Page 157 of Mission Shift

He and Nikolai held the secret of my new identity in their palms, to wield however they liked. I had to tread carefully. Iwasn’t so concerned about taking care of myself but protecting the one man who meant the world to me. Fate had given me the responsibility to look after a stray pup, and he now owned my very soul. I would spare no wrath if anyone dared harm him or his family. Until I drew my last breath, protecting Braxton would be my number-one mission.

The office was a study in old money—walnut paneling, towering windows framing a hazy view of the city below. Luca stood behind an antique desk, wearing a dark suit and a large platinum watch that flashed with each tilt of his wrist. The man didn’t need to speak to command the room. His presence did that for him.

“Welcome, Mrs. Thorin,” Luca said smoothly, his gaze cool and unreadable. “It’s a pleasure.”

I met his eyes and gave him a nod. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Genovese.”

He gestured toward the three seats arranged in a semicircle in front of his desk. “Please. Make yourselves comfortable.”

I remained standing—holding a stance of dominance.

Luca studied me with interest. “The world’s full of traps disguised as hospitality, but rest assured, you’re safe with me.” He gestured toward the chairs. “Please sit.”

Luca sat down in a large black leather chair.

I gave him the faintest smile and finally stepped forward, choosing the center chair and taking it on my terms. I didn’t sink into it—I perched on the edge, upright and poised, and straightened my back, meeting Luca’s gaze directly. He was tall, but I had the height to match him seated like this, and I made damn sure he noticed.

Braxton, calm and quiet as usual, seated himself next to me without a word.

Luca leaned back, adjusting his cuff links. “I can see why you were quite the FSB asset and why so many feared you.”

I smiled politely.

Nikolai took the other seat beside me then, leaning his elbows on Luca’s desk like we were all discussing business over drinks. “Thank you again,” he said to Luca, “for helping push through Mrs. Thorin’s documents. Fast work, even for you.”

Luca gave a small wave of his hand. “You needed it handled. I handled it.”

“And we’re grateful,” Nikolai said. Then, glancing my way, he added, “You may find Dasha to be a valuable asset in the long run.”

Luca looked me over, not in a leering way but in appreciation, as if he were filing away every detail for future use. Then, his eyes narrowed on Nikolai. “I’m sure I will. You’ll need every asset you can find, Nikolai.”

I didn’t miss the dark warning beneath his words.

Luca turned his focus back to me. “How are you holding up? After what happened with your father…and Malinov?”

“I’m doing fine. I’ve done what I always do, adapt.”

“Filthy bastards,” Luca muttered, almost to himself. “The Russian Bratva is a plague. No code. No discipline. Just animals in expensive suits. I don’t allow human trafficking in my organization, and I’ll be damned if I let those sewer rats set up shop in my country.”

“That’s good,” I told him. “They’re the reason I have no loyalty to any brotherhood or nation.” I glanced from Luca to Nikolai. “I’m not a soldier in anyone’s war unless I choose to be. I chose my side a long time ago. And it wasn’t Russia.”

Luca raised a brow, intrigued. “So I’ve heard.” He smirked. “I like your spirit. I value a strong woman.”

Braxton shifted beside me. I could feel him watching me, pride bleeding through in the way he breathed and the tension in his muscles. His hand curled into a fist on his knee as if he were cheering me on.

Nikolai cleared his throat. “She’s one of mine now,” he said to Luca. “Family. Same as Anastasia. She’ll fight when needed, and she’ll respect the alliances we maintain.”

I shot Nikolai a sharp look, but before I could respond, Luca chuckled.

“You’ve got your hands full with the women in your life,” he said. “It’s a good thing you don’t have one under you.”

Nikolai gave a dry laugh. “Agreed. Romance will never be in the cards for me. It’s not the type of trust I’ll ever be willing to give,” he said. “And with Dasha and Anastasia in my life? There’s no way I could handle more.”

Luca grinned, clearly amused. “Speaking of which—any chance Anastasia will be returning to Manhattan? I miss her fiery conversations. Always keeping me on my toes.”

Nikolai shook his head. “Hard to say. She’s got a new life now. Maybe she’s done with this one.”

“I hope not,” Luca said. “She has tenacity and intelligence. I respect that.”

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