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WENDY OWENS

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Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

Thisbookisaworkoffictionandanynames,characters,placesandincidentsarebasedonthetheauthor’simagination Anyresemblancetoanyactualpeopleorplaces arecoincidental

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Pleasebeawarethatisaromancesetinthedarkworldoforganizedcrimefamilies.Itisacompleteworkoffictionandnone ofthesituationsorattitudesofthecharactersrepresenttheauthorsopinionsinanyway

Trigger Warnings include but are not limited to: Murder, torture, violent fight scenes, kidnapping, threats, alcohol consumption,humantrafficking(briefreference),anddetailedsexscenes.

Ifyouhaveanyquestionsfeelfreetoemailme@wendyowensbookscom

Dedicated to all the women who sometimes have to help a man realize how fuckingly, perfectly, amazing the woman right in front of him is

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Chapter23

Chapter24

Chapter25

Chapter26

Chapter27

Chapter28

Chapter29

Chapter30

Chapter31

Chapter32

Chapter33

Chapter34

Chapter35

CrimsonVows

AbouttheAuthor

AlsobyWendyOwens

Acknowledgments

SilksheetstanglearoundoursweatybodiesasImovewithaprimalrhythmbetweenthetwowomen Theonebeneath me,IbelievehernameisRachelifmemoryserves,moansmyname.Theotherwoman,whosenameInevercaught, clingstomyback,hernailsleavingtrailsofdesireintheirwake

Theintoxicatingscentofpassionbathestheroom,aheadyaromathatmingleswiththethroatysoundsoflustcomingfrom eachwoman. The womenare a welcomed distractionfromthe uncertaintyswirlingaround myplace as the new boss ofthe Kingempire.

Myhandsroamfreely,tracingcurvesandvalleys.Theirbodies,sodifferentyetequallycaptivating,respondtomyevery touchwithachinghunger

Rachel’svoicetrembleswithpleasureashergaspsfilltheroom,echoingoursharedecstasy.Herfingerstangleinmyhair, pullingmecloser

“OhGod, Vincent, youare fuckingamazing.” Rachel gasps, and a smirktugs atmylips. This isn’taboutconnection;it’s aboutsatisfaction pure, carnal, and devoid ofcomplications. More complications are the lastthingIneed inmylife right now.

Iuntanglemyselffromthetwowomen,leaningagainstmyheadboardbeforeinstructingthem,“Iwantashow.”

Thetwowomenexchangeaglance,theireyesfilledwithanticipation “Whatkindofshow?”thenamelesswomanasks “Surpriseme.”

Theyevidentlyunderstand the rules ofthis game as theybeginto move inperfect synchrony Their bodies swaywitha rhythmthatmatchesthebeatinmychest,theirdanceaseductivesymphony.

Rachel takes the lead,her movements fluidandgraceful.Her bodyundulates withaneffortless sensualitythatcaptivates notonlyme butthe unnamed womanas well Her fingers glide across her skin, tracingdelicate patterns, accentuatingevery curveanddip.Theroombecomesastage,andRachelcommandsattentionwithherdeliberatemotion.

Meanwhile,theunnamedwomanfollowssuit,herbodyamirrorimageofRachel’sinitsenticingdisplay Iwatchasshe letsherinhibitionsgoandembracesthefreedomwithinthismoment.Hermotionsarebolder,moreprimalasifshe’sunlocking ahiddensideofherselfthatyearnstobesetfree

As Iwatchthemwrithe andtwist,ananimalistic hunger grows withinme,fueledbytheir unabashedexpressions oflust. I’mentrancedbythesheersexualenergybouncingoffthewalls,andIcan’thelpbutstrokemycockinresponse,myeyesnever leavingthetwobeautifulwomenwhoembodyeverythingIcrave

Theirpassionatedancebecomesmorefrenziedwhentheyseetheexcitementtheyhavearousedinme.Theirbodiesmesh togetherastheylosethemselvesinthemoment Rachel’smouthfindstheotherwoman’smouth,andtheybeginexploringthem withtheirtongues.TheotherwomanrunsherhandsupRachel’sbody,herhandsclosingaroundRachel’sbreasts,rubbingthem aggressivelybeforehominginonherrock-hardnipples

Rachel’seyeslockwithmine,hergazeburningwiththesamelustgrowingdeepwithinme.MyheartracesasIwatchthe twowomenlosethemselvesintheir interaction.Thesightofthepair writhingtogether,their bodiesmeldingintoone,makes mycockthrob

Pleasure courses throughmyveins,threateningtoconsume me whole.Witha deepbreath,Irise ontomyknees,myeyes neverleavingthetwobeautifulwomen

“Enough,”Isay.“It’smyturn.Whichoneofyouwantsmetofuckyoufirst?”

Thewomenfreeze,theireyeswidewithanticipation.“Startwithher,”Rachelsays.

“Feelinggenerous,arewe?”Ismirk.

Shebitesatherbottomlipbeforeshereplies,“Ijustwanttobetheoneyoufinishin.”

“Isthatso?”Ispinthenamelesswomantowardmeandspreadherlegs,slidingmyselfintoherwithease.Shewhimpers andmoansinresponseasIstretchoutherwetpussy.“Thenwhydon’tyoubeagoodlittleslutandsitonherfacewhileImake hercome?”

Theunnamedwoman’seyeswidenatthecommand,butRacheldoesn’thesitate.Shemovesgracefully,positioningherself above her friend’s face withher legs oneither side of her head As I pump into her, the womaneagerlyopens her mouth, welcomingRachel’spussyasitlowersontoherface.

“That’sit You’rebothsuchgoodlittlesluts,”IgrowlasIbegintothrustdeeperintothenamelesswoman,enjoyingthetwo ofthemdevouringeachother.

ThewomanmoanslouderasIpumpintoher,buckingherhips,pushingharderagainstRachel’sslickpussy.She’sstroking herclitwithonehand,herotherhandtrailingupanddownherbody,caressingherbreastsandpinchinghernipples

“Faster, harder,” Rachel begs as she rocks her hips against the woman’s face. “Please, baby, make her moan into my pussy”

Ioblige,pickingupmypace,mythickcockglidingintothenamelesswomanwithwet,sloppysoundsfillingtheroom.The unnamedwoman’smoansbecomelouderasshelosesherselfinthepleasure Ifeelthefamiliartightening,andthenareleaseof wetnessexplodesaroundme.

“That’sagoodgirl,”IsayasIpullmydickoutofthenamelesswomanwhoisnowtremblingwithpleasure.“Youlovethe tasteofherpussy,don’tyou?”

“Mm-hmm,” the woman moans, still too lightheaded fromher orgasmto formany coherent words. I watch as Rachel dismountsfromherfaceandwastesnotimeleaningovertosuckherfriend’sjuicesoffmycock Shelapsupeverydrop,her eyeslockedwithmineinasilentpleaformore.

“Youwantmetofuckyounow?”IaskasmycocktwitchesinsideRachel’smouth.

Sheswallowshardandnods,hereyesneverleavingmythrobbingerection.Herhandwrapsaroundthebaseofmyshaft, pullingmedeeperintoherwarmmouth.

I groan, feeling her lips stretch around me as I thrust into her, her throat bobbing with each stroke She hums softly in response,thevibrationssendingshiversdownmyspine.

Releasingmycockfromhermouth,Rachellooksupatmeandwhispers,“Please,Vincent,Ineedyouinsideme”

“Notyet.Iwantyoutobegforit,”IreplyasIclimboffthebedandgrababottleoflubefromthenightstand.Ipouritonto myfingers,andwithawickedgrin,IslidetwointoRachel’spussy,makinghergaspandarchherbackinpleasure.

“That’sit,baby,fuckmewithyourfingers,”shecries,hervoicefilledwithdesperation.Idon’tjustwantherpussy,though. Iwanthertosurrendereveryholetome.

Iwithdrawmyfingersfromherdrenchedpussyandpushherdownontoherhandsandknees Ileandownandwhisperin herear,“ItoldyouIwantedashow.Thatwasjustthebeginning.”

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”Rachelwhimpers,hervoicetremblingwithanticipationandsubmission

“Showmehowmuchyouwantmetotakeyou,”Ireply,myvoicelowandcommanding.“MakemewantyouasmuchasI knowyouwantme.”

Igrabafloggerfromthecorneroftheroom,itstailswhisperingthroughtheairasIbringitdownonherback,causinga flurryofstingingkissesagainstherskin.Icatchsightofherfriendlyingonherside,enjoyingtheshowasshegreedilyfingers hersoakingwetcunt

IwatchasRachel’sbodytensesandrelaxes,eachstrikeofthefloggerasymphonyofpainandpleasure.Icanseethemark ofmydominanceonherskin,knowingeachweltisareminderofmyauthority Atthatmoment,Iwishassertingmydominance overourorganizationwasaseasy.

Istepclosertoher,thefloggerstillinhand.Ibrushmyfingersagainsttheweltsonherskin,feelingtheheatandknowing it’snotenoughtosatisfymyhungerforpower

“Iwanttoseeyoubegforit,”Iwhisperinalowandseductivevoice.“Iwanttoheartheneedinyourvoice.”

Rachelgasps,herbodytremblingwithanticipation SheknowswhatIwantandthatmydemandscanneverbeignored But she’swillingtosubmittomyeverydesire,togiveherbodytomewithouthesitation.

She reaches backandgrabs her hips,presentingthemtome “Please,Vincent,take me however youwant Justmake me yours.”

Ismile,droppingthefloggerandreachingagainforthelube.Thistime,Iapplylubetoherass,spreadingitaroundwithmy fingers,andthenpress againsther tightentrance She whimpers as Iinsertone finger After a few moments,Iinsertanother, slowlystretchingheropen.

“That’sit,takeit I’mgoingtomakeyoumine,”Igrowl,myvoicethickwithlust Rachelmoansandthrustsherhipsbackagainstme,eagerformore.Iaddathirdfinger,stretchingherasswide.Icanfeelin thewayshemovesagainstmethatshe’sconflicted.Thesensationsofpainandpleasurehaveconfusedherbody.

Finally, as her bodystarts to relaxand her ass starts to allow me inwithease, I pull awayand positionmyself at her entrance.“Are youreadyfor me totake you?” Rachel nods,her bodytremblingwithanticipation.“Ifuckinglove how much

youneedmycock.”

Withadeep,satisfiedgroan,Ipushforward,slidingmycockintoRachel’stight,wetasshole.Shegasps,herentirebody convulsingasIbegintothrustinandout

“That’sit,baby.Takeit.You’remine.”Mylowvoiceisfilledwithdominance.

Rachel’s bodywrithes underneathme,her hands grippingthesheets as Istretchher ass witheachhardthrust Her friend watchesfromtheside,herexpressionamixofarousalandjealousy.

As I continue to pound into Rachel’s ass, I reacharound and grasp her clit, pinchingit betweenmyfingers as I thrust Rachel’smoansgrowlouder,herbodybecomingmoreandmoretense.

“Please,Vincent,don’tstop,”shepleads,hervoicehoarsewithdesire.

Ispeed up mythrusts, the sound ofour bodies slappingtogether all around us Rachel’s sounds become continuous and primal.Herorgasmhitsherhard,herbodyconvulsingaroundmeasshecriesoutmyname.Shetightensaroundmycock,the sensationdrivingmefurtherintoafrenzy

Islamintoheronefinaltime,holdinghertightlyagainstmeasIfillherasswithmycum.Icollapseontothebed,mybreath cominginraggedgasps,mybodytremblingwiththeaftershocksoftheintenseorgasm “Fuck ”Igrunt,stillpanting

Rachellooksatme,hereyesfilledwithsatisfaction.“Thankyou.”

I smile, feeling the pleasure of having completely dominated and pleasured Rachel. “You’re welcome,” I reply, still breathlessfromtheintensityoftheexperience

Standing,Igotomybathroomandrinseoffintheshower.AsItowelmyselfoff,Inoticebothwomenarestilllyingnaked inmybed,andIpridemyselfontheglowthattheybothseemtohaveaboutthem

Pullingoutapairofboxerbriefsfrommydresser,Islidethemonbeforelookingbackattheladies.

