Page 56 of Vendetta Crown

"We're already pushing it," I remind him. "You've told Gregor that yourself. If we don't push now, we'll lose the initiative."

Ruslan stands and walks to the window, his broad shoulders tense.

"We have no idea if it'll work," he says quietly.

"That's exactly what a scared nineteen-year-old girl thought when she stared at that car wreck in the Eastern Sierras." I join him at the window, resting my hand on his arm. "But we will never know if we don't try."

The smile that breaks across Ruslan's face fills me with a surge of pride. His eyes shine with that golden warmth that never fails to make my heart skip.

"You are brilliant,zarechka," he murmurs, cupping my face. His thumb traces the yellowing bruise on my cheek, his touch feather-light. "Absolutely brilliant."

The compliment warms me like sunlight. "I've had to think on my feet for seven years," I remind him. "You pick up a few tricks when you're constantly looking over your shoulder."

"Who would you contact first?" he asks, still cradling my face like it's something precious.

I think back to our wedding reception, to the women who stood beside their husbands with hollow eyes. One face stands out sharply in my memory.

Eleonora, Alexei Voronin's young wife.

The ghost of a smile that had flickered across her face when I joked about how her husband needed a new pool to get her wet.

"Eleonora Voronin," I say without hesitation.

Ruslan nods, considering. "Not a bad idea"

"Alexei already extended me an invitation to his pool," I continue, the plan taking shape as I speak. "And I'm sure Eleonora can persuade the other wives to join us."

"And if something goes wrong, it looks like Alexei's idea," Ruslan finishes, comprehension dawning.

"Exactly." I step closer, warming to my theme now. "The wives are just there to be with each other."

"And if it goes right..."

"Then you have all the pakhans in one place, ready to hear your proposition," I finish.

Ruslan shakes his head in wonder, his eyes never leaving mine. "You are very good at this. Terrifyingly good."

"Is that a problem?" I raise an eyebrow, feeling bolder than I have in years.

"No," he says, pulling me closer. "It's exactly what I need."

His lips find mine, gentle but insistent. When we break apart, his forehead rests against mine.

"I can get this process started soon," he whispers against my lips. "We'll need to move quickly before Semyon has time to solidify his position with the other families."

15

RUSLAN

The smoke hangsthick in Alexei's office, curling around crystal decanters and between the fingers of California's most ruthless men. Everyone who matters to see the initial success for my plot to take over theZapadniye Voriis here.

I can't help but notice how our host, Alexei Kusmich Voronin, keeps darting his eye towards the window.

The office has the perfect view of his Olympic-sized pool where our wives are enjoying the California sun.

Or more accurately, wherehe'strying to enjoy the view of our wives in swimwear.

I sit up a little straighter, deliberately blocking Alexei's sight.

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