Irish Promises

Chapter Twenty-One

Blake 

I'm not even the slightest bit surprised that Volkov is late. Frankly, despite what Stasia seems to believe it's pretty obvious he has absolutely no respect and no intention of us having an amicable partnership.

I'd have expected Hugh to be more agitated than he is but then he's spent the last twenty minutes outside on the phone for god knows what reason.

When he finally comes back in and sits beside me I instantly enquire about what the call was about.

"Who was that?" I ask but his impassive expression already tells me it's nothing serious.

"It was just Anastasia" he says giving no more detail than that and I don't push any further.

If it was important I'm sure he'd fill me in but when it comes to this dynamic we're in it's best if some things are kept between us. Not everything has to be discuss unless it's of importance.

"Where the fuck is this guy?" Rossi snaps from across the table clearly way more agitated about Volkov's lack of time keeping than I am. His expression hardens as he then says "I trust him less than Petrov"

"On that note any news about his whereabouts?" I ask.

It seems to be the case that Stasia's whole family appears to have dropped off the face of the earth since they left Volkov's compound in Russia. Even her brothers have been m.i.a and that's more unnerving that it is soothing.

There's not a single doubt in my mind their disappearance is connected to Volkov.

Rossi sighs and shrugs with an exasperated expression.

"You're guess is as good as mine I've got no fucking idea but with Alexi and Nicolai nowhere to be seen I've got a feeling this russian prick is going to be sticking around long-term" he says and Hugh is already shaking his head in disagreement.

"Nah he's here for a reason, either he'll leave when his plans are completed or he'll be 6 feet under" he says with not a single fleck of emotion flashing across his face.

Leaning back in his chair he taps on the table absentmindedly as he says "I for one can say I'd much rather the latter" 

"And what exactly are his plans?" Rossi grunts.

"I'm sure we'll find out soon enough" Hugh shrugs from next to me clearly feigning ignorance.

We know exactly what he wants. He wants Stasia, that much is fucking clear. Afterall Vlad had warned us that he would come for her and I'm pretty sure he will go to any lengths necessary to try and get what he wants. To get her.

We've just got to make sure it doesn't happen.

Finally after what feels like a lifetime Volkov strolls in like he's got all the time in the word, a big fuck of smug smirk plastered across his face as he comes towards out table.

"Gentleman I apologise for being late I was otherwise disposed" he says with a hint of humour to his tone and I can tell it agitates Hugh by the way his jaw ticks.

"Shall we get started?" he then asks as he takes his seat his eyes locked with Hugh in some sort of silent battle, the smirk now gone.

There's a clear challenge in both of their expressions as they regard each other but neither of them back down or choose to speak first so I take the opportunity.

"What's your game here?" I ask him to cut right to the point.

He sighs and rolls his eyes.

"There's no game" he says a clear blatant lie. "As I explained to our dear Anastasia I'm here to be amicable with you all to ensure all our business interests are protected" he then says with a smile that I want to smack right off his face for even implying he has any connection to her.

The fact he even dared to refer to her as ours just shows his clear lack of respect. It's clear to see he wants to get a rise out of us and I have to keep myself as calm as possible so he doesn't get out.

"Yeah and how the fuck do you expect to keep our interest protected" Rossi scoff clearly not buying the bullshit and it makes me like the guy even more.

Volkov side eye's Rossi with disgust as if he's only just realised that he's sitting there.

"We all have our own individual territories and I have no intention of that changing" He explains to us all but Rossi scoff's again.

"We? You're not a part of this Triad, we wanted Petrov gone and he's gone so I don't see a need to get into bed with you" he says with a shrug but that only seems to amuse Volkov.

"Trust me it's not you I want in my bed either" he says with a smirk his comment directed toward me and Hugh, and that's it I snap.

 That one smug comment has the image of him and Stasia flashing into my mind and I completely lose it. Before I know it I'm up on my feet and attempting to reach across the table to grab him only for Hugh to restrain me whilst our bodyguards and Volkov's prepare to step into action.

The all move closer hand rested on their guns but even as I still attempt to lurch for Volkov he leans back in his chair completely unphased and waves his bodyguards away.

"Back down, don't give him the fucking rise he wants" Hugh whispers to me and I know he right but I also know Volkov's intentions and that has my blood boiling.

"Clearly I've struck a nerve" Volkov says with a smirk and his hands raised. "All I'm trying to say is that we have vested interested and I have resources you may find useful"

Hugh urges me to take my seat which I do and then he takes over the conversation.

"All current agreements stay in place other than that we have no need for you and your so-called resources" he grits out.

"Not even a supplier that can deliver by the end of this week?" Volkov queries and that sure as hell peaks Hugh's interest.

Seeing he's got Hugh's attention Volkov continues.

"Anastasia told me about your difficulties so I wanted to show a gesture of goodwill, a replacement for what you lost and all I ask for in twenty percent of the profit" he says.

Stasia told him. She's fucking been talking to him and sharing our business with him.

Obviously the answer is no and I'm about to tell him to get fucked but Hugh beats me and responds first not saying what I expect in the slightest.

"Ten percent" he grits out and I quite literally gape at him in astonishment.

Surely he can't be for real. I know we're fucked if we don't get a replacement but turning to this prick and accepting his offer is like working with the devil a risk we should definitely not be taking.

Volkov smirks at Hugh's offer and seemingly finds my shock amusing.

"Fifteen" he counter offers and the fact that I can see Hugh debating it has me losing my mind.

"Fine fifteen" he says and then stands. "I'll have someone contact you regarding arrangements" he then says and turns to leave without another word leaving me with no other choice but to follow him.

I don't even give Volkov another look as I storm outside after Hugh. Only to find him already in his car, his window rolled down. When he see's me approach he raises a hand that tells me that he doesn't want to discuss it but he's got another fucking things coming if he thinks he can make a decision like that and just blow me off after.

"What the fuck was that?" I snap at him.

"We had no other option" he grits back as if that's explanation enough which it definitely isn't.

"No other option?" I question because he's lost his fucking mind. "We make decisions like that as a family not you alone" I point out but it doesn't seem to phase him in the slightest.

"The decisions made Blake" he growls starting the engine. "I've got shit to do I'll be back later, just go let the twins know the latest" he then says. "And don't even think of going in on Anastasia about speaking to Volkov, I'll speak to her" he says as he starts the engine and pulls off without giving me a chance to say anything else.