1.2 | The Prince of Thieves

Chapter 60

A/N: This is the third last chapter! We're almost at the end, I couldn't have done it without your support :)

Hope you enjoy!

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The world spun before him.

What the hell did he mean?

His wife or his brother?

Fury burned in his chest and he let out a heated exhale as his eyes bore into the skull of the man before him. What sort of sick game was this? His hands curled into fists but before he could make the fatal mistake of aiming it at Keiji's nose, Kai stepped up, his jaw tight.

'You can't settle things like this,' Kai stated evenly. 'Mosay Federov is innocent. He shouldn't be involved.'

Keiji was impassive as he stood his ground.

'Mosay Federov is innocent,' he agreed easily. Then he turned his gaze to Leon, his voice dropping to a low accusation. 'But he isn't.'

His flash of anger had abated with his brother-in-law's calm posture, and the grim lines of his mouth loosened. There was always something to learn from the Yazumi siblings, he felt. They could be so calm, and now forcing his features into one of amiability, he decided to tackle Keiji from another approach.

'This isn't a negotiation,' Leon reasoned. 'I'm sure they're tired up there. Bring the both of them down safely, get Carlos here, and then we can talk.'

Oh, he could be calm if he wanted to. In actuality, he itched to have the boy's neck in his hands so that he could shake him. But Hana and Mosay's safety was his priority. All he could think of was how much time they had before those ropes were released.

Then he realised that Mickey and Juan were present. They were idling by his left at the edge of the circle, secured in place by armed guards. They appeared unharmed, although they could do with a wash and some food.

But if Juan is here, then where is Carlos?

His breath stilled. Was he not going to show his face until this was over? It was evident Keiji couldn't hold his own. He was going to let Keiji take the fall, wasn't he? What did he really want? For his rats to enter the trap before blowing it up?

He swallowed. His senses prickled in urgency. They had to leave.

'You don't make the rules,' Keiji returned with a sneer.

He wondered what instructions Carlos had given him. Standing in the limelight by himself, Keiji was beginning to waver. He could break under the pressure, but that would be dangerous for Mosay and Hana, for Leon could only guess at what he would do then.

You're not one to speak either, he thought.

'Why are you doing Carlos' dirty work anyway?' Kai went on in the same calm tone. 'The Federov's have never wronged you. Open war with them won't be good for you. And your conflict is with me, not them.'

His brother-in-law was a commendable man. There his sister was, hanging on a rope high above the floor, yet he was pleading on behalf of someone else.

'Leonidas Federov killed my grandfather,' Keiji snapped.

Leon wondered if Keiji had even met his grandfather. But that wasn't a question to entertain for now.

He'd take a leaf out of Kai's book and retain his composure.

He allowed a long sigh to leave his lips as he waved his hands aimlessly.

'I'm sorry, I can't make a choice,' he said with a sad smile. 'This isn't something I can do.'