10-16-2025, 02:08 AM
Mikhail moved with the kind of confidence that came from loose limbs and cock-sure confidence. Zixin had mentioned him only in passing, which told Adrian two things: first, Mikhail wasn’t easily owned, and second, he was worth watching.
“Organized crime,” Adrian repeated, amused, rolling the words across his tongue like a vintage scotch. “An oxymoron if ever there was one.” His tone was conversational, but his gaze lingered.
The compliment came next, cloaked in innuendo, but Adrian caught it like a coin tossed across the table. A small smile curved at his mouth. “You flatter me, Mr. Sergeyev. But I am sure I don't know what you're talking about.” His smile flattened shortly after.
He turned then, his attention shifting as Carter spoke. Adrian leaned back, fingertips steepled.
“Organized crime,” Adrian repeated, amused, rolling the words across his tongue like a vintage scotch. “An oxymoron if ever there was one.” His tone was conversational, but his gaze lingered.
The compliment came next, cloaked in innuendo, but Adrian caught it like a coin tossed across the table. A small smile curved at his mouth. “You flatter me, Mr. Sergeyev. But I am sure I don't know what you're talking about.” His smile flattened shortly after.
He turned then, his attention shifting as Carter spoke. Adrian leaned back, fingertips steepled.