Page 33 of Sinful Union

Piotr slams his fist on the desk as he stands, his chair tipping backward. “You think this is some kind of game, Kat? You think this is about feelings?”

I step closer, refusing to back down. “I think you’re reckless. I think you’re dragging us into a war without any goddamn proof.”

His eyes burn into mine, unflinching. “I think you’re weak and scared.”

“And I think you’re desperate.”

His nostrils flare. “Everything I do, I do for this family.”

I scoff. “Is that what you tell yourself? That this is about family, about justice? This is about you and the power you crave, Piotr, nothing more.”

He stares me down, his voice quiet as he says, “He killed our parents.”

“You don’t know that for sure!” I snap, my voice rising.

“I know enough.”

“You know nothing,” I spit back, closing the distance between us. “You want to talk about weakness? About loyalty? You’re using Dad’s death as an excuse to justify your cruelty, your desire for power.”

His expression turns cold. “Watch your mouth.”

I ignore him, pressing forward, my voice laced with venom. “You’re not a leader like he was. You don’t inspire loyalty, Piotr. You demand obedience.”

The words hit their mark. I can see it in his eyes.

For the first time, he doesn’t have a response. His lip curls in disgust. “You’re a traitor to this family, and you’re a coward.”

The words cut deep, but not because I believe them. It proves exactly what I’ve always known: Piotr doesn’t want a sister; he wants a soldier.

Before I can lash back, Vlad slams his palm against the wall. “Enough!”

Silence crashes over us like a tidal wave.

I turn to Vlad, breathing hard, my chest rising and falling rapidly. He stands between us now, his eyes hard, jaw set. He’s the only thing keeping Piotr and me from tearing each other apart. Piotr stares down Vlad but he doesn’t flinch.

“I think she at least deserves the chance to find the truth. Once this is done, it’s done. And it’s not just a matter of feeling bad for poor Pavel. His death will put into motion events that we won’t be able to undo. We need to get this right.”

Piotr’s jaw flexes, but he doesn’t argue.

Vlad exhales slowly. “Give her the time she’s asking for.”

Piotr doesn’t respond.

“Come on,” Vlad says. “The longer she keeps him alive, the more intel she could come across.”

That gets Piotr’s attention. Vlad, sensing that he’s onto something, continues. “When Pavel’s dead, his Bratva is going to fall into total chaos. Every family in the city is going to try to bite off a piece of what he’s got in the aftermath. It’s not just about killing him, it’s about timing. The more information we gather, the better positioned we’ll be to take advantage of what happens once word spreads that he’s gone.”

“We’re not going to get another chance like this,” I add. “Might as well take advantage of it.”

Piotr stares at me, his fingers tapping on the polished wood of his desk. “Two weeks.”

His voice is clipped. Final. “Not a day longer. You’d better make good use of the extra time. Find out everything you can about his operations.”

I want to argue for more than two weeks. I need more than that. But I know Piotr and I know that’s all I’m going to get.

Grudgingly, I nod. “Fine.”

His lips twitch slightly, like he knows how much I hate agreeing with him. I turn to Vlad, softening just slightly. “Thank you.”

---