Dark Vow (Blackwoods College)

Which would only end in disaster, of course.

“Take me to him.” Calvin strode to the house and his men followed. Matthias gave me a tight smile, and I smiled back.

I wondered if I could be friends with him.

But no, of course not. Any man willing to stand by Calvin’s side wasn’t the kind of person I wanted to bring into my life.

“He’s very tired, very tired, perhaps it would be best for everyone to rest before you speak?” The mustached man danced ahead of Calvin.

“No. Take me now.” Calvin didn’t pause as he stormed up the steps and into the house.

The entry hall was grand. The floors were marble and a staircase led up to the second floor. A chandelier hung and glittered with a thousand diamonds and crystals. Pillars were carved with scenes out of myth: foxes chasing hunter, men with the bodies of deer, women wearing nothing but clouds and rivers.

Calvin glared all around until the mustached man finally gestured for him to follow. More staff appeared, and Matthias said he’d see to the guards.

Calvin grabbed my hand and pulled me along. I couldn’t do much more than stumble after as the mustached man took us down a short hall, through a door, and into a small dining room.

Brnovich sat at the far end. He was heavyset with a thick beard and small, beady eyes. His skin was ruddy and marked with red splotches, and his hair was thinning but combed over to cover his gleaming skull. He wore silk pajamas, the jacket half open to reveal a hairy chest, and he stood when we entered.

If he was embarrassed to be caught in only his pajamas, he didn’t show it.

“Mr. Solar,” he said, beaming, and laughed a hearty, loud guffaw. “Welcome to my summer home. Please, come sit. Shall I send Ivan to bring you food?”

“Please,” Calvin said, looking at the mustached man. Ivan, apparently. “Coffee for me and Robyn.” He took a seat near Brnovich, and I sat down reluctantly.

Brnovich grinned at Calvin then studied me. I wasn’t sure what he thought, but he looked away as if he’d learned all he needed to know, and wasn’t impressed.

“I received word that your meeting with my associate Makarov did not go as planned. I am truly sad to hear about this, but I promise you, Mr. Solar, we will resolve this issue and move forward with our deal.” He grinned jovially but Calvin only stared impassively.

Ivan returned with coffee and a plate of eggs, fruit, cheese, breakfast meats, and small fried pancakes I didn’t quite recognize. I was hungry, so I picked at the food while Calvin sipped his coffee.

“I’m still trying to understand why you would send me to meet with a man like Makarov,” Calvin said, keeping his tone neutral and level. “Russian gangsters don’t seem like the kind of individuals to be a part of an official government negotiation.”

Brnovich waved that away. “You must understand, things are difficult, yes? My government does not want to purchase your weapons, not officially at least. So we must do things under the table, so you Americans say. We do it this way to avoid scrutiny. Gives me freedom to make good deal.” He showed his teeth one more time.

“Your man wanted to negotiate my price down.”

Brnovich stopped smiling. “He was not authorized to do so.”

“I’m here because I do not like being jerked around, Minister Brnovich. I flew to Riga, I brought my shipment, and I am prepared to fulfill my end of the bargain. If you do not wish to pay me, and you no longer want my merchandise, then please, say so, and I will leave.”

Brnovich studied Calvin. My heart raced and I wanted to be anywhere but at this table. Calvin’s hand moved to my leg and squeezed my thigh as if he could hear my thoughts and wanted to steady me. I bit down on a strawberry and tried not to let the sweet taste mingle with the feeling of his strong palm on my leg, so high up and close to the gap between my legs.

“Do not leave, Mr. Solar. Please, finish your meal, go to your rooms, and get some rest. In a few hours, we will sign the papers, finish negotiating the details, and all will be okay. Can we do that?”

Calvin nodded sharply. “We can.”

“Good!” Brnovich pounded the table and stood. “Then I will bid you a good morning and a good evening. I will get some beauty rest. Ivan will show you to your rooms, then send for you this afternoon.” Brnovich left, bustling away, his breakfast left half eaten on the table.

Calvin stared after him with weary eyes as Ivan appeared from nowhere and began nervously fussing again.

We were swept out of the room and up the stairs. Ivan showed us to a room on the second floor, near the staircase. It was large, with a sitting area and a fireplace, logs already crackling behind the grate. The bed was large and lavish, and I turned to ask Ivan where I’d be staying when he shut the door in my face.