Vik (Shot Callers 2)

So, I did what any self-respecting woman would do. I snuck into the dining room and took the long way around so I could hide in the shadows of the curtains and eavesdrop. And when I got there, I moved the drapes just enough so I could see Vik, and the moment I saw him, my stomach plummeted.

He looked mildly irritated. “This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. I’m not even done yet. You don’t even have the stats.”

“I don’t need them” was Sasha’s cool reply. “I’ve heard enough. You’re done.”

My lips parted in shock.

Was Sasha really so callous that he wouldn’t even hear Vik out?

My chest panged. I expected better.

How disappointing.

But confusion washed over me the moment Vik said, “You don’t have to do this, Sash. Our past has nothing to do with this. This is business. I don’t want your charity.”

Wait. Did that mean what I thought it meant?

I glared at the man who knew how much we needed this money.

What was he doing?

Yes, we did want Sasha’s charity. We so did.

Please help us.

We’re poor.

As Sasha leaned back on the sofa, he peered out the window and began to speak. “Charity? You know something I don’t, Viktor?” He turned his head to face his friend, and his brow quirked. “Are you telling me I’d be throwing my money away?”

“No, it’s not that—” Vik started, and Sasha began to nod, cutting him off partway.

“Good. Because I’m offering three hundred thousand at ten percent.”

My own mouth rounded in silent shock as Vik’s expression slackened.

That was a lot of money. More than we needed.

Sasha moved to rest his ankle on his knee, seeming disinterested as he stated, “And I expect to see a return on my investment. Maybe not in your first year, but soon after. So, if you’re expecting charity, you can curb that notion right now. With me as partner, you’re going to work harder than you ever have in your life.” Sasha looked at his friend and laid it down. “Listen. Coming from someone with a bit of experience in this area, let me offer you some advice.” His amber eyes held no emotion as he shrugged lightly and spoke bluntly. “You’ve got an idea. That’s all. A good idea. Even stupid people get those once in a while.”

Oh no.

This better not be going where I thought it was.

If my brother was going to shut Vik down, I was going to rush out from my hiding spot and kick him right in the balls. My stomach began to ache as I eavesdropped from the shadows.

The way Vik’s brow pulled down tugged at my heart strings.

Sasha went on. “Now, it’s up to you to make sure it doesn’t get skewed. It’s up to you to make sure your idea doesn’t get compromised. This is the idea that sold me. I want what you’re promising. Not some watered-down, budget-conscious version of that idea. Building a business is hard, okay? The first couple of years are the worst. I think you’ll find that good ideas like this cost more than just money. It’s a commitment that has to come first.” I couldn’t help but notice the way my brother’s expression turned faraway. “It is time away from your family. It’s missing out on important events. If you’re reliable to your business, you’re unreliable to everyone else. It is… solitude. Some days, you’re going to feel like a god. Others are going to be so bad that you’re going to want to sell.” He took in a gentle breath. “Do you feel me?”

I couldn’t be sure, but from where I was standing, I could have sworn Vik looked at Sasha differently. As if he understood him a little better. His response was mild. “I feel you.”

“Good.” Sasha stepped closer to the poster. “This is really well done.”

“Yeah,” Vik agreed. “You should ask Mina about doing one for Bleeding Hearts.”

Sasha’s brow pulled down at hearing Mina’s name and quickly changed the subject. “What do you plan on calling this place?”

Vik did not stutter. “The Red Square.”

Sasha chuckled.

Shit.

Was that a good chuckle or a bad chuckle? I couldn’t tell from here.

My heart began to race at the very same time my gut twisted. This was nerve-wracking.

“Going with a Russian theme?” Sasha’s lip twitched, and I stopped breathing altogether. He remained silent for a moment before he said, “I like it.”

“I thought…” Vik cleared his throat and spoke again, this time with confidence. “I thought we could collaborate. Being that the bar would be open earlier than Bleeding Hearts and wouldn’t have an admission fee, we could offer half price entry to those who want to go from the bar to burlesque. The ultimate goal would be to have patrons start their night at The Red Square but end it at Bleeding Hearts without it costing either of us a loss.”