“Youbothseemedtolikethat,didn’tyou?”Iask,smilingatthembeforepullingapairofsweatpantsfromanotherdrawer andslippingthemon.

“Yes,Vincent.I’veneverfeltsousedbefore,”Rachelreplies,hervoicestillhoarsefromherorgasm.

“OhmyGod,itwassofuckinghottowatchyoutwo,”herfriendreplies

“Well,anytime,ladies,”Irespond.Ipauseandnoticethetwostaringupatme,butneitherstirs.Thisshouldbewhenthey knowthefunhasendedandstartgettingdressed,butthatdoesn’tseemtobehappening Iraise aneyebrow, no longer amused bytheir lackofmovement. “Alright, well, I’ve got a lot to do today. Enjoyyour morning,ladies.”

“Morning?”thenamelesswomanasks.

Ichuckle.“Yes,wepartiedallnight.Andnowit’stimeforthetwoofyoutoheadbacktowhereveryoucamefrom.”

They stare at me in confusion, not entirely understanding what I’msaying “Let me put it another way,” I say, my tone gentlernow.“Youbothhadfun,butit’stimetogohomeorwherever.”

Rachelfinallyspeaksup “ButIdon’twanttogo Iwanttostaywithyou” Herfriendnodsinagreement.

“Well, that’s not anoption,” I answer firmly, slippinga blackT-shirt over myhead, stretchingit over mymuscles and coveringthetattoos Rachelandthenamelessbeautylookupatme,theirexpressionssouredbytheabruptendtoourescapade “Comeon,ladies,getdressed.Yougottago.”

“Wow,really?That’showitis?”Rachel’spoutisasforcedasherindignation

“Look,”Isay,mybreathseveningout,“Ilosttrackofhowmanytimesyoubothcamelastnight,soIdon’twannahearany bitching Yougotwhatyoucameherefor Nowit’stimeforyoutogo”

Thenamelessonestartstowhine,andwithoutpatienceforit,Istridetomywalletontopofmydresserandpulloutawad ofcash.Itossitather it’scrudebuteffective.“There.”

“Iamnowhore,”shescreams,butherfingerscurlaroundthebillsevenassheshimmiesoffthebedandshovesherlegs intoherskirt.

“Could’vefooledme,”Imutterundermybreath Asharpknockonthedoorcutsthroughtheheatedconversation.“Boss?”Marco’svoiceismuffledbuturgent.

“Givemeaminute!”Igrowl,notreadyforaninterruption “Sorry,boss,butEvajustcheckedindownstairs.”

“Shit.”Instantly,myattentionfractures.EvaMartinezmaybemysister’sbestfriend,butsheisn’tjustthatanymore.Since myfather’smurder,shehasbecomeoneofmyclosestfriends,andthelastthingIeverwanttodoisleaveherwaiting “Buzz herup,”Icalloutbeforeturningmyattentionbacktotheladies.

“Youtwoneedtoleavenow,”Icommand,unhappywiththelackofurgencyintheirmovements

Rachelandthenamelesswomanexchangealook,disappointmentetchedacrosstheirfaces,buttheybegrudginglycontinue togathertheirbelongingsstrewnaboutmyroom.

“Eva?”Rachelasks,hervoicelacedwithcuriosity.

“Noneofyourfuckingbusiness,”Ianswer,annoyedsheevenfeltentitledtoaskthequestion.

“There’s no reason to be an asshole,” Rachel grunts, pulling her dress over her head and scooping her boots and undergarmentsupintoherarms.

I manage to get them half-dressed and stumbling toward the elevator The one whose name I never caught drops her earrings,andasIhurryheralong,sheenthusiasticallycursesatme.Idon’tcare.I’vebeencalledworsebybetter.

TheelevatordoorsopenedwithadingtorevealEva’ssmilingface ThewomenshootEvaavenomousglareasshesteps offtheelevator.

“Goodmorning,”Evaoffers,butthewomenonlyscoffinresponseastheystepontotheelevator

“Haveanicelife,ladies,”Iquipasthedoorscloseontheirscowls.

“Thosetwolookedlikeabarreloflaughs,”Evacomments,archinganeyebrow.

“Entertainmentcomesinmanyforms,”Ireply Evaseesmeinawaynotmanydo,butevenherinsighthaslimitations The constantpressureI’munderrequiresmetofindawaytoletoffsteam.Lastnightwiththesetwoladieswasoneofthoseexact opportunities “Now,whatbringsyouhere,Eva?Or didyoujustwanttoswingbytopassjudgmentonhow Ispendmyfree time?”

“Oh, come on, Vincent!You’re so uptight We all know you’re a huge slut, and we love youjustthe same” Eva laughs, shakingherheadatmyjest.“Youneedtolightenup.Howaboutajoke?”

“Pleasedon’ttellmeoneofyourawfuljokes,”Iplead.

“Youknowyoulovethem Whatdidoneelevatorsaytotheother?IthinkIamcomingdownwithsomething!”Evaerupts, laughingatherjoke,andIcan’thelpbutchuckleatherresponse.

“That’sbetter,”shesaysexcitedly “Anyway,Ameliasentmetopickupafewmoreofherthings”

“Christ,”Imutter,annoyanceedgingmytone.“Wouldn’titbeeasierifshehadyoujustpickupeverythingallatonce?”

“Did youever thinkshe’s drawingthis outbecause she misses you?” Eva’s softvoice is probing. “Maybe ifyouhadn’t forbiddenhertocometothepenthouse ”

“Amelia made her choice when she married Alexei Ivanov.” I cut her off, my voice colder now. “I may support her followingherheart,butIdon’tknowwhatsheexpectedwhenshemarriedintoarivalfamily I’mtheheadoftheKingfamily now ourinterestshavetocomefirst.”

Eva’seyesholdmine,searchingforsomethingI’munwillingtogive Shenodsslowly,understandingasalways,yetIcan tellshedisagrees.

“Whateveryousay,”shesaysfinally.“I’lljustgetthethingssheaskedforfromherroom.” “Thankyou,”Isay,butthewordstastebitter,likealuxuryboughtatapricefartoosteep.

Eva disappears into Amelia’s old bedroom, and I make my way to the study. Shaking my head, I attempt to clear my thoughts Isitdownbehindthelargemahoganydeskandtrytoforcetheintrusivethoughtsaboutmysisterfrommymind She madeuphermindwhenshemarriedanIvanov,andnoamountofguiltsheorEvaputonmewillchangethat.

Despitenotbeingabletochangethesituation,onefactremains ImissAmeliaasmuchasshemissesme

sit at my father’s desk, fingers tracing the intricate carvings on its mahogany surface His scent, a mixture of expensive cologne and Cuban cigars, lingers. The mountain of paperwork before me seems to grow with each passingsecond, threateningto consume me whole Anxietywashes over me as I ponder the gravityof mynew responsibilities.Ameliamayhavewalkedawayfromherduties,butIrefusetoleteverythingmyfatherbuiltbedestroyedon mywatch.

Thedoorcreaksopen,andEvastepsintotheroom.Herchestnut-browneyesdisplayconcern,herlipspressedintoathin line. She crosses the floor withgraceful strides, the clickingofher heels againstthe marble floor echoingthroughthe silent room Asshereachesme,sheplacesacomfortinghandonmyshoulder,hertouchwarmandreassuring “Vincent,”shesayssoftly,hervoiceasoothingbalmamidthechaosofmythoughts.“Letmemakeyousomelunch.”

I lookup at Eva, the turmoil swirlinginside me spillinginto mygaze “I thought youwere here to packup the last of Amelia’sthingsforher,nottakecareofme.”

Sheshrugsand,inagentlevoice,replies,“Can’tIdoboth?”Ismile,gratefulthatdespiteherbeingmysister’sbestfriend, Evahasalwaysbeenareassuringforceinmylife.

“I...”MyvoicefaltersasIstruggletofindtherightwords.“Idon’tknowifIcandothis ”

Sheshakesherhead,peeringatmewithheroversizeddoeeyes “Dowhat?”

“Leadthefamily,”Iexplain.“It’ssomuch,andI...WhatifIfuckeverythingup?”

Eva’seyessoftenasshelistens,her handonmyshoulder asteadypresence “Vincent,”shesays,“youhavealwaysbeen strongerthanyougiveyourselfcreditfor.ForaslongasI’veknownyou,I’vewatchedyoudoeverythingyourfatheraskedof you.Theonlydifferencebetweennowandthenisheisn’theretotellyouwhattodo butyoualreadyknow.You’regoingto befine”

Asshespeaks,imagesflashinmymind thelatenightsspentatmyfather’sside,thecountlesshoursoftraining,andthe strategizingIwitnessed Despitemydoubts,there’snodenyingI’veworkedhardtoearnmyplaceatthehelmofourempire, evenifmyfatherlackedfaithinmebeforehisdeath.

“Yourresilienceisoneofyourgreateststrengths,”Evacontinues,bolsteringmywaveringconfidence “Ihavezerodoubts thatyouwillbeabletogetthroughthis.”

“IwishIhadthesameconfidenceinmyselfthatyouseemtohaveinme,”Iadmit.Ourpredicamentdiffersfromthatofany other business when the CEO dies Our family business was different, though Instead of board members, I have capos to answerto.Theymaynothaveknownaboutmyfatherlosingfaithinmeastheunderboss,butthatdoesn’tseemtomatter.With thedeathofbothmyfatherandhisconsigliere,thewolvesareatthegates,andIdon’tknowhowlongI’llbeabletokeepthem atbay.

Evasqueezesmyshouldergently,hertouchgroundingmeinthemoment “Vincent,you’renotaloneinthis AmeliaandI, allofus,supportyoueverystepoftheway.Youdon’thavetocarryallthisonyourown.”

Iclosemyeyesbriefly,tryingtounderstandherwords,butthefearkeepsgnawingatme.“Iaskedyounottosayhername aroundme”

“She’syoursister,”Evaremindsme.

“Notanymore She’sanIvanovnow,”Istate,ensuringmytoneremainsemotionless “Idon’tunderstand.Ithoughtyougaveheryourblessing,”Evapleads.

“Igavemyblessingforhertomarryhimandstepawayfromourfamily,butthatdoesn’tmeanIhavetobeokaywithit.It sureashelldoesn’tmeanI’mgoingtobeafuckingidiotandletherinhereasifnothinghaschanged,”Iexplain.“Shemadeher choice,andchoiceshaveconsequences.”

“Jesus, whydo youalways have to be so stubborn?” Eva snaps, her hands fallingto her side as she steps around to the frontofmydesk.

“Istheresomethingelse?Ihavealotofworktogetbackto,”Ihuff,myirritationstartingtorevealitself “Vincent,” Eva says softly as she watches me, “maybe you should be careful. You don’t have much family left in this world”

I look up at her, eyebrows raised. Her eyes convey concern, so I do my best to steady my anger in response to her statement Shewasn’twrong Inonenight,IlostbothmyfatherandthewomanwhoIbelievedtobemymother Monthslater, mysister marriedthe underboss ofa rival Mafia family.Besides a half-brother Idon’treallyknow,I’mutterlyalone inthis world.Thatmakesitaneasymarkforsomeonewithinourorganizationtomakeamove.“Istheresomethingelseyouneed?”

Shepursesherlipsandpeersatmehopefully “Comeon,let’sgotothekitchen I’llmakeussomethingtoeat”

Despitetheweightofeverythingonmymind,theearnestwarmthinEva’sexpressionpullsmetomyfeet,herreassurance cuttingthroughmyreluctance

“Alright,fine,”Iagree,pushingbackfromthedeskandstanding.“Abitewouldbenice.”

Ifollow her intothe kitchen,inquiringabouthow it’s goingwithAmelia’s belongings She explainedthatwhile she was almostdonewiththetask,shewasalsodisappointedthatIwassoadamantaboutnotallowingAmeliaintotakecareofthings herself.

