We’ve come a long way since then. I’ve grown into my pakhan shoes, commanding respect from everyone under my authority.From the highest-ranked vor to the lowest recruit, no one dares treat me with anything less than absolute deference.
But Maksim’s different. He’s the exception. He’s seen me at my worst and never deserted me, never once wavered in hisloyalty.
And for that, he takes a whole lot more liberty than anyone else would dare.
“Looking a little spacey tonight,” he notes as he finishes winding the wraps around my knuckles. “If I were you, I’d tap outearly. Go find the girl who’s making your head spin.”
“I don’t tap out.” I flex my fingers, test the tape. “And there’s no f*****g girl.”
Then I step into the ring.
My opponent looms, tall and large. His
