Chapter Six.

Viktor stood behind the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse, hidden by the sheer curtain as he stared down at the sprawling cityscape of New York.

Both hands rested in his coat pockets, his long black trench coat draping over his tailored suit, giving him an air of menace that would send chills down anyone's spine.

His stance was rigid, his towering figure blending with the sharp edges of the window frame. Though silent, there was a palpable tension in the room—a storm brewing beneath his composed exterior.

A knock echoed through the room, interrupting his thoughts. He didn’t move.

The knock came again, firmer this time. Letting out a low, guttural sigh, he finally said,

“Come in.” his voice sharp and authoritative.

The door creaked open, and a bodyguard stepped inside, head bowed, shoulders tense. The man hesitated, as if carefully choosing his words, knowing any misstep could cost him dearly.

“Speak.” Viktor growled, his tone laced with impatience.

The bodyguard flinched but managed to stammer, “I-it’s done, Boss.”

Viktor didn’t turn around, his gaze fixed on the city below. His expression hardened, his jaw tightening as the words sank in.

The bodyguard continued nervously, “We also found Yuri’s clubhouse.”

At the mention of Yuri’s name, Viktor’s jaw clenched further, his sharp features contorting with barely restrained fury.

Yuri—the one who dared to steal from him, the one who had eluded him for a month. A betrayer who thought running to New York would shield him from Viktor Sokolov’s wrath.

His voice dropped to a menacing growl.

“Get them ready. This city is testing my patience.”

The bodyguard nodded quickly, backing toward the door.

“Y-yes, Boss.” he muttered before hurrying out, not daring to linger under Viktor’s piercing gaze.

As the door clicked shut, Viktor turned away from the window, his movements slow and deliberate, his every step radiating cold fury.

The room seemed to darken around him as his anger simmered, the silence heavy with the weight of his resolve.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening under the pressure.

“Yuri.” he hissed, his voice low and venomous. “You’ve made a grave mistake.”

His thoughts churned, replaying every betrayal, every slight, and every ounce of disrespect that had led to this moment.

Brian McCain was just the beginning. Viktor had come to New York not for leisure, but to tie up loose ends—and he had no intention of leaving until every last betrayer paid the price in blood.

Walking toward the bar cart at the corner of the room, he poured himself a glass of whiskey.

The amber liquid glinted in the dim light, but he didn’t drink it. Instead, he stared at it, the reflection of his Storming Grey eyes flickering back at him.

“Yuri...” he growled, the name dripping with contempt. “You’re already dead. You just don’t know it yet.”

He downed the whiskey in one swift motion, slamming the glass onto the counter before turning on his heel. His long coat billowed behind him as he strode toward the door, his mind singularly focused on the hunt ahead.

Tonight, the streets of New York would tremble beneath his wrath. And Yuri’s betrayal would be the final mistake he ever made.

♡♡♡

Noon...

The waiter placed the last of their dishes on the table, his polite smile faltering slightly as he glanced nervously at Xena.

"Will that be all?" he asked, his voice slightly uneven.

"Yes, thank you." Elena replied with a warm smile, and the waiter gave a small nod before retreating.

"So." Elena began, leaning back in her chair, "we have explore some part of the city, how are you finding New York City so far?"

Xena shrugged, carefully cutting into her dish. "It's... not bad. A little too crowded for my taste, though. And some people here could work on their manners." she said with a smirk. She paused, her expression softening.

"But last night’s view? It was incredible. So beautiful and almost... magical."

Elena laughed, her lighthearted energy filling the air.

"That's New York for you, baby! Glitz, glamour, and grit. But.." she added, her tone turning serious, "don't let the city fool you. No matter how breathtaking the night is, danger lurks in the shadows."

Xena raised an eyebrow at her friend’s sudden shift in tone. The words sparked a memory, and she sat back, frowning slightly.

"This might sound crazy, but a woman said something similar to me on the plane." Xena admitted, her mind briefly flashing to the mysterious lady she’d shared a conversation with mid-flight.

"Seriously? What kind of woman?" Elena asked, intrigued.

Xena hesitated. "She was... odd, to say the least. Her words stuck with me, though."

Elena waved a dismissive hand. "Don’t worry about it. You’re with me, and I promise you’ll be fine."

Just then, Elena’s phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced at it, her attention momentarily stolen, while Xena quietly admired the meal in front of her.

The waiter returned, offering a slightly shaky smile as he set down a napkin Xena hadn’t asked for.

"Enjoy your meal." he stammered, his cheeks noticeably pink before he quickly walked away.

Xena blinked, confused by his odd behavior, while Elena suppressed a laugh.

"He was totally into you." Elena teased, setting her phone down.

"What? The waiter?" Xena asked, eyebrows raised.

"Obviously. Did you see the way he blushed? So cute!"

Xena rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Sure."

"Want me to get his number for you?" Elena grinned mischievously, clearly enjoying herself.

"Elena, no. Just because i said he’s cute, that doesn’t mean I’m interested." Xena replied firmly.

"Okay, fine, fine." Elena said, raising her hands in mock surrender. "But seriously, he was into you. You’re such a heartbreaker."

Xena chuckled. "He’s not my type, Elena. Just let it go."

Elena smirked but decided to shift gears. "Alright, if the blushing waiter isn’t your type, don’t worry. I bet you’ll meet a tall, muscular hunk tonight."

Xena froze mid-bite, her fork hovering in mid-air as she looked at Elena with suspicion. "What do you mean, tonight?"

Elena leaned forward, her grin widening. "We’re going clubbing!"

Xena groaned and set her fork down, giving Elena a pointed look.

"Clubbing? Seriously, Elena? You know I hate those kinds of places. And why do we even need to go? I’m perfectly happy just relaxing at home, to watch a movie or something. "

"Oh, come on." Elena whined, pouting dramatically.

"It’ll be fun! I was invited by a few friends, and it’s a great chance for you to unwind. You look stress after the exploring, Xena. You deserve this."

Xena crossed her arms. "I don’t think a crowded, loud club is my idea of unwinding."

"But you haven’t even tried it! Trust me, you’ll have fun. Plus. " Elena added slyly, "I might introduce you to some interesting people."

Xena sighed, her resistance weakening. "I’ll think about it." she said finally, and Elena clapped her hands in delight.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Elena beamed, practically bouncing in her seat.

Xena rolled her eyes. "I said I will think about it, I didn't agree yet."

Elena laughed, her happiness infectious. "You will agree. And I promise you will have a blast!"

The two continued their meal, chatting lightly about old memories, future plans, and the ever-changing city around them. Despite her initial reluctance, Xena couldn’t help but feel something might go wrong, and she hope it's just a false feeling.