{SERGIO}
Nikolai is much stupider than I anticipated.
Despite what he told Maksim, Nikolai refuses to sign over his business to me. It makes no sense. He is weak and has suffered broken bones and internal bleeding.
The air wheezes out of his lungs like a whistle. How he is still holding out through all he'd endured was a fucking miracle.
But I am tired of this. I have a woman to win over, and spending my nights in the dungeon with Nikolai is not aiding me in that endeavor. I planned to get his cooperation tonight, no matter what.
He needs to die.
Maksim had Nikolai strung up in the cell, chains holding him to the ceiling. His toes barely reach the stone floor, and his shoulder had dislocated hours ago.
I press on the shoulder joint, and Nikolai shudders, a whimper escaping from his lips. "Are you going to sign?" I ask, pressing again. "Though I suppose you'll have to use your other hand to write."
He pants, his head hanging forward on his neck. No answer.
