roman left. We don’t need any other partner not to talk of a human bitch.”
“I suggest you hold your tongue, motherfucker, I will not have you insult me.” My tone was rigid and my poise angry.
He scoffed, “I don’t care if you are fucking him but-”
“Enough,” Luka said lowly, I could feel the air around us go frigid.
“We are partners, Luka. You don’t do whatever you please and expect me to take it.” Nicolai said, getting up. “You know where to find me if you are ready to discuss business.”
I rolled my eyes at the drama, I must have mistaken what a big deal this was because Luka’s next words shocked me to the bone.
“If you leave that door, don’t bother coming back.”