Fromtheir perspective, itmustseemlike I’msimplybeingpettyaboutmysister’s nuptials withAlexei Ivanov, butI’m doingthisforherowngoodtoo.IfIamseenastoofriendlywithhernowthatshehaschosentomarryintotheIvanovfamily,it couldmakeheratarget

TakingabiteofthesalamiandhamsandwichEvamadeandplacedinfrontofme,Ichewandsmilebeforelookingupat herandstating,“Thankyou,Eva.Ididn’trealizehowmuchIneededthis.”

“Sometimes,weallneedamomenttobreathe,”shereplies,hervoicegentleyetfirm. I chuckle. “Quit reading into things. I was just talking about the food.” Despite my deflection, her words resonate, remindingmethatevenasheadofthefamily,I’mstillallowedmomentsofvulnerabilityandrest “Ifyousayso,”shechimesplayfully.

Iopenmymouthtoteaseherinresponse,butbeforeIcansayanything,Marcocomesrunninginfromthesecurityroom,out ofbreath.“Vin-Vin ”heshoutsthroughgasps.“Yougotcompany,”hesaysatlast. Ifurrowmybrow.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Marcocatcheshisbreathbeforeresponding,“Twomenjustarrived,askingtospeakwithyou.” “Whatmen?”Idemand,growingimpatientwithhisvagueness.

“AcoupleofRussians,”Marcocontinues “TheyclaimtobefromtheIvanovfamily” MyheartskipsabeatatthementionoftheIvanovfamily.“Didtheysaywhythey’rehere?”

Marcoshakeshishead “No,justthatthey’reonofficialbusinessandhaveamessageforyou” “Whatthefuckdoesthatmean?”Igrunt,tossingmysandwichontotheplatebeforeme.Marcoshrugsinresponse.Iglance upatEva.AfterwhatIsabellaputherthrough,thelastthingIwanttodoisgethertiedupinsomesortoffamilymatteragain. “Youshouldprobablygo,”Itellher Shelooksatme,concernetchedonherface.“Areyousurethey’renothereforavalidreason?” Ishakemyhead,ignoringherassertion “Marco,canyoushowMs Martinezout?”

ShescoffsinresponsetohowIformallyaddressherandpullsherarmawaywhenMarcoreachesforit.“Don’tyoudare, Marco,”shesays,glaringatmycousin Inodathim,andhestepstotheside.

Evafocuseshergazeonme.“I’mabiggirl.Icanhandlemyselfjustfine,thankyou.ItoldAmeliaIwouldpackupanother loadfromherroomtoday,andthat’sexactlywhatIintendtodo”Sheturnsandexitstheroomswiftly “Youwantmetogether,boss?”Marcoasks.HearingMarcorefertomeinsuchawaystillfeelsforeign. Ishakemyheadandstand,pushingtheplateawayfromme “Youheardher Shedoesn’twanttoleave” I follow Marco back to the security room, watching him open the door. The two tall and muscular men stand at the receptiondesk,withdarksuitshuggingtheirframes ItrytorememberifIsawthematAmelia’swedding,buttheentireevent wasablur.

“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”Marcoinquires,hiseyesfixedonme.

Iclearmythroat “Thoroughlycheckthemforanyweapons,andiftheyareclean,showthemuptomystudy” Mystudy.ThatfeltjustasawkwardasMarcoreferringtomeasboss.

IstareatthescreensasMarcoridesdowntheelevatorandfrisksthetwoRussiansbeforeescortingthemintotheelevator Igotomystudyandtakeadeepbreathtocomposemyself.Mymindraceswithpossiblereasonsfortheirvisit.Ameliaisat theforefront.Issheokay?

Whentheyentermystudy,Marcoshowsthemtotheseatsinfrontofmydesk.IofferagreetingbutdonotstandasIdonot wishthemtoviewthemselvesaswelcomeinmyhome.

“VincentKing,Ipresume?”thetallerofthetwoasks,hisaccentthick. Inodinresponse.“That’sright.Andyouare?”

“MynameisDimitri,”heresponds,gesturingtowardtheshortermanbesidehim “Thisismybrother,Yuri”

“I’msorryifthismaycomeacrossasnotbeingveryhospitable,butcanthetwoofyoupleasetellmewhatthefuckbrings youhere?”Iask,hopingtocuttothechase

Dimitriclearshisthroat.“AlexeiIvanovhassentustodeliveryouaninvitation.”

MyheartsinksatthementionofAlexei’sname Ihadhopedhisfamilywouldn’tinterfereinouraffairs,butmyhopeswere invain.IwouldneverwanttohurtAmelia,butIalsowillnottolerateherhusbandmeddlinginouraffairs.

“Whatinvitation?”Iask,mytonelowanddangerousasIleanforwardinmyseat.

Dimitri glances atYuri before reachinginto his pocketand pullingouta square envelope He places itonthe deskand slides it toward me. “Alexei sends his regards and requests that youattend a dinner tomorrow night at his estate. He also wishestodiscussapossiblepartnershipbetweenourtwofamilies”

Inarrowmyeyesattheenvelope,hesitatingtotouchit.“AndifIrefuse?”

Dimitrishrugs “Thatwouldbeyourchoice,Isuppose”

“LastIchecked,Alexeiisn’tyourfamily’sheadyet.Howwouldyourbossfeelabouthissonreachingouttome?”Ipose thequestions,hopingtocreatesomeunrestintheranks.

“WeareactingonbehalfofAlexeiandourfamily,”Dimitrirespondscoolly,notappearingtoberuffledbymyquestioning “Ourbossisnotonlyawareofourvisitbuthassanctionedit.”

Isitbackinmychair andcontemplate myoptions Attendingthe dinner couldbe a trap,butrefusingthe invitationcould alsoleadtoretaliation.It’sadelicatebalanceImustweighcarefully.It’sbadenoughIhavetoworryaboutunrestwithinmy ownfamily,butitlooksliketheIvanovswillstillbeasmuchofaproblemasIfeared.

“I’llconsidertheinvitation,”Isayfinally.“ButImakenopromises.”

Dimitrinods,standing.“Thankyouforyourtime,Mr.King.”

As theyexitthestudy,Ican’thelpthesenseofuneasesettlinginmygut Ifollow thementotheelevator beforehanding themofftoMarcotoescortthemfromthebuilding.

As soonas the elevator doors close, Iturn, jumpingslightlywhenIfind Eva standingdirectlyinmypathwithher arms crossed.

“Whatdidtheywant?”sheasks.

“That’sreallynotanyofyourconcern,”IanswerfirmlyasIsteparoundher,stridingtowardthestudy.

Shefollowsme,herfootstepsechoinginthehallway.“Vincent,Imaynotbeinvolvedinyourbusiness,butIcareaboutyou andyoursister Ifsomethingiswrong,maybeIcanhelp”

Istopinmytracksandturntofaceher,myeyescoldandhard.“AndthisisexactlywhyIdon’twantyouinvolvedinmy life, Eva Youmayhave grownup around our family, butAmelia and Ibothgrew up inthe middle ofthis world We know exactlywhatwe’regettingourselvesintowithallthis.”

“That’snotfair.AllIwanttodoishelpyou.”

Ishake myhead, sure thatEva’s relationship withmysister makes her a liability “Idon’tneed your help, okay? Please trustthatit’sforyourowngood.”

Shescoffs “HowoftendoItellyouIcantakecareofmyself?I’mnotsomedamselindistress”

Inarrowmyeyesather,mypatiencewearingthin.“That’snotthepoint,Eva.Thisisn’tsomegame.Ican’taffordtohave anyoneelseinvolved,especiallynotsomeonelikeyou”

“Whatdoyoumean,someonelikeme?”sheasks,hereyesflashingwithindignation.

“Youknow exactlywhatImean,”Isnapback.“You’retooinnocent,toopure.Ourworldwill eatyoualive;that’swhyI needyoutostayaway”

Shestaresatmeforamomentwithherlipssetinatightline.Suddenly,herexpressionhardens.“Fine.Butyoumightwant tobecarefulhowmanytimesyoupushmeaway,Vincent Youmightonlyisolateyourselffromeveryonewhocaresaboutyou” Iwatchasshewalksaway,feelingapangofguiltinmychest.Shedidn’tdeservethewayItreatedhereventhoughIknow thisisforherowngood Shedoesn’tunderstandthedangeroftryingtogetclosetome

“Gohome,Eva,”Isayovermyshoulder,butsheignoresmeasIreturntomystudy.PickinguptheenvelopeDimitrileft,I carefullyopenit and pull out the invitationto Alexei’s dinner. I read throughit, analyzingeveryword and everypossible meaning

Takingadeepbreath,Ileanbackinmychair,mymindracingwiththepossibilities.Ican’taffordtomakeawrongmove, notwhenthestakesarethishigh Ineedtobecautiousbutalsopreparedforwhatevermighthappenatthedinner Ireachformyphone,hopingthatEvaisn’twrongandIcanstilltrustmysister.IdialAmelia’snumber.Shepicksuponthe secondring,hervoicebreathless.

“Vincent?Iseverythingokay?”

“I hope so,” I say. “I just had a visit fromtwo of Alexei’s men. They delivered an invitation to a dinner he’s hosting

tomorrownight.”

There’samomentofsilenceontheotherendofthelinebeforeAmeliaresponds,hervoicetight.

“Ohgood,Ican’twaittoseeyou”

“Ididn’tsayIwascoming.”Ichuff.“What’sthisfor?”

Shelaughs “Iwouldthinkit’sobvious,butadinnerinvitationisusuallyfordinner” Igritmyteeth,frustrationbuildingwithinme.“Amelia,thisisserious.”

“Vincent,”shesays,hervoicecalm “Ipromise,it’snothingbad Wewanttohavedinnerwithyouanddiscusssomefamily matters.”

“Familymatters ”Igasp,instantlywishingIhadsoftenedmyresponse.“Whichfamily,theoneyouabandonedorthenew one?”

“I’myour sister,” she snaps. “Whywould youevensaysomethingso hurtful? Whatdo youthink? Iwould letAlexei do somethingtohurtyou?”

“Youcan’tblamemeforbeingcautious,”Ireply.

“Whatever, do whatever youwant Alexei was justtryingto extend anolive branchbecause he loves me,” she exclaims beforeendingthecall.

Ihangup the phone and leanbackinmychair, mymind racing. Despite the gnawingdread inmygut, Ican’tsilence the desire to trust that Amelia would never do anything to put me in harm’s way In the end, I know I will likely accept the invitation.

Thismorning,Marco’sperplexedexpressiongreetsmeasIopenthedoortomyoffice “Boss,Evaisatthedesk downstairs.ShouldIbuzzherup?”Hescratchesthebackofhisneck,assurprisedbyherunexpectedarrivalasI am

Afterourargumentlastnight,Ididn’texpectherpresencesoquickly,butpartofmeisrelieved.IhatetheideaofEvabeing upsetwithme.IneverimaginedhowlonelythehousefeelsafterAmeliaandAlexeimarried.Amelia’sabsenceshonealight onhowaloneIreallyamnowthatbothofourparentsaregone.“Ofcourse.TellherI’llbeinthekitchen,”IsayasIturnand makemywaythere.

AsIpourmyselfamugoffreshlybrewedcoffee,anideasuddenlylandsinmymind IwillsurpriseEvawithbreakfastas athank-youforallshehasdoneformelately.Shepracticallylivedatourplaceaftermyfather’smurder.WhenAmeliawalked downtheaisle,shecheckedinonmeeveryfewdaystoensureIwashandlingthetransitionofmysister’swedding,nomatter how muchof anass I was. She’s one of the most lovingwomenI have known, and while she was mysister’s best friend growingup,Ihavealwaysconsideredherafriendaswell,especiallyasanadult.

The smell oftoastfills the air as Icrackeggs into the sizzlingpan. Ihumto myself, focusingonthe satisfyingsound of cooking.Mythoughtsareinterruptedbythesoftcreakofthekitchenfloors.

