Sin of Silence (Sinner's Empire #1) - Nikita Slater Page 0,44

ready for anything. Attempts on both Krystoff's and his lives were not unheard of. Jozef had lost his voice in one such attack that killed his parents when he was a boy. The killer hadn’t managed to finish him before Jozef was able to kill the man with the knife he’d left sticking out of Jozef’s throat. Or so he’d been told; Jozef had no memory of the incident.

It was that spunk he’d shown as a child that’d elevated him in the eyes of Krystoff Koba, eldest brother of the Koba siblings. Krystoff had adopted him and raised him as his own son. Jozef had spent his life making sure Krystoff would never have a moment’s regret. He was vicious and bloodthirsty so his uncle could be congenial and respectful with his allies. Jozef was the guard dog for the family; the vztekl´y pes.

“It is good that you are seen,” Havel announced to Krystoff once Saty had retreated from their table. Havel had rejoined the family after making sure the fallout from Krystoff’s kidnapping was minimized.

Krystoff grunted. “My hand fucking hurts.”

Havel smirked. “Get the pretty doctor to look at it again. She looks like she has a soft touch.”

Jozef let out a growl and narrowed his eyes at his second-in-command. His stiff posture indicated he would like nothing more than to tear Havel’s heart out, despite their many years of friendship. Havel’s expression immediately shifted to contrition and he uttered a quick apology.

Jozef ignored him, picked up his glass of ice water and drained it.

Krystoff’s sharp gaze was on his nephew. “Don’t get attached, son.”

Jozef lifted cold eyes to his uncle and set his glass down before signing, are you threatening my woman, uncle?

Krystoff looked suddenly weary. “You know as well as I do that some people aren’t meant for this life. She’s a doctor, a decent person, not one to condone our lifestyle. If I’m any judge of character, I can tell you right now, she won’t settle into this life.”

I’m keeping her, Jozef insisted.

Krystoff bobbed his head in a nod. “By all means, son. Keep the woman, enjoy her. God knows you’ve earned a little fun. But don’t get attached. She may have to be put down eventually.”

Jozef let out a ferocious growl and glared at his uncle, not something he’d done before. He showed Krystoff respect on all occasions, especially in front of witnesses. It was part of the reason the Koba family was able to operate as effectively as they did in Prague. Krystoff was the patriarch, the face and personality of the business. Jozef was in charge of operations. The shadowy presence who ensured Krystoff’s will in all things. Jozef’s men supported the two, and the family gave them a place to go home to.

You will not harm Shaun under any circumstance, Jozef hands flew, his signing faster than normal, giving away his anger. You agreed to the marriage.

Rather than take offence at Jozef’s attitude, Krystoff sipped his drink thoughtfully, taking a few moments before he answered. “This woman has come to mean something to you already. I wasn’t sure marriage would be the best way to go, but if you truly want to make her part of the family, then we will welcome her.” Krystoff’s dark gaze searched Jozef’s granite face. “You have my word that she will not be harmed. She’s yours, no interference.”

Jozef continued to stare, but his posture gradually eased.

“You’ll have to keep her contained. Find a way to keep your woman without crushing her spirit.”

Jozef ignored the comment, nodding his head toward the front of the club where three men piled in, looking around nervously. Krystoff straightened in his seat, his expression growing hard. Jozef and Havel followed suit.

Jozef recognized the lead man. They belonged to Vasiliy. Jozef lifted an eyebrow in surprise as the men approached the table. It took balls to not only walk into the enemy’s territory, but to walk right up to him as if embarking on a friendly chat session. They were seriously underestimating Jozef if they thought a public venue would keep them alive. Jozef stood as they approached, crossing his arms and making his biceps bulge. Havel did the same and they took position on either side of Krystoff.

The leader of the trio urged them forward, his cool gaze on Krystoff, who set his injured hand on the table. It was a calculated move. The loss of the finger could be seen as a weakness. The enemy had managed to grab him and