Ochieng's fingers tightened around Natasha's hand as they shook. It was a silent agreement, but the weight of it felt like a mountain pressing down on him. This wasn't just about survival anymore—it was about dominance.
Natasha withdrew her hand, her sharp eyes glinting with intrigue. "Good choice, Ochieng. But don't think for a second that you can outmaneuver me. I know exactly what kind of man you are."
Ochieng smirked. "And what kind of man is that?"
She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "A man who doesn't trust easily. A man who would rather burn everything down than let someone else control him."
She wasn't wrong.
But Ochieng had played this game long enough to know that alliances weren't built on trust. They were built on necessity.
Natasha turned to her men and snapped her fingers. The guards lowered their rifles, stepping back in silent acknowledgment. Veronica and Elaine relaxed slightly, but their hands remained near their weapons.
Natasha smiled. "Now that we're partners, we need to discuss our first move. There's a meeting happening in Mombasa in two days—one that will determine the fate of the underworld in Kenya. I want you there."
Ochieng raised an eyebrow. "And if I refuse?"
She chuckled. "Then I suppose you'll be dead before you even realize what's happening."
Ochieng exchanged glances with Veronica and Elaine. They were in deep now.
"Fine," he said. "But I don't walk into traps blindly. If we're doing this, I want every detail about that meeting before we leave."
Natasha grinned. "That's what I like to hear."
She turned on her heel, walking toward the door. Before leaving, she glanced back at him. "Get ready, Ochieng. The real game is about to begin."
And with that, she was gone.
---
That night, Ochieng sat in his apartment, staring at the city skyline. Something about this didn't sit right.
Natasha was dangerous, but he knew how to handle dangerous people. What bothered him was the ease with which she had made her offer.
"She's hiding something," Veronica muttered, arms crossed. "She needs you for something bigger than just taking over Nairobi."
Elaine nodded. "She's right. We need to be careful."
Ochieng sighed. "I know. That's why we're going to Mombasa—but on our terms."
Veronica smirked. "You have a plan?"
Ochieng's lips curled into a cold smile.
"When don't I?"
---
Two days later, Ochieng, Veronica, and Elaine arrived in Mombasa, stepping into the luxurious five-star hotel where the meeting was set to take place.
The lobby was packed with Kenya's most dangerous criminals. Billionaire smugglers, arms dealers, mafia leaders, and underground bosses—all gathered under one roof.
Natasha was waiting for them in the private lounge, sipping a cocktail. She looked completely at ease, as if she hadn't just invited them into a lion's den.
"Ochieng," she greeted, her smile sharp. "Right on time."
He took a seat across from her. "Let's cut the small talk. What's this really about?"
She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "There's someone at this meeting who wants you dead."
Ochieng's expression didn't change. "Who?"
Natasha's smile widened. "That would ruin the fun, wouldn't it?"
Before he could respond, the doors swung open.
A man entered—one Ochieng hadn't seen in years.
His blood ran cold.
Because standing before him was Jafari's older brother.
The room fell silent.
And Ochieng knew—this meeting had just turned into a battlefield.
---