“Vincent? Whatare youdoing?” Eva’s voice is full ofamusementas she takes inthe sightbefore her Icansee her eyes widenwithsurprise,thentwinklewithdelight.

“Ihopeyou’rehungry”Igrinather

“You’recooking?”sheaskswithdisbeliefinhervoice.

“Don’tsoundsoshocked.IthoughtIwouldmakeyousomefoodasalittlethank-youforeverythingyou’vebeendoingfor melately,”Iexplain

Evachucklesandwalksovertothecounter.“Butyoudon’tcook.”

Iactoffendedbyherstatement “Thisfryingpaninmyhandwouldsayyou’rewrongaboutthat” “Touché.Okay,whatcanIdotohelp?”sheasks,steppingupbesideme.

“Smashupthoseavocadosinthatbowl”Inodtowardthewoodenbowlinthemiddleofthekitchenisland,returningmy focustotheeggscookinginthepan.“We’llputthemonthetoast.”

“Wow, aren’t we fancytoday?” she teases, winkingat me as she grabs a forkfromthe drawer next to me to mashthe avocado Ilaughatherplayfultoneandamthankfulshe’sstillnotannoyedwithmyshortnesswithherlastnight

“Onlythebestformyfavoriteaccomplice,”Ireply,flippingtheeggscarefully.Itfeelsgoodtosharethismomentoflevity withEva

Shelooksattheeggsandthenupatme.“Howdoyoumakeanegglaugh?” “OhmyGod,isthisoneofyourterriblejokes?”

Sheignoresmeassherevealstheanswer.“Tellitayolk.”

Ican’thelpbutchuckleinresponse.“Jesus,that’sawful.”

Sheshrugs “Itmadeyoulaugh”

“Iguessitdid,”Isaybeforeadding,“Ididn’texpectyoubacksosoon.” Evapausesheravocadomashingandlooksupatme,asmallsmileplayingonherlips “Ameliamayhavecalledme” “Ofcourseshedid.”Irollmyeyes.

“ShewantedtoknowifIknewwhetheryouwerecomingtodinnerattheirplacetonight.”

Mygrip onthe spatula tightens involuntarilyas annoyance flares up inside me. Whywould Amelia involve Eva inour familyaffairs?

“What the fuck?” I mutter under mybreathbefore shakingmyhead. “I’msorry. She shouldn’t be draggingyouinto our mess.”

“She’snotdraggingmeintoanything,”Evareplies,hervoicesoothing “You’rebothlikefamily” Iturntowatchassheworkstheforkthroughthesoftchunksofavocado.Shetucksastrandofherraven-blackhairbehind oneear,andIrealizeI’mstaring,butIdon’tlookaway

“But,”shecontinues,“sincewe’retalkingaboutit,whynotletmeaccompanyyoutonight?Icanbeabufferbetweenyou all”

“Absolutelynot,”Iretortfirmly.MyprotectivenessforEvaoverridesanyotheremotion. “Whynot?”

“Whatifit’satrap?”

Evaburstsoutlaughing,andIcan’thelpbutsmileatthesound.“Youthinkyoursisterinvitingyoutodinnerisatrap?”She shakesherhead,herlaughtersubsiding “YoureallyareoneofthemostparanoidpeopleIhaveevermet YouandIbothknow how muchshe loves you. Did youever thinkmaybe she and Alexei justwantto ensure there’s no bad blood betweenall of you?”

As muchas itpains me toadmitit,she mighthave a point.Myinstincts tell me tokeepEva far awayfromanythingthat couldexposehertodanger,butmaybethisisanopportunitytomendtherelationshipbetweenourfamilies.

“Fine,”Iconcedereluctantly “I’llagreetogotodinner,butnopromisesonifIwillactuallygetalongwithAlexei” Evatiltsherhead,hereyeslightingupwithamischievousglint.“AndwhattimeshouldIbethere?”

Ilaugh,shakingmyheadatherpersistence “Youthinkyou’resoslick,don’tyou?Ineveragreedyoucouldcomealong” Shepoutsplayfully,herbottomlipjuttingoutjustenoughtomakemereconsider.“Please.Pretty,prettyplease.” “Alright,alright,”Iconcede,unabletoresistherpleas.“Meetmeinthelobbyofmybuildingatseven.Youcanridewith me.”

“Deal!”sheexclaims,hersmilewideandvibrant. Suddenly,Eva’snosescrunchesup,andshesniffstheair “Doyousmellsomethingburning?”

Webothturnourheadstowardthetoaster,nowemittinganominousplumeofsmoke.PanicsurgesasIrushover,yanking theblackenedtoastfromitsfierygrave “Shit!It’sruined”IshoutasIpullitoutandtossitinthesink,runningwateroverthe smokingcharredsquares.

Evaburstsintolaughter,thesoundcontagiousandjoyful.“LikeIsaid,youdon’tcook.” “Realcute,”Ihuff.

“Here,letmeputacoupleofnewslicesin,”sheoffers,stillgiggling.

Withonecrisisaverted,Ireturntothestove,onlytofindanotherdisasterwaitingforme “Fuck!”Iexclaim,annoyedwith myself.“Theeggsareoverdone.”Frustrated,Itossthemintothesinkaswell.

“Vincent” Amusement dances inEva’s eyes “Will youplease sit downbefore youburnthe kitchento the ground? I’ll finishmakingbreakfast.”

Ioblige,grumblingasIsitatthekitchenisland.IwatchEvaeffortlesslycrackfresheggsintothepanbeforecheckingon the new slices ofbreadinthe toaster She moves withthe grace andskill ofa seasonedchef,makingme wonder how many othertalentsshe’shiding.

“Promise me you’ll stay close tonight,” I state as I watch her work, my concern for her safety outweighing my embarrassmentovermycookingmishap.“Evenifit’snotatrap,youneverknowwhatmighthappen,andIneedtoknowyou’re safe”

“Aw,that’skindofsweet,”shechimesbeforelookingatme.“Ipromise.”

Sheflipstheeggswithpracticedeaseandglancesoveratme.

“Therewasactuallyanotherreasonformyvisit,”sheadmits,hervoicesoftandhesitant “Uh-oh,”Itease.“Thatusuallymeanstroublewithyou.”

Asmilepeelsacrossherfaceassheremovesthetoastfromthetoasterandplacesasliceoneachplateontheisland She smears the avocado oneachslice, glancingup atme brieflybefore she continues. “I’ve beenthinkingaboutyour issue with beingseenasthenewbossofthefamily,andIhadanidea”

I laugh, unable to help myself. “Eva, you may know more about cooking than I do, but you know nothing about my business.”

“Maybenot,”sheconcedes,“buthearmeout”Shegaugesmyreactionbeforecontinuing “Whatifyouhostedaparty?You couldinviteallthefamilyassociatesandcreateavisualrepresentationofyoubeingincharge.”

Foramoment,I’mtakenabackbyhersuggestion I’vestruggledwithgainingsomecapos’respectintheorganization “Andwhatexactlywouldbeavisualrepresentationofmebeingincharge?”Iask,notwantingtoadmitrightawaythata partycouldbetheperfectopportunitytoshowcasemyselfasaleader.

Evaturnsbacktothestove,pullsoverthefryingpan,andsettlesaperfectlycooked,over-easyeggontopofeachsliceof avocadotoast.Iwatchasshecrankssomesaltontopofeachpieceandthenslidesoneoftheplatesinfrontofme.

“Well,obviously,youwouldbestationedattheheadofthetable,”shesays.“Thefood,theatmosphere,allofitwillspeak thatyouareyourfather’sson.Itwillbeacoordinateddanceofperfection,andattheendofthenight,yougifteachofyourmen somethingthatsaysyouappreciatethemstickingbyyouafteryourdad’sdeath” “Agift?Likewhat?”

Sheshrugs “Ican’tfigureeverythingoutforyou Youhavetodosomeofthisworkyourself Thatormakemetheboss” Shewinksatmeplayfully.

I study Eva’s face, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation But all I see is her unwavering determination and confidence inher idea.Dammit,she’s right.This partycouldbe the perfectopportunitytoestablishmyselfas the new boss. “Astemptingaspassingthereinstoyoumightbe,IthinkI’mgood,”Ireply.“ButIlovetheidea.” “Really?”

Inod.“Absolutely,butI’llneedyourhelptopullitoff.Willyouhelpmeplanit?”

“Ofcourse,”shereplieswithouthesitation,hereyessparklingexcitedly “I’dbemorethanhappytohelp” “Thank you,” I say sincerely, my eyes meeting hers. “I really appreciate your help. Not just with the party . . . with everything”

She smiles warmly. “Youknow how muchImiss Amelia since she’s beenso busywithher new life. I’mhappyto have somethingtooccupymytimeandhelpoutafriend.”

Therearen’tmanypeopleIcanbevulnerablewithandshow asoftnessto AsthesonofoneofthemostpowerfulMafia bossesinNewYork,Iknowit’sdangeroustoshowweakness.Evaisn’tpartofthisworld,though.Ihavebeenabletobethe manIwishIcouldbewithothersbutdon’tdare

Asweeat,wediscussplansfortheparty,brainstormingideas.Ifindacertaincomfortintheeasinessofourconversation. “Let’smakesurethispartyleavesnodoubtthatI’mtheexactmanwhoshouldbeleadingthisfamily,”Isay,takinganother biteofherdeliciousbreakfast.

“Absolutely,”Evaagrees,herenthusiasmcontagious.“Ithinkit’sessentialthatit’scleareveryoneistobeinattendanceso therewillbenomistakinghowmuchsupportyouhave”

Ilaugh,teasingher.“Damn,Listentoyou.MaybeIshouldmakeyoumynewunderboss.”

Shesmilesandshrugs “Iwould,butIdon’tthinkthatwouldworkoutverywellforyou” “Andwhyisthat?”Iask,myeyesfixedonher.

Sheflashesmeadevilishgrin.“Everyoneissuretolikememorethanyou,andthenwherewouldyoube?Youcan’thave everyonewantingyoursecond-in-commandtobetheoneincharge.”

Ismirk,shakingmyheadatherplayfulbanter.“Ithinkyouunderestimatemycharisma,Eva.”

Sheraisesaneyebrow,amischievousglintinhereye “Isthatso?Idon’tknow,Ihaven’tseenityet”

Ichuckle,enjoyingthefriendlyback-and-forthbetweenus.“Well,ifyoukeephelpingmelikethis,maybeI’llfinallyhave thechancetoshowitoff”

Eva’seyesshinewithexcitement.“Ican’twait.”

Aswefinishourmealandcontinuediscussingtheparty,IfeelagrowingsenseofgratitudeforEva’ssupport.Shebelieves inmeandwilldowhateverittakestohelpmesucceed “Dowehavethispartyhere?”Iask,meetingEva’seyes.

“Absolutely”Shenods,enthusiasmlightingupherface “It’llbeawaytoshoweveryonethattheempirenolongerbelongs toyourfather,andyou’reyourownmannow.”

“It’ssettled,then Ihaveeveryone’scontactinformationinmyoffice”

“I’msoexcitedaboutthis,” Eva declares,finishingthe lastbite ofher meal.“There will be noquestionleftinanyone’s mindthatyouareembracingyournewtitle.”

Itakeinthelastbiteofmytoastandavocadomixture,lettingitlingeronmytongue,itsflavorsmeldingperfectly Ilookat Eva,eagertoexpressmygratitude.“Besidessavingmybreakfastdisaster,youmightberescuingmeagainwiththisparty.” Her eyes soften, and a warmsmile spreads across her face “Oh, I amdefinitely savingyour ass onboth counts,” she replies.“Butthat’s whatfriends do.Don’tforget,wehavethatdinner atAmelia’s tonight.I’ll seeyouinthelobbyatseven, right?”

“HowcouldIpossiblyforget?”Istillhavemixedfeelingsaboutattending,butifEvaiswillingtoaccompanyme,itmight notbesobad.“I’llseeyouthen.”

