Page 97 of Mafia Kingdom

"I've been thinking about restructuring our business interests," I tell her, sharing plans I've kept mostly private until now. "Accelerating the shift toward legitimate operations we've already begun in certain sectors. Real estate, hospitality, security consulting—areas where our existing resources and connectionsprovide competitive advantages without the constant risk of violent conflict."

Her expression brightens slightly. "That sounds good."

"It won't happen overnight," I caution. "And there will always be elements of our world that remain...complicated. But yes, I believe we can build something different. Something balanced between security and normalcy."

"And Lily?" she presses, the central concern never far from her thoughts. "What kind of life would she have in this transition period? In the 'after' we're working toward?"

It's the question that matters most to Sasha, the one that will ultimately determine her choices regardless of her feelings for me. And rightly so—her sister's well-being must remain her priority.

"Safety without isolation," I say, having given this considerable thought. "The best education, proper security maintained discreetly, a home that feels like a home rather than a fortress. Normal childhood experiences with appropriate safeguards." I reach for her hand, needing the connection for what I say next. "I can't promise there will never be risks, Sasha. That would be a lie. But I can promise that protecting Lily's future—her happiness, her normalcy—will be as important to me as it is to you."

She searches for my face. "Then that's what we build toward," she says, decision made. "After tonight. After all of this is finished."

The moment feels significant, but before I can respond, Tony returns, his expression apologetic but insistent. "Final equipment check in ten minutes, Boss. Damien's waiting."

I nod, acknowledging the interruption while maintaining contact with Sasha for another moment. "We'll continue this conversation," I promise her quietly. "After."

"After," she agrees.

I press a quick kiss to her forehead before I follow Tony out of the room to go over our final plans that could change my future. It’s a future worth fighting for. Worth surviving for.

The final hours before the hit slip by quickly—checking guns, burners, reviewing intel one last time.

"Advance team’s ready," Damien says as twilight creeps in. "Security hasn’t shifted. We're on schedule."

I nod, my eyes narrowing as I mentally run through the plan. "Communication?"

"Lines are secure," Tony replies, voice low, confident. "I'll handle the feeds from the van."

"Escape routes?"

"Three routes ready, cars waiting."

"Doc on standby?"

"Ready and waiting at both extraction points."

Every confirmation brings a little more tension, a little more readiness. No matter how careful the plan, experience whispers the same truth—it always goes sideways somehow. Success comes down to thinking fast when it does.

"Let's go," I say, keeping it simple. The room quiets instantly. Everyone knows what's at stake. "Move out."

We leave in careful order—the protection detail, then the transport team, and finally Damien with his crew. I pause, finding Sasha exactly where she promised she'd be, lingering near the staging area's entrance.

She's wearing dark jeans and a jacket, her expression steady despite the subtle tightness in her posture. No drama, no pleas for caution. Just calm assurance.

"Remember," I say quietly, stepping closer. "You stay with Tony in the van. You don't step foot near that compound."

"I know," she answers evenly. "I'll stay put."

My hand gently touches her cheek. "If things go wrong, Tony's getting you out. No hesitation."

A spark of defiance flashes across her face, but she nods. "I understand."

"Good." I hesitate, the weight of unspoken words hanging between us. "Whatever happens tonight, remember you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Before she can respond, I kiss her—brief, fierce, leaving everything unsaid clearly understood.

Her eyes are bright when we pull apart. "Come back to me," she whispers. "No matter what."

---