Defiance

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CHAPTER 102

~Marcus's POV~

The heavy scent of smoke and leather filled the dimly lit room, mingling with the sound of billiard balls colliding on the pool table in front of me. 

I watched as one of the striped balls rolled into a pocket, a smirk curving my lips as I leaned back in my chair, savouring the small satisfaction of the game. Three men sat around me, murmuring in anticipation as they waited for their turn.

One of my guards entered, interrupting the rhythm of the game. He approached, head bowed slightly in deference. "Sir, Ivan has called again. He wants an update."

I didn't bother looking up from the table, aiming my next shot carefully before sending another ball into the corner pocket. "Tell him I'm busy. He can wait."

The guard hesitated, clearly not expecting that answer. "But, sir, Ivan's been calling repeatedly. He seems... insistent."