“Great,”shebeams,risingfromherseatandgatheringthedishesintothesink “Iactuallyhavetogetgoing Ipromisedmy momIwouldhelpherwithsomeerrands.”

“Alwaysthelittlehelper,”Itease,walkinghertotheelevator Weexchangebriefpleasantriesbeforesheleavesmealone withmythoughts.

WithEva gone, Iturnmyattentionto more importantmatters. Withthe change inleadership, there has apparentlybeena rumblingamongthecaposthatIsimplycan’tallowtogounanswered.Thequestionis,howdoIbestsendamessagewithout upsettingthealreadydelicatebalance?

AsIstepbackintomyoffice,Isitatmydeskandpulloutmyfather’saddressbooksoIcanmakeacopyforEva. Evamayhavebeenjokingwhenshementionedherbeingtheunderboss,buttherewassometruthinwhatshesaid.Thereis strengthinhavinganinnercircle Iwastheunderboss,andmyfatheralsohadhisconsigliere IthoughtAmeliawouldbemy underboss,buthermarriagetoAlexei endedthatidea.IfIhopetokeepthewolvesatbay,Ineedtonamebothanunderboss andaconsigliere IthastobemenItrust,andthecaposwillaffordtherespecttheydeserve AsmuchasItrytothinkofsomeone,theonlynamethatcomestomindisAmelia.Maximjustturnedeleven,anddespite beingmyhalf-brother,thetruthisIbarelyknowhim Ontopofthat,aftermyfather’smurder,Maxim’smotherpreferstokeep himasfarawayfromthisfamilyasshecan,andIdon’tblameher.

AsIthinkitover,myeyeswandertothephotoofmyfatheronmydesk,apangofsadnessandangerhittingmychest.He leftmewiththismess,andIhavetocleanituponmyown Iknowthisisn’thisfault,butIcan’thelpbuthatehimforcreating somuchself-doubtinmyself.Ishakemyhead,tryingtoclearmythoughts.Ineedtofocusonthepresent,onwhatIcancontrol.

ThemomentIwalkintothelobby,myeyesfindher Evastandsatthefrontdesk,thesoftglowofthechandelier above castinganethereal halo around her. Her cocktail dress hugs her curves, radiatinganaura ofelegance.

She’schattingwithMarco Hisbrowfurrowsasifhe’sconcentratingoneverywordfromhermouth “Buonasera,Eva,”Isay,approachingthem.Sheturnstowardme,her lipscurvingintoasmile,sendingfamiliar warmth throughme.

“Vincent!”sheexclaims.“Youlookdashing.”

“Grazie,andyoulookwonderful.”Mygazelingersonher,takinginthesightbeforeme.EventhoughEvahasbeenafamily friendforaslongasIcanremember,IwouldbelyingifIsaidI’dnevernoticedhowbeautifulsheis IturntoMarco,whohasbeenapprehensiveaboutourdinneratAlexei Ivanov’splacesinceItoldhimaboutitearlierin theday “Hey,boss,”hesays I’mstillnotusedtohimreferringtomelikeheusedtorefertomyfather “AreyousureIcan’t convinceyoutoletmetagalongwithyoutwotonight?”

“Marco,everythingwillbefine.Trustme.”ItrytoreassurehimeventhoughI’mnotconvinced.

“GoingtoAlexei’salone...itdoesn’tsitrightwithme,”Marcoadmits,concernetchedonhisface.

“Iwon’tbealone.IwillhavethebeautifulMs.Martinezonmyarm,”Isay,smilingather.Shedropsherchin,andIseeher slightlyblushinresponse IlikethatIelicitthissortofreactionfromher

“Don’tworry,ifanyonemesseswithhim,I’llcometohisrescue,”Evachimes.

“Ofthat,Ihavenodoubt,”Marcosays

“We’vehandledfarworsesituationsthanadinnerwithmysisterandherhusband,”Ireplyfirmly.

“Yes,sir,”Marcoreluctantlyagrees,understandingthesituationhasbeendecided.

“Shallwe?”Iask,turningmyattentiontoEvaandextendingmyarmtoher Shedelicatelyplacesherhandonmyforearm, andweapproachtheexit.IsilentlytellmyselfthatifEvabelievesinthegoodintentionsofAmeliaandAlexei,perhapsIcan too atleastfortonight

Aswewalktowardthetowncarwaitingatthecurb,Eva’sgriponmyarmtightens.“Vincent,thankyouforattendingthis dinnerwithsuchanopenmind”

MymindraceswiththoughtsofwhatAlexeimighthaveinstoreforme,butknowingthisiswheremymindiswillserveto donothingbutmakeEvaworry.Inodwithatight-lippedsmile,hopingshewilldropthetopic.

Shedoesn’t

“I’mcertainthatAmeliaandAlexonlywantamazingthingsforyou,”sheinsists,hergazeunwaveringasshelooksintomy eyes

“Ifthat’s the case,there won’tbe anyproblems,” Isay,tryingtosoundmore confidentthanIfeel.Iopenthe door tothe towncar,andweslideintothebackseat Nico,themandrivingfor theevening,pullsawayfromthecurbafter Igivehima silentnod.

Evashiftsgearsandstartsdiscussingthepartypreparations,andI’mrelievedtotalkaboutanythingotherthanmysisterand her new rival-Mafia-ganghusband “So Iwas thinkingabout the music for your party, and Ithinkyoushould do something differentfromwhatyourparentsalwaysdid.IgetthatyourdadwasintosomeoftheItalianclassics,butmaybeitisimportant toshoweveryonewhocomesthattherewillbeayouthfulchangewithyouincharge Whatdoyouthink?”Thequestionhangs intheair,butIcantellshe’stryingtolightenthemood.

Ishootherasmall,appreciativesmile.“Itrustyourjudgmentwhenitcomestothesethings.”

“Didyouhaveachancetogetaguestlisttogether?”shepresses,determinedtokeeptheconversationgoing.

“Idid.Maybeyoucanswingbytomorrowandpickitup.”

“Soundsperfect,”shesays,visiblyrelievedtoseemeengagedintheconversation.

Aswecontinuediscussingthepartypreparations,asenseofcalmwashesoverme.Eva’spresencehasalwaysaffectedme, andfornow,it’senoughtokeepmymindofftheuncertaintiesthatawaitusatAmeliaandAlexei’shome

DespitemybesteffortstofocusonEva’squestionsabouttheupcomingparty,mymindwandersbacktowhatAlexmight want with me It’s frustrating I want nothing more than to be present and enjoy this moment with her, but the weight of responsibilitysitsheavyonmyshoulders,refusingtobudge.

“Vincent?”Eva’svoicepullsmebacktothepresent,anoteofconcernlacingherwords “Sorry,”Iapologize,tryingtodispelthelingeringthoughts.“Whatdidyousay?”

“Iaskedifyouhadanythoughtsaboutthemenu,”sherepeatspatiently,hergazeneverleavingmine.

“Ah,right”Imullitoverforamoment “Food IthinkitwillbeperfectaslongasitisdeliciousandItalian”

“Ofcourse,”sheagrees,asmileplayingatthecornersofherlips.“Iwouldn’tdreamofhiringanythinglessthanthebest formydearfriend”

“Muchappreciated.”Ichuckle,butmylaughterfeelshollowtomyownears.Evamustnoticetoo,becauseherexpression softens,andshestudiesmecloselyforamomentbeforelaunchingintoananecdote

“Youknowhowwetalkedaboutwhatmusictohaveearlier?”Shegiggles.“Doyourememberthatonetimewhenwewere teenagers, and Amelia convinced us all to formour ownband?” she asks, a mischievous glintinher milk-chocolate brown eyes

Ican’thelpbutlaughatthememory.“OhGod,howcouldIforget?Iwasstuckonthedrumswhileyoutwotriedtosing.” “Hey,weweren’tthatbad!”Evaprotests,feigningoffense “Sure,”Iteased,smirking.“Ifby‘notbad’youmean‘completelytone-deaf.’” “Alright,somaybe we weren’tdestinedfor musical greatness,” she concedes,laughingwithme.“Butitwas fun,wasn’t it?”

“Definitely,”Iagree,theweightonmyshouldersfeelinglighterasthelaughterbubbleswithinme.“Evenwithhowfuckedupthingswerewithmyfamily,westillmanagedtohavesomegoodtimes,didn’twe?”

“Absolutely.”Evanods,hergenuineandradiantsmilewarmingmefromtheinsideout.“Itwashardtoeventhinkstraight inmyhousegrowingup TherewasneveramomentofpeacewithallmysiblingsexceptwhenIwasoverattheKings’house” Ichuckle,wonderinghow anyonecouldthinktheKings’homewasapeaceful retreat.Fornow,though,Iallow myselfto getlostinthememory,holdingontothecomfortitbrings.

“Here’stomoreunforgettablemoments,”Isay,raisinganimaginaryglass.

“Cheerstothat,”Evaagrees,clinkingherinvisiblegobletagainstmine.Andforabitlonger,Iletmyselfenjoythewarmth ofhercompany,pushingtheshadowsofuncertaintytothebackofmymind Evapausesandleansbackinherseat,lookingmeupanddown.

“What?”Iask,curiouswhatshemightbethinking Shesmiles.“Nothing,Ijustcan’tgetoverhowwellyoucleanup.”

Ilookdownatmysuitbeforeglancingbackather.“Thanks,butthisisnothingcomparedtoyou,Eva.Youlookabsolutely stunningtonight”

Hercheeksflushabeautifulshadeofpink,andIthinkhowluckyanymanwouldbetohavesomeonelikeherbyhisside. Maybeoneday,I’llfindsomeonewhocanoffersupportwhenIneeditmost “Alright,don’tgettoocarriedawaywiththecompliments,”Evajokes,playfullyrollinghereyes.

ThecarslowstoastopoutsideofAlexei’sbuilding Itakeamomenttosurveytheexterior,myprotectiveinstinctskicking in.“Seriously?”Iscoff.“Alexeicouldn’tfindasaferplaceforAmeliatolive?Thisisjustbeggingfortrouble.” Evalaughs,shakingherhead.“Areyoukiddingme?Thisisoneofthemostexpensiveareasinthecity,andthisbuildingis amazing”

“Butthere’snosecurity,”Iargue. Shesighs,givingmeaside-eyedglance “Noteveryonewantstoliveinafortresslikeyoudo” “I’mjustsaying,you’dthinkhewouldwanttodoeverythinginhispowertokeephiswifesafe,”Ipointout. Evasmilesatmebeforesheadds,“Ameliaseemstobeperfectlysafehere Theimportantthingisshe’shappy,right?” “Isuppose,”Igrumble,knowingthatdeepdown,Evahas avalidpoint as muchas itpains metoadmitit.I’vealways wantedmylittlesistertofindhappiness.Ineverimagineditwouldbeinthearmsoftheenemy.

Thecoolnightairwrapsarounduslikeashroudasthebuildingloomsaboveus,itsshadowswallowingthestreetbelow AsmuchasIwanttotrustEva’swords,Ican’thelpbutfeelthegnawingapprehensiontighteningmychest.Unfortunately,every situationIfindmyselfinsincemyfather’smurderhasfeltlikedangerlurksjustbelowthesurface IinstructNicotoparkandtellhimhecanwaitoutsideAlexei’sflat,incasethingsgosideways.

“OhmyGod,willyoujustcomeon,”Evasays,takingmyhandandpullingmeawayfromthecar.“Canyoutrytoenjoythe evening?IhavebeendyingtocatchupwithAmelia.ItfeelslikeInevergetmorethantenminuteswithherbeforeshe’sbeing pulledinsomeotherdirection.”

“WhatdidItellyou?Shealreadycan’tfindtimeforthepeopleshesupposedlycaresfor,”Isayasweapproachthelobby. “Vincent,stop.Imeanit.Everythingwillbefineifyou’llquitbeingsuchasourpuss.”

IchuckleandglanceatEva,thelightfromthelobbycastingabeautifulglowonherbronzeskin “Sourpuss?” Shehuffs and,releasingmyhand,wraps her armaroundme,squeezingittightly.“Justtrytobe onyour bestbehavior in thereforme Okay?”

