Keystone (Crossbreed #1)(66)
“How do you decide which woman you want to hit on if you can’t see them and haven’t spoken to them?”
Niko sat back in his chair and changed the subject. “You should talk to Viktor while everything’s copacetic. He’s in good spirits, and we still have a job to complete.”
I glanced at Viktor’s table and lowered my voice. “Do you know what he’ll say?”
“No, but you made a strong impression tonight.”
I chuckled and rapped my knuckles against the table. “It’s been one hell of a day.”
“Invite him to speak with you privately before the moment’s lost,” Niko suggested. “You seem to be waiting for fate to choose its moment.”
Inspired, I stood up and approached Viktor’s table. The laughter died down, and Christian half turned, showing his profile as he watched me saunter up next to him. I lifted my chin and ignored the smirk on his face.
“Viktor, do you have a moment to speak privately?”
Never taking his eyes from his drink, he nodded. “Very well.”
Hell, that was easier than I thought.
When we reached the doorway to the main room, Viktor rested his hand against my back and led me to the left. “Let’s go away from prying ears. Christian has a tendency to eavesdrop. That’s why I know when I return to my seat, there will be a fresh glass of vodka waiting for me. Isn’t that right, Christian?” He ended with a chuckle.
“Did they name this club after the drinks?”
“It used to be a Sensor club,” he said. “Everyone was allowed in, but they were the ones who ran the place. They would spike all the drinks and charge extra for the emotional experience.”
“I’m glad I didn’t order anything.”
We entered a small room, and he closed the door behind him. “Unfortunately, they didn’t think it through. What happens when you spike the drinks of hundreds of customers?”
I collapsed in the oversized brown chair. “Lots of fights, I’m guessing.”
“Precisely. That is why most clubs no longer spike the drinks unless they’re a specialty, and even those are too mild to have any lasting effect. Owners are very particular about the dose and what kind of emotional imprint they’re selling.” He took a seat in front of me, nothing between us. Viktor waved his hand. “You can speak freely; this room is soundproof.”
My stomach knotted when I realized I had to kick off this impromptu meeting. I gathered my thoughts and relaxed my shoulders, hoping he wouldn’t think I was a groveling vulture. “With everything that’s happened tonight, I thought we could discuss my position with Keystone.”
“Fair enough. As it stands, you have no position with Keystone.” Viktor stroked his silver-and-grey beard, his rough voice softening around the edges. “I appreciate all that you have done, but I’m sorry. I have not changed my mind.”
“Did Christian say something to you? Because—”
“Nyet. He said nothing. I suspect he has acknowledged the debt he owes you for finding him, and that is a valuable reward. However, given the circumstances, I would like to offer you one favor. It cannot be for a position in my house, but if you ever need money or help, you can call on me for that favor.”
I swallowed hard in disbelief. “There’s nothing I can say to change your mind?”
He pressed his lips together tightly and shook his head.
I stood up quickly before the sting of tears caused me to blink in front of him. My life was spiraling down a long stairwell into the unknown. I’d thought Viktor would be impressed with what I’d done, especially since it was after he’d evicted me.
“I get it,” I said, nearing the door. “I just thought it couldn’t hurt to ask.”
He eased up behind me and patted my shoulder. “I wish you well, Raven Black. It is my desire that we remain allies; I would like to see you stay on the good side of the law. You understand there is nothing personal about my decision. I wanted this to work out, but my team always comes first.”
My lip quivered unexpectedly. Luckily, my back was to him, and I left the room and hurried into the bar. Each member of Keystone watched expectantly, and when their eyes darted behind me, they got their answer in Viktor’s expression. Even Niko must have sensed a change in the energy swirling around us.
Wyatt escaped to talk to a pretty blonde, and Blue followed Claude into the game room.
I hopped onto the barstool next to Niko. “Well, that was awkward.”
“I was certain he would invite you back in. I’m sorry.”
“No sweat off my back.”
Niko placed his hand over mine, his crystal eyes almost invisible beneath the colored lights. “You needn’t lie; I can read your energy.”
If that were true, I felt about as naked as a girl could get in front of him. It made me want to shield my light, even though it wouldn’t make a difference. I hadn’t expected how deeply the rejection would affect me, and it wasn’t until then that I realized how much I really wanted to be a part of Keystone.
I put my hands in my lap and pulled the ends of my sleeves down to cover them. “Will you still talk to me, or is that against the rules?”
“Apologies, Raven. I must go.”
Niko hopped out of his seat and stalked through the bar so fast that my jaw slackened. It was hard to pretend it didn’t hurt, because it did. Maybe I was outgrowing Cognito and needed to find a new place to call home. At least I had money in my pocket.