Page 77 of Seduced By the Mafia Don

He lowers his gaze. "Perhaps I don’t want you to see me like that. Murderous. Savage. Untamed."

"If you’re afraid I’m going to stop..." Again, that elusive L-word surfaces impossibly. "Caring about you because you're taking drastic measures against the man who ruined my life, you're profoundly mistaken. He deserves whatever is waiting for him."

“There’s no argument there. He's a trafficker, a sadist, an irredeemable man."

"Then let's go."

We climb from the car together and cross the street. Simultaneously, dozens of suited men emerge from nearby vehicles and fall in behind us. Occasionally, I forget how powerful Nico is, but when his men form an army behind us, his power becomes undeniable.

“Stay behind me at all times," he instructs.

"Just like the first time you saved me here."

He laughs savagely before retrieving his gun from its holster. He advances into the restaurant, gun raised. I follow closely, maintaining my position behind him. The bulletproof vest provides less reassurance than I previously thought. A palpable atmosphere of impending violence permeates the air as his men file into the room, weapons drawn.

Viktor glances up, a thin smile distorting his features. Two additional men sit at his table... one of whom, I realize, is the man who mocked me that first time. Anya is present as well, sporting a fresh bruise on her cheek. She appears smaller compared to her presence at the ball, less imposing. I realize I may have misjudged her.

"I must be mistaken," Viktor remarks. "I was under the impression this ground was neutral territory."

"You forfeited that privilege when you attempted to use my cousin against me, you bastard," Nico snarls, then gestures broadly. "Men – confiscate their weapons."

Nico's men approach the table, weapons trained. They strip the three Russian men of various knives and firearms before positioning them against the wall. Anya remains seated, regarding her father with the aura of a beaten puppy. Something in the resentment etched across her features suggests her father gave her that bruise.

"There’s someone important who has something to say before this ends," Nico announces, aiming his words directly at Viktor. "Any movement, sound, or even a breath I find suspicious – and your end will be excruciating." He shifts slightly, creating space for me.

I glare at Viktor. "You likely don't even remember me." His vacant expression confirms my suspicion. "And you certainly don’t remember my mother. But you killed her, Viktor Barinov. You ordered Adrian to attack someone in public... resulting in the death of the woman I cherished above all else, the woman who r-raised me." I suppress a sob. "There’s no excuse for what you did. To my mother, this city, and by the look of it, your own daughter."

“Are you done, girl?" Viktor inquires dismissively.

"I didn’t expect remorse given your character."

"Any last words, Viktor?" Nico demands.

"Anya... I've always loved you. I merely wanted what was best for you. You understand what must be done, sweet child."

"If you've given her instructions to carry out after your death, rest assured, they'll prove futile. This city doesn't belong to the Russians. Not entirely. Not even marginally."

"Who said anything aboutaftermy death? Anya!"

Suddenly, Anya lets out a cry and springs to her feet. She’s been hiding a gun beneath the table, aiming directly at me – not at Nico or his men, but specifically at me.

"Good," Viktor says. "Yes – he won't let anything happen to her. Don’t move, Nico." His tone darkens when Nico tries to shield me. "Or my daughter will splatter her brains across the floor."

"Anya, don’t do anything foolish," Nico warns. "This won’t end well for you."

"Ignore him," Viktor snaps. "Honorable Nico would never hurt a woman. Even if you put down his dog, he wouldn't retaliate against you."

Fear threatens to overwhelm me, but a stronger emotion prevails. Rage. First, this monster manipulated another to take my mother's life. Now he's exploiting his own daughter to extricate himself from the consequences of his actions.

"Who gave you that bruise, Anya?" I challenge. "I suspect your father. I think he's hit you before and will do it again. In fact, I think Nico isn't just doing the world a favor by getting rid of him. He’s doing you a favor."

"Remember what you said to me at the party, Anya," Nico interjects. "You recognize your father isn’t a good man. You know justice demands this outcome."

“Don’t listen to him," Viktor growls.

"I've dreamed of this," Anya whispers.

"Hear that?" Viktor gloats. "She's fantasized about putting you down, Nico."

---