Igive Eva a playful smile, appreciatingher effortto lightenthe mood. “Alright, for you,” Iagree, squeezingher armin return “Butonlybecauseyouaskedsonicely”

WhenweenterthelobbyofAlexei’sbuilding,it’snothingliketheluxuryofthebuildingwegrewupin.Inourbuilding,a grandchandelierhangsfromtheceiling,castingasoftglowonthemarblefloorsofourlobby.Here,though,everythinghasa modernandminimalistfeeltoit Thewoodtonesarewarm,butthefeelisforeigntome Eva guides me toward the elevator. Her warmand reassuring touch grounds me, and for a moment, I allow myself to believe her to hope that tonight might onlybe anordinarydinner withfamily evenifIknow better thanto let myguard downcompletely.

Whenweentertheelevator,IlookedaroundasEvapullsabadgecardoutofherpurseandswipesit Whenthelightonthe boxturnsgreen,shepressesthebuttontothetwenty-firstfloor.IscoffatwhatIsee.

“What?”sheasksdefensively.“I’mherbestfriend.Ofcourse,Ihaveabadge.”

“Ididn’tsayanything ButIamherbrother”

“You’retheonewhoinsistsonnotmakingnicewithherhusband,”Evaargues,andIhavenodefense.

“Whatever Ifthey’rehandingoutbadgestojustanyone,there’snowayinhellAmeliaissafehere”

“Justanyone?Firstoff,I’mnotjustanyone,andyouknowthat.Second,it’savisitorbadge.Itonlyworksiftheyapprove itsuseinadvance.Nobodycanaccessanyoftheupperfloorswithoutasecuritybadge.She’sfine.You’llhavetoacceptthat keepingyoursistersafeisnotyourjobanymore.ShehasAlexeiforthat.”

HerwordsstingmorethanIbelievesheintendedthemto.“Yeah,well,evenwithallofmyfather’ssecuritymeasures,he stillendedupdead,murderedinhisownhome”

Her eyes search mine, unwavering. “I’m sorry But . . . ” She hesitates before continuing. “That’s exactly my point. Securitydoesn’tguaranteesafety Yourdadthoughthewasuntouchable WhynotjustappreciatethatAlexeibringshappiness toAmelia?”

“Alright,”Iconcede,swallowinghardasmystomachchurns.“ForAmelia,I’lltrytoseethegoodinhim.Butdon’texpect toomuch.I’mrarelywrongaboutpeople.”

Evasmiles.“Noted.”

As we ascend, Iglimpse myreflection, the weightofmyresponsibilities etched into everyline onmyface Iwonder if Ameliawillseetheweightofmynewresponsibilitieswhenshelooksatme.

Theelevatordings,andthedoorsslideopen,revealingapairofstern-facedsecurityguardswaitingforus Iclenchmyjaw astheyfallinstepbesideEvaandme,theirheavyfootstepsechoingdownthecorridor.AsweapproachAlexei’sdoor,oneof theguardsholdsuphishand.

“Ma’am,weneedtopatyoudown,”hesaysgruffly,reachingforEva’spurse “Here,”shesays,handingitoverwitharesignedsigh.Butbeforetheguardcantouchme,Isnap. “Fuckoff,”Isnarl “I’mnotcominginwithoutprotection Nobodyistouchingmygun” “Vincent,”Evamurmurs,hereyespleadingformetostaycalm.Buttheangersimmersbeneathmyskin.

“Theyinvitemehereandexpectmetowalkinwithoutanyprotection?Comeon,we’releaving,”Icommand,motioningto Eva.

“Sir,wehaveourorders,”theguardinsists,butIdon’tbackdown.We’relockedinatensestandoffwhenthedoorswings open,revealingAmelia

“Vincent!” she exclaims, her eyes lightingup withjoy. She throws her arms around myneck, momentarilydefusingthe tension “I’vemissedyousomuch!”

“Amelia,”Isaytightly,“theywantmygun.I’mnotcominginwithoutit.” Shelaughs,shakingherheadatmystubbornness Turningtotheguard,shesays,“He’sfamily,andfamilygetstocarry” The guard starts to argue, butthenAlexei appears behind Amelia. His voice is firmas he reminds the men, “She’s Mrs. Ivanov,andwhatshesaysgoes.”

Theguardfallssilent,andI’menviousoftherespecthecommands Idesirethesamefrommymen,butIcan’tbesureit’s authentic.“Vincent!Welcome!I’mmakingrisottotonight.Ameliasaiditwasyourfavorite.”

“Doyouevenknowhowtocook?”Iretortskeptically,eyeingAlexeiupanddown

“Vincent,”Evachidessoftly,herexpressionpleadingformetoplaynice.“Benice!It’sreallythoughtfulofthemtodothis. Andbesides,doIneedtobringupyourrecentadventureswithcooking?”

“What’sthisaboutyoucooking?”Ameliagaspsindisbelief.

“Nothing,”Ireply,eyeingEva.

Alexeichuckleswithaglimmerofamusementinhiseyes.“It’salright.Ilikeamanwithdiscerningtaste.Imaynotbeas skilledasyoursisterinthekitchen,butIliketothinkIwon’tdisappoint.”

Iraiseaneyebrow,stillskepticalofhisabilities “We’llseeaboutthat,”Isaywithahintofchallenge

Amelia grabs Alexei’s armas we move into the apartmentdecorated withsleekfurniture and modernartpieces. “He’s beingmodest,”sheannounces “HisrisottorivalsanyI’vehadinthecity” “Great,”Iaddflatly.“Sowhydidyouwantusheretonight,anyway?”

“Canwe save business until after dinner?” Amelia asks, exasperated She releases Alexei before linkingarms withEva andmeandguidingustowardthediningroom.“I’vemissedyoubothsomuch!Let’scatchup,okay?”

Aswesettleintoourseats,Alexeiemergesfromthekitchen,hisarmsladenwithsalad,bread,andsteamingrisottobowls. Hesetsthemdownonthetablebeforeus,beamingwithpride “AmeliaandIaresoexcitedtohaveyoubothasourfirstguests sincethewedding!”hedeclares.

Thegenuinehappinessinmysister’seyesmakesmebitebackanyfurthersnarkycomments

“I’mso excited to tryyour cooking,” Eva says as Alexei serves eachofus. “This looks and smells amazing.” Iwaitfor Alexei to sitand have the firstbite before Itrymine The risotto is surprisinglydelicious, and Ienjoythe meal despite my earlierreservations.

“Tellmeeverythingthat’sbeengoingonwithyoutwo,”Ameliasays,shiftinghergazebetweenEvaandme.“I’vemissed somuchsincetheweddingandhoneymoon”

“Maybebecauseyoutookathree-monthhoneymoon,”Igrumble,scoopinginanotherhealthy-sizedbiteoftherisotto.

IgruntwhenIfeelEvakickmeunderthetable,andshedeliversaside-eyedglareinmydirection “IknowI,forone,am jealousyouspentsomuchtimeinItaly.Ibetitwasamazing.”

“MaybeforAmelia,butAlexei probablymissedhishomeland.Iwassurprisedthetwoofyoudidn’tspendsometimein Russiaonyourtravels,”Itaunt,staringatAlexei.

“It reallywas beautiful,” Amelia beams, ignoringmystatement completely. “But I was prettyhomesickbythe time we left”

“Amelia,I’vemissedyousomuch,”Evagushes,her facelightingupjoyfully.“Ican’twaittohear all aboutyour lifeas Mrs AlexeiIvanov”

Thementionofthatnamecausesaslighttwitchinmyjaw,butwhenIcatchEva’sknowingglare,Iswallowmyprideand forceasmile.“Yes,Amelia.Dotellushowmarriedlifehasbeentreatingyou.”

“Let’ssee,”Ameliabegins,twirlingastrandofhairaroundherfingerasshethinks.“Well,it’sdefinitelyanadjustment,but agoodone.I’mstill gettingusedtobeingcalledMrs.Ivanov.ButAlexei has beenwonderful.He’s caringandattentive.He makessureIhaveeverythingIneed”

Alexei’seyesarefixedonmysisterwithanadoringgaze.“Ameliaismyrock,”hesays,hisvoicefilledwithsincerity.“I don’tthinkanyoneelsecouldeverunderstandwhatit’sliketocomefromtheworldwelivein,yaknow?”Helooksupatme whenheasksthequestion.

“Idoubtourlivesarethatsimilar,”Ireplyfirmly.

Alexei’ssmilefaltersmomentarily,butheshrugsitoff “Ithinkyou’dbesurprised,”hesayscasually,sippingwine Inarrowmyeyesathim,suddenlyfeelingasurgeofsuspicion.“Idoubtthat,”Ireply,myvoicelacedwithskepticism. Ameliaplaces ahandonmyarm,her voicegentle “Vincent,please We’reheretoenjoyameal together,notantagonize eachother.”

Irritatedbyhowquicklyshecomestohisdefense,Iignoreherplea,leaningbackinmychairandcrossingmyarms “Fine, I’llplaynice,butdon’tthinkforasecondthatItrustyou,Alexei.”

He chuckles softly, seeminglyunaffected bymywords. “Trustis earned,” he replies calmly. “And Ihave no intentionof betrayingAmelia’strustoryours”

Ireluctantlyexhaleadeepbreathbeforeadding,“Ifyousayso.”

Amelia shifts inher seatawkwardly “OhmyGod, Vincent, Itold Alexthe storyaboutwhenwe were younger, and we wentwithDaddyoverononeofhistripstoItaly.RememberthattimewesnuckintooldmanGrimaldi’svineyard?”sheasks, laughing uncomfortably as she attempts to change the subject “We thought we were so clever, stealing his grapes I was convincedwewouldcollectenoughgrapestotakethemhomeandsmashthemtomakeourownwine.”

“Untilhecameafteruswiththatshotgun!”Iadd,unabletostopmyselffromlaughing.

“I’veneverrunsofastinmylife!”Ameliaexclaims “Whatdograpessoundlikewhentheycomplain?”Evainterjects.

“What?”Iask,lookingatherwithaconfusedstare

“It’sajokethatoneofthewomeninmyunitatworktoldme.Yourstoryremindedmeofit,”sheexplainsbeforerepeating. “Whatdograpessoundlikewhentheycomplain?”

Ichuckle.“Idon’tknow.Whatdotheysoundlike?”

“Wine,”sheanswers,beamingasmilefromeartoearasshelooksaroundthetable.Weallbegintolaugh.

“See,she’ssodangadorable,”Ameliasays,lookingoveratAlexei.“Isn’tshe?”

“HowaboutthetimeweconvincedEvatotryherhandatpickpocketing,”Iinterject,smirkingatthememory.

“Oh,I’vegottohearthis,”Alexeichimes

Evashakesherhead,asmirkhidingbeneaththesurface.“Youtworeallyaresuchterriblefriends.HowisitInevercame tomysensesandstoppedhangingoutwiththebothofyou?”

“Shewas sonervous,sheendedupgrabbingtheguy’s walletandthenhandingitrightbacktohim!”Ameliaadds as we bothstartlaughingharderatthememory

“Hey!” Eva protests,feigningindignation.“Youtwosetme up!Iknew Ishould’ve never listenedtoyour schemes.” She turnsherattentiontoAlexei.“TheytoldmethatbecauseIdidn’tgrowupinafamilyliketheirs,Icouldonlyhangoutwiththem ifIcommittedacrime Thatway,theycouldtrustmebecausetheywouldhavedirtonme”

“Istill can’tbelieveyouboughtthat,”Itease,feelingthetensionfromearlier dissipate.For amoment,Iforgetaboutthe weightofmyresponsibilitiesandthedangerthatlurksaroundeverycorner,perhapsevenatthisverytable

Theclinkofglassesstillechoesinmyearsasweleavetheremnantsofastraineddinnerbehindus Thetransition fromthediningroomtothelivingroomfeelslikesteppingfromonebattlefieldintoanother.Icansensetheshift inmood thewallsofthisnewsettingaresteepedinexpectation,theairthickwithunsaidwords

“Shallwemakeourselvescomfortable?”Amelia’svoiceisasoothingmelodyagainstthedissonanceofourgathering.She andEvaaretheonlytwopeoplewhohaveeverbroughtoutthesoftersideofme.

