Sonata (Butcher and Violinist 2)

It’s both and fuck you.

“My. My.” Kazimir sniffed the air again. “Why Jean-Pierre smells like a soft and delicate woman.”

His men chuckled.

Rafael muttered under his breath, “You do smell pretty rosy right now.”

I didn’t have time for games today. People had died, and Paris was too pretty for lions. I glared at him. “Why are you here?”

“I’m here because the sauna has many health benefits, especially for the heart.” Kazimir’s turned his deadly gaze my way. “How’s your heart these days?”

“Why are you in Paris?”

“Because it’s Paris.” Kazimir gave me a wicked grin. “This city is a beautiful place to visit. Kings and queens used to walk here.”

“They still do.”

“But not as powerful as the ones in the past.”

“If you plan to be here longer, I can show you the error in your thinking.”

“Hmmm. And there we have it.” Kazimir rose. “Jean-Pierre wants a date.”

One of his men smirked.

Kazimir took the towel off his head and slung it on the bench. He didn’t appear to be sitting back down and the expression on his face didn’t look like he’d be walking over to give us a handshake.

I rose and stood my ground.

Rafael rose. His cock swinging back and forth like a pendulum.

I muttered under my breath, “Now’s a good time to put on that towel.”

Kazimir prowled over to me. “Kings still walk in Paris?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting.” Kazimir stopped in front of me. “Impressive. Oh well, I’m more a fan of gods.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I know how gods feel.” Kazimir moved in closer. Only four inches ran between us. Now Louis and Giorgio came to my side, but Kazimir didn’t flinch. His gaze stayed dead on me. “Are you men always such a close group? I thought you were related.”

Done with the jokes, I pushed the topic. “Bratva and Corsican’s relationship is strained. You know you don’t come to Paris without letting me know.”

“Is that how France works?” Kazimir scowled. “I came here before to talk to you. No one stopped me then.”

“I’m not the same man, that I was then.” I inched in closer. “Now you ask for permission, before you step into my city.”

The muscle under his eye twitched. “This is your city, as much as I’ll let you have it. But I’ll give you the common courtesy that your dick has convinced you that you need.”

And then he backed up a foot and did a slow bow. It was an odd gesture on such a huge man. His voice held a sweet threat between the lines. “My dear friend Jean-Pierre, I’m in Paris on vacation. I will be here for a few more days. I hope that I can walk in your territory freely.”

I closed the space, only leaving enough room for a few sheets of paper to slip through us. His security got behind him. Tension mingled with the steam and rose in the air.

I smiled. “Thank you, Kazimir. Next time call before you come.”

He growled. “Are we done?”

“No.” I ignored his annoyance. “People were killed in Belladonna.”

He frowned. “People are killed all over.”

“These people meant something to me.”

“I don’t know about Belladonna or whoever died. This discussion is over. Go home and play dress up, Jean-Pierre.” He walked away. “Spray your fucking perfume in the air and twirl. I gave you more respect then you deserve today, and that’s only because I’m in a good mood. Don’t fuck with my peace.”

Fuck your peace. Eden is not at peace right now.

I wouldn’t drop it. “Who killed the people in Belladonna and why?”

“Belladonna was a pet hobby for my Uncle Igor. He’s gone, as I’m sure you know. I haven’t decided what I will do with that city.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

He chuckled and walked back to the bench.

I tried another method. “Did your mouse kill them?”

Kazimir paused in the room. His men stiffened. It was a subtle effect, but easy to see if you knew where to look. One man even fisted his hands. It was clear that any mention of the Mouse would be a serious topic around the Russians.

I need more information on this mouse guy.

Kazimir turned around. Rage decorated his face. Where I thought he’d looked angry before, now I knew he was an inch from killing me.

There was a moment of silence. I could feel the tension thicken to almost suffocation. I had the urge to loosen my tie but didn’t touch it. For the first time since we’d walked in, even his men looked nervous.

Kazimir studied my face, as he did a sad effort in controlling his temper. The words, when they came, were spat out with violence. “My mouse is none of your concern!”

“He is, when he may be killing people around me.”

Kazimir raised his eyebrows and stared at me for a few seconds. Then, Kazimir exchanged gazes with the other men. His shoulders relaxed, yet still he prowled back over to me.