Igruntinresponse,trailingthegroup.Alexeitakesthelead,Ameliaathisside,theirshouldersbrushingoccasionally a silentaffirmationoftheirunity.Ilag,mystepsheavy,mymindheavier.Ican’tshakethefeelingthateachsteptowardthesofas islikewadingdeeperintoquicksand

“Vincent,comesitnexttome,”Evasuggests,pattingthecushionbesideher.

“Thanks,IthinkI’llstand,”Imutter,positioningmyselfwithmybacktothecoldmarbleofthefireplace Fromhere,Ican watchthemall Alexeiwithhisbackstraight,poisedwiththatdamnassurednesshecarrieslikeashield;Amelia,herdelicate handsclaspedinherlap,hereyeswideandexpectant.

“Iseverythingalright,Vincent?”Ameliaventures,anoteofconcernthreadingthroughherwords.

“Fine,”Isnap,sharper thanIintended.Iquicklyglanceaway,fixingmygazeonanabstractpaintingabovethemantel anythingtoavoidlockingeyeswithAlexei Myarmscrossovermychest,abarrierIerectwithoutthought Ineverintendedto letmyguarddownasmuchasIalreadyhave.

“Youknowthisisasafespace,”Alexeisaysjokingly,hisever-so-slightRussianaccentwrappingaroundthewords,giving themanedgeIfindgrating.

“I’ll keepthatinmind,”Ireply.It’s notthatIdon’twanttotalk.I’mafraidofwhatmightspill outifIstart.Hetookmy sisterfromme,andwhileIagreedtoallowit,itdoesn’tmeanIhavetobehappyaboutit

“He’sjusttryingtobenice,”Evachimesin,hervoicesoftbutfirm.

“Nice,”Iecho,lettingthewordhangbetweenus “Comeon,Vin.Don’tbelikethis,”Alexeiimplores.

“Likethis?”Iscoff “Andwhatdoeslikethisexactlymean?”Ipushofffromthefireplacetoclosethedistance,butnotthe gapbetweenus.CatchingEva’sdisapprovingglare,Isitbesideher,oppositethem,mybodystillcoiledtight,readytospring intodefenseorattack.

“Dinner was so nice Let’s notruinit, okay?” Amelia pleads, reachingouther hand ina gesture ofpeace Icansee the trembleinherfingers,butherfaceremainsacalmmask.

“Whatever,”Isay,keepingmytonelevel I’mawhirlwindofthoughtsandsuspicions,wonderinghowmuchofthisunityis afacade.

Thesilencehangsheavyintheair,atangiblecloakthatsuffocateseverycorner ofthemodernlydecoratedlivingroom I leanback,mygazesweepingoverAlexeiandAmelia,whosittogetherlikesomeunifiedfront.Evasnugglesinnexttome,her warmthcontrastingwiththechillthat’ssettledinsideme.

Ilistenasthesmalltalkintheroomcontinuesuntil,finally,myimpatienceoverwhelmsme

“Alright,”Isay,myvoicecuttingthroughthechatterwiththeprecisionofaswitchblade.“Iappreciatethedeliciousmeal, butit’sprobablytimewediscusswhyyouaskedmehere PerhapsyouladiesshouldexcuseAlexeiandmesowecandiscuss whateverbusinesshewantstodiscusswithme.”

Alexei meets myeyes brieflybefore lookingaway, butAmelia doesn’tflinch. There’s steel inher spine, a resolve I’ve seenweather manystorms.Her followingwords comeoutsteadyandunflinching.“There’s noreasonfor Evaandmenotto stay.Weweren’texactlyahundredpercentupfrontaboutwhatwewantedtotalktoyouabout...”

Myfingers tightenagainstthe seat’s leather, nails nearlypiercingthe material. “And here we go.” Myvoice drips with arrogance.Iknewtherewasmoretothismeetingthantheyhadinitiallydisclosed.

Ameliashakesherhead “It’snotlikethat,bigbrother Webroughtyouherebecausewewantedtotalkaboutourfamilyor atleasthowyouwillplayintowhatourfamilywillbe.”Thewordechoesthroughtheroom,bouncingoffthewalls.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Idon’tbothertoshieldmygrowingimpatience IwatchAmeliaandAlexeilookateachotherandthenbackatme.“We’vedecidedwereallywanttostartafamily.Butwe don’twanttobringababyintothesamekindoflifethatweallgrewupin”

Igrimaceandshrugatmysister.“Andwhatthehelldoesanyofthishavetodowithme?”

Amelia’s eyes softenwithamixofsadness anddetermination.“Vincent,you’refamily.Andwewantyoutobeapartof this Wewantyoutobeinvolvedinourchild’slife Wewantyoutobetheiruncle”

Iscoffatherwords,myskepticismnolongercontained.“Whatexactlydoyouwantfromme,Amelia?Youmarriedtheheir toarivalfamily Youmadethischoice,notme”

Ameliatakesadeepbreath,hervoicesteadybutlacedwithemotion.“IunderstandyourangerandresentmenttowardAlex. It’snotyourfault Ourfatherraiseduswiththathatred”

“Don’tyoudarespeakaboutourfather.HewouldberollingoverinhisgraveifheknewyouchosetheIvanovsoveryour ownfamily,”Iwarn.

“Ididn’tchooseAlexoveryou,can’tyouseethat?”shecries “Iknowit’snoteasyforyoutoacceptthis,butAlexandI bothloveyou.”

Ileanforward,andthefirecracklessoftlynearby,mirroringmyturmoil “Whydoesanyofthismatter?”

Amelia’seyeswellupwithtears,butshemaintainshercomposure.“Becausewewantyoutobeapartofourchild’slife. Wewantourchildtoknowtheiruncleandconnecttotheirrootsdespitethedifferencesinourpaths.”

Ishakemyheadindisbelief.“Thisismadness.You’reaskingmetoembracethefamilywhohasbeenourenemyforyears. Howcanyouexpectmetodothat?”

Amelia’svoicetremblesasshespeaks,hervulnerabilityseepingthroughthecracksofhercomposedfacade “Iknowit’s hardfor youtounderstand,butAlexisnothisfamily’ssin,justlikeIamnotours.Wewanttobreakthecycleofhatredand buildsomethingbetterforourchild”

Istareather,grapplingwithconflictingemotions.Myheartyearnsforreconciliation,forunitywithinourfracturedfamily, butIcan’thelpbutthinkhownaïvemysisteris.

Butdeepwithinme,asmallpartofmysoulstirswiththepossibilityofredemption.Maybe,justmaybe,mysisterisonto something. Perhaps there is a chance to mend the broken bonds and rewrite the narrative that has plagued our family for generations

Itakeamomenttoconsiderherwords,togazeintohertear-filledeyesandseetheflickerofhope.Slowly,Iunclenchmy fists,releasingthetensionthatconsumedmemomentsbefore “Amelia,”Isay,myvoicesofternow,“Ican’tpromisewewill everbeonebighappyfamily.Butifyoutrulybelievethatthischildwillmakeyouhappy,Iwilldomybesttofigureoutwhatit mightlooklikeformetobeapartofthatchild’slifesomehow.”

Amelia’s face lights up witha mixture of relief and gratitude She reaches out and takes myhand inhers, squeezingit gently.“Thankyou,”shewhispers.“That’sallwe’reasking.Honestly,ItoldAlexthatifyouwerehell-bentonthisseparation continuingbetweenthefamilies,Iwasn’tsureIwantedtogodownthepathofhavingchildren”

Herwordsstiradiscomfortinme.“DoyoureallythinkthisisallaboutwhatI’mokaywith,Sis?”Itrytokeepmyvoice frombetrayingthesurgeofemotionsclawingatmyinsides

Ameliawhimpersinresponse,andAlexeiplacesaprotectivehandoverhers.“Yes,”hesays,hisvoiceresonatingwitha convictionthatfillstheentirespace.“Webothbelievewecanchangethefutureofourfamilies.Wecanstartoverandbreathe newlifeintowhatitwas”

“New life . . . ” Mythoughts spiral, consideringalliances, legacies, and the countless dangers lurkinginour existence’s shadows Ichuckle,butnotatthehumorofthesituation “Doyoutwounderstandtheweightofwhatyou’reproposing?” “Ofcoursewedo,”mysisterinsists.

Ismirk “Isthatright?Thereissomuchshitgoingoninmylifethatyouaresofuckingcluelessabout”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Ameliaasks.

“Were youaware that there’s talkamongthe capos that Ican’t be trusted to be incharge ofthe familybecause ofyour marriage?”

“What?”Ameliagasps,clearlysurprisedbytherevelation.“That’sridiculous.”

Inod,myexpressionsolemn “Itseemsmydearbrother-in-law isnotaswell-likedamongourranks Therearewhispers thatIamnotfittobeinchargebecauseofmyaffinityforyou.”

“Thosearejustrumors,I’msure.Noneofthecaptainswoulddaremoveagainstyou.Notafter everythingDaddydidfor them.”

Iraiseaneyebrow,asparkofbitternesscoursingthroughme.“Youthinkloyaltyisguaranteedinthisworld,Amelia?You

thinktheywon’tseizeanyopportunitytoexploitweaknessorunderminemyauthority?”Myvoicegrowscolder,theweightof mypositionpressingagainstmywords.“Iamwellawareoftheirallegiancetoourlatefather,buttheirtrueloyaltyistotheir income potential The power dynamics withinour organizationare tumultuous atbest, and your marriage to Alexei has only addedfueltothefireofdissent.”

Amelialooksatme,herexpressionamixofconcernanddetermination “Ihadnoidea” “Whywouldyou?Youleft,”Iremindher.

Alexei interrupts,hisvoicefirm “Vincent,youknow Irespectyou,butAmeliaismywife,andIwon’tletyoumakeher feelbadforfollowingherheart.”

InarrowmyeyesatAlexei,asurgeofprotectivenesscoursingthroughme.“Followingherheart,yousay?Youbothseem tohaveaknackforthat,”Iretort,unabletosuppressthebitternessinmytone

Evareachesoutandplacesahandonmyarm,softeningmyanger.

“Please try to understand We didn’t choose this path to spite you or the family We chose it because we believe in a differentfuturethatisn’tdefinedbybloodfeudsandvendettas,”Ameliaimplores. Itakeadeepbreath,mymindracingasItrytomakesenseofthesituation “Ifyoutrulybelieveinforginganewpath,then youhavetobepreparedfortheconsequences,”Isay,myvoicefilledwithcaution.

“Allthey’reaskingforisyoursupport,”Evasays.

Andthereitis Thecruxofitall support Inourworld,that’snotjustapatonthebackoracongratulatorytoast It’sthe promiseofprotection,ofallegiance.It’scommittingtoguardanewlifewitheveryresourceatmydisposal.

“Support,”Iagree,thewordnowavow,evenasIgrapplewiththeenormityofwhatI’magreeingto “Atwhatcost?” AmeliaandAlexeiexchangeaglance.“Whatdoyouwantustosay?”Alexreplies.“Atsomepoint,weallmustbewilling topayaprice.”

“That’seasytosaywhenyou’renottheonepayingtheprice,”Ireply.

ThetruthisIwouldlovetobeanuncle.Iwanttoembracehappiness.Idon’tseethepathforwardbeingastransparentas AmeliaandAlexeiseemto Cantheirchild,bloodofIvanov,evertrulyfindahomeamongKings?

“Alexei.”Myvoiceissteadydespitethequiveringdoubt.“Youknowwhatbeingpartofthisworldentails.Thesacrifices. Thedanger”

“TheIvanovheritage,”hesays,noddingsolemnly.“Iunderstandyourconcern,butwebelieve ”

“Belief.”Iinterject,amirthlesschuckleescaping.“Beliefdoesn’tshieldyoufrombulletsorbetrayalsinourworld.Look atwhathappenedtoourfather,orhowaboutyourbrother?”

Alexei’sfacetightensatthereferencetohisbrother.“Iknowtherisks,”hesays,hisvoicebarelyawhisper.“ButIrefuse toletfeardictateourlives Wecan’tletthesinsofthepastdefineourfuture”

“Ofcourse,familyiseverything,”Isayslowly,choosingeachwordlikepickinglocks.“Butinnocencehasnoplaceinour dealings Ifyoubringachildintothis,theyinheritnotjustyourlovebutalsoyourenemies”

“Whichiswhyweneedtofixwhat’sbroken,”Alexeiinsists,hisstareunwavering.

“Fixingwhat’s broken.” Iruminate onthe concept. It’s a luxuryfew inour line ofworkcanafford. “And ifit can’t be fixed?”Iask,alreadyknowingsomeriftsaretoowidetobridge

“Thenweatleasttry,”Ameliasays,convictionstealingherusualwarmth. “Trying,”Irepeat,lettingthewordhangintheair

“Vincent,” Alexei says, a hint of pleadinginhis baritone voice, “we’re askingfor more thanjust your blessing. We’re askingforyourhelp”

“Help,”Imurmur,thewordsettlinginmychestlikeastone.TheKing’sworldisnotoneofforgivenessorsecondchances. It’sonewhereeveryfavorisadebt.“Rightnow,I’mbarelyholdingontothefamily.Ican’tmakeanypromises.”

“Vincent”Eva’svoiceslicesthroughthestillness,alifelinethrownamidthebrewingstorm “Youhavealottoprocess Maybeweshouldheadout,andyoucantalkmoreaboutthislaterafteryouhavetimetoprocessit.”

IturntoEva,gratefulforhertimelyintervention “You’reprobablyright,”Ireply,myvoicelacedwithweariness Amelianods,hereyesshiningwithdetermination.“Weunderstand.We’renotexpectinganythingtocomeeasy.” Iofferherasmallsmile

Aswemakeourwaytotheexit,Evaslipsherhandintomine,providingagroundingforceamidtheuncertaintythatrages insideme.I’msuddenlyincrediblygratefulforherpresence.

In my mind’s eye, I see a child with Ivanov eyes and King’s determination, a blending of legacies that might heal the woundsofourfamilies.Fornow,though,allIonlyhavethecapacitytothinkabouthow ImoveforwardasheadoftheKing family Relinquishingthecrownisn’tsomethingIamwillingtodo,atleastnotaslongasIhavebreathinmybody Thenext generationwillhavetowaituntilIsecurethelegacyforthisgeneration.

The car pulls up to the high-rise that slices throughthe skyline myurbanfortress I glance at Eva’s soft and thoughtfulsilhouetteagainsttheleatherseat.“Comeup?”Iask,notwantingthisnighttoendtangledinsilence.

“Okay,”shereplies,unbucklingherseatbeltandsmoothingoutthefabricofherdress

Weridetheelevatorupinacomfortablequiet,thenumbersclimbingalongwiththetensionknottedinmychestasIreplay theevening’seventsinmymind.Onceinsidemyapartment,Iflickonthelights,andthevastspacefloodswithagoldenhue.

Evafollowsmeintothemainlivingroombeforesheperchesontheedgeofthesleeksofa,twistingastrandofhairaround herfinger.“Ithinktonightwentprettywell,don’tyou?”sheasksasIpourmyselfadrinkandofferherone,towhichsheshakes herhead

Ipacetheroom,thefrustrationbubblinginsidemelikeashakenchampagnebottle.“Ifyousayso,”Ianswer,sittingatthe otherendofthesofa

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”sheasks,irritationunderthesurfaceofhervoice.

“Whileourempireisunderthreat,she’sdreamingofnurseriesandnames,”Ianswerwithahuff.

“Areyouseriousrightnow?”

“What?”

“Look, Iunderstand she’ll always be your sister, butshe’s also anIvanov now It’s onlynatural for her to wantto build somethingofherown,”Evaanswers.

I pause before asking, “And what about me? I can’t just forget everything our father worked to give the two of us I understandshe’soneofthemnow,butsheisn’teventhinkingaboutwhattherestofusaregoingthrough.It’sallaboutthemand startingtheirnewfamily.”

“Of course it is! They’re newlyweds Haven’t you ever thought about it?” Her question catches me off guard “About havingafamily,Imean.”

“Thoughtaboutit?”Iscoff Theideaseemsabsurd “Ihaveenoughtroublewithoutaddingdiapersandsleeplessnightsinto themix.”

“Youdon’tsee yourselfever gettingmarried? Havingkids?” Her eyes searchmine,lookingfor somethingI’mnotsure I possess.

“Family...”Ishakemyhead.“ComplicationsIcan’tafford.”

Eva sighs, leaning back against the cushions, her gaze drifting toward the skyline outside the large floor-to-ceiling windows.Icantellshedoesn’tunderstand,butthenagain,how couldshe?Shehasn’tbeenhardenedbythesamebattles,the samelosses

“Ameliahasstartedanewchapter,”shesayssoftly,almosttoherself.“Whoareyoufightingforifit’sjustyounow?” “Me?” I echo hollowly in the expanse of my penthouse “I’m fighting for survival This life it’s about power and maintainingorder.Somethingyouwouldneverunderstand.”

Herlipspressintoathinline,andIseetheflickerofannoyanceflashacrossherfeatures.“JustbecauseIwasn’tborninto thislifedoesn’tmeanI’mblindtoitandwhatitdoestothoselivingit I’vewatchedAmelia I’veseenmorethanenoughto understanditscost.”

“Ifyoureallyunderstood,thenyouwouldgetthatwhatAmeliachosetodobymarryingAlexeiwasn’tanoptionwehad TheKingempireisn’tapicketfencedream.It’salegacy,onethatdemandseverythingfromyou.”

“Evenyourhappiness?”Herquestionlingersintheairbetweenus,andforafractionofasecond,Ifalter.

“Empiresaren’tbuiltonhappiness,”Iretort,clenchingmyfistsatmysides.“They’reforgedinsteelandblood.”

“Doyourealizewhatanassholeyousoundlike?Everythingyoujustsaidsoundslikeabunchofbullshittome.Itmakesno

sensewhyyouwouldn’twantthepeopleyoulovetobehappy,nomatterwhatbringsthemthat.”

Herquestioncutsdeep,anddespitetheangerboilinginsideme,IremindmyselfthatasmuchasEvathinkssheunderstands thislife,Iknowshecan’t

“Thatstatementjustshowsyourignoranceaboutthewholething,”Istatecoollybeforetakinganotherswigfrommyglass. “Butour conversationhas beenhelpful It’s made me see Imustface the danger threateningme head-on I’mgoingto call a meetingwiththecapwhoseemstobestirringupshitaroundhere.I’mgoingtoconfrontAnthonyCasalettoandalltheserumors head-on”

“I don’t know how in the hell that’s what you got fromour conversation,” Eva snaps. “I’mtrying to tell you that you deservetobehappytoo.Callingoutoneofyourcaptainscouldn’tbefurtherfromwhatI’mtalkingabout.”

“It’s exactlywhat you’re talkingabout Whenyouaskme if I deserve to have a family, that’s exactlywhat this is The empiremyfatherbuiltforusismyfamily.”

“Soundslikeyouhaveadeathwishtome”

“Do youactuallythinkIwantthis throne soaked inmyownblood?” Myheartis a drumbeatechoingthe furythatboils insideme Butshedoesn’tbackdown,doesn’tcower It’soneofthethingsthatbothinfuriatesanddrawsmetoher

“Sometimes Iwonder,” she admits, her gaze unwavering. “You’re so focused onprovingyourself, onkeepingthis . . . I don’tknow legacyintactthatyou’reblindedtothefactthatitcoulddestroyyou.”

“Thenletitdestroyme!” The words escape before Icanreinthemin, barbed and bitter “Idon’tknow how manyother waysIcansaythis.Iwon’tletmyfather’sworkcrumblebecausesomeassholewhosworeallegiancetothisfamilythinkshe canchallengeme”Icanseethehurtflashinhereyes,butthisisnotthetimeforsoftness

Evasighs,thefightleavingherassherubshertempleswearily.“I’mtired,Vincent.Ishouldheadhomeforthenight.”

Thesuddenshiftthrowsme,theheatofmyangercoolingintoconcern.“Wait,”Isay,myvoicelosingitshardedge.“DidI upsetyou?Ithoughtyouwantedmetobehonest.”

Sheshakesherhead.“OfcourseIdo.Ihavetoworkashiftattheassistedlivingcentertomorrow,andIshouldprobably getsomerest”

SometimesIforgetEvaisn’tlikeus.Shecomesfromablue-collar family,all ofwhomworkregular jobs,includingher. Her dad owns his own company, and despite my father helping himland some contracts over the years, they do not live extravagantlybyanymeans.

“Areyoustillplanningtohelpwithmyparty?”Iask,tryingtothinkofareasonforhertostay.

“IsaidIwould,”shereplies,exhaustionliningherfeatures.“I’llcomebackandhelpwithwhateveryouneed.” “Thankyou,”Isay,softernow.“Thatmeansalot.”

Shenods,collectingherpursefromthecouch,hermovementsslowanddeliberate Apartofmewantstoreachout,totell hertostay,toadmitthatmaybe,justmaybe,sheunderstandsmorethanI’vegivenhercreditfor.ButIremainsilent,following herassheretreatstotheelevator

“Vincent,”shesays,hesitancelacinghertone,“ifyou’regoingtotalktoyourcaptain,promisemeyou’llbecareful.” Ican’thelp butsmirk, evenas the weightofour earlier disagreementhangs betweenus. “Don’ttell me you’re worried aboutme,Eva?”Myteasingisanattempttolightenthemood,butapartofmeachesforhergenuinecare

“Ofcourse,I’mworriedaboutyou.”Shestepscloser,andforamoment,I’mcaughtoffguardbytheintensityofhergaze. “Ameliamightbemybestfriend,butyou Icarejustasmuchforyou”Hervoiceisasoftwhisper,butitpunchesthrough thetensionlikeabullet.

“Thankyou,Eva,”Isay,sincerityseepingintomyvoice “Thatmeansmorethanyouknow” Shegivesmeasmall,bravesmile,thenslipsintotheelevator,leavingavoidwhereherwarmthoncefilledtheroom. Thesecondtheelevatordoorsshut,IreachformyphoneanddialMarco.Assoonasheanswers,myvoiceisallbusiness, everytraceofhumorgone

“IneedyoutosetupameetingwithCasaletto.”Mywordsareclipped,eachonesharpenoughtocut.

“Understood,boss Whenandwhere?” Marco’s voice is calmandcollected the response ofa manwhohas weathered manystormsbesideme.

“Tomorrow,”Ireply “Iwantitdiscreetandsecure Youknowthedrill” “Willdo.Anythingelse?”

“Make sure everyone’s onalert.Idon’tknow whattoexpectfromthe meeting.” Iendthe call withoutanother word,the finalityofthebeepechoinginthesilence

Istandalone,surroundedbyshadowsthatseemtocreepcloserwitheverypassingsecond.Eva’swordslingerinmymind, mixingwiththeadrenalinethatcoursesthroughmyveins

Imovebacktothelivingroomandpourmyselfanotherdrink,theliquidamberfireagainstthecrystalglass.Thefirstsip burnsallthewaydown,areminderthatI’mverymuchaliveandeverymoveImakefromhereonoutneedstobeaspotentas thiswhiskey.

“Startafamily...”Theconceptfloatsthroughmythoughts,astarkcontrasttomycurrentreality.Ipushitaway,irritation

Instant download Crimson fate: a dark mafia romance wendy owens pdf all chapter

Crimson Fate: A Dark Mafia Romance

Wendy Owens

CRIMSON FATE

THE CRIMSON SERIES

WENDY OWENS

CONTENTS