Page 100 of The Russian Retribution

Cormac is the Irish Captain. The fact that he’s even here is strange enough, but hearing he was concerned about me just doesn’t make sense. I never saw us as friends, but as we eye one another, I realize maybe I was wrong. Being on the defensivefor so long had me create walls around everyone, but Cormac is here, looking at me with genuine concern.

“I… I’m sorry,” I say. “I, uhm… I’ll be honest. I thought that was purely a business deal.”

“It was.” Cormac nods. “But the gorgeous woman in my life made a point of highlighting how much better it is to deal with friends. That was why I had no issue in sending you to Rocky when you needed help, but it didn’t mean I didn’t care. You’ve been making waves, Anastasia. And it benefits us both.”

I glance at Erik for support and he gives me a strong smile.

“Thank you,” I say. Speaking of Rocky, he has my attention next.

An easygoing smile slides across his handsome face as he pulls up his shirt and displays the gunshot scars that nearly took his life. “Another two for the collection.”

“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I never intended for you to get hurt.”

Rocky immediately waves one hand. “Don’t. I had a good time at the gala. And sure, my father’s pretty pissed at Russian blood, but I want you to know that I don’t care. And my men don’t care. I know that explosion wasn’t you, and that’s all that matters. So if you ever get a hint of Italian trouble, you call me, alright?”

“I don’t understand.” Glancing between Rocky and Cormac, my confusion deepens. “Isn’t this the perfect opportunity for you two to team up and wipe out the crumbling, weak third leg?”

“Weak?” Rocky scoffs. “First of all, your underboss has been working double since the gala.” He jerks his head toward Faina, who rolls her eyes. “And besides, your businesses are as strong as ever.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to talk to you about.” Tatiana speaks up. “But you’ve been avoiding my calls.”

“I heard about Ivan,” I say, my throat running dry. “He lost his leg and nearly died. I can’t imagine you want anything to do with me after that.”

“Viktor is to blame for that,” Tatiana mutters. “But Ivan is alive. My children still have their father, and our alliance is booming. While you were… unavailable, I continued working. Needed, since Ivan is out of things for a while. Construction is booming, especially since I was able to secure the contract to rebuild the venue Viktor blew up, and I put your construction companies on it immediately. It was a lucrative contract and has caught the eye of so many more potential clients. I wanted to share the good news and my idea to expand to some of the smaller families who are very open to an alliance after Viktor’s hand in your father’s murder was revealed.”

Oh. Right.

I glance briefly at Rocky, who winks at me.

The world thinks Viktor killed my father. Which means I am truly safe.

“And I have another family lined up, with Erik’s help, who may be perfect to fill the gaps in security that Viktor’s traitorous men left.”

“So you see” —Cormac chuckles— “You’re not as weak as you think you are, and Rocky and I have no interest in moving in on you. Despite our differences, we have a lot in common. Being thrust into power is hard, and I don’t know about you, but I am intent on avoiding the bloody wars our history is filled with.”

“Agreed,” Rocky murmurs. “Can’t speak for my father, though.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I gasp, scanning the room.

“Say you’re going to come back for a drink,” Hazel says. “To clarify, I’m here to keep this a neutral ground since Erik was sure he couldn’t get you to the bar. Not that I’m sensing any hostility here.” She laughs, and it’s a warm, gravelly sound. “But that being said, I’m more than happy to put the word out that Anastasia Remizova is back in top form.”

The support is unexpected and incredibly overwhelming. I lose my battle with the tears, though everyone is understanding, given my heavily pregnant state. Apologies and promises are exchanged, and we spend a few hours chatting about a few details, as well as discussing the heavy losses the Russian families suffered at the gala. Deep down, I know that it’s lucky Cormac and Rocky are my friends. Anyone else would have swooped in for the kill by now.

By the time everyone leaves, I’m exhausted, and Erik is by my side as we lie together on the couch.

“I’m sorry if you felt bombarded,” Erik says quietly. “But I knew you needed to see that you’re not as alone as you thought. You’ve had impact, even if it got lost in the crisis.”

“I was alarmed,” I admit, resting back against his warm, broad chest. “But… it's strange and nice to see how wrong I was. When I was alone and scared, closing myself off felt like the only way I could protect myself and my baby.” One hand glides over my belly. “And I see now that after everything with Viktor, my own suspicions were acting against me.”

“No one can fault you for that,” Erik murmurs. “And again, I am so deeply sorry I played a part in that. Those feelings of betrayalcut you deeply, I know. I fell so hard for you, so quickly, that I didn’t even consider that aspect of the truth. I just knew I wanted to protect you and soothe Viktor. Of course, I was wrong about his motives.”

“Because you have a big heart.” I tilt my head up and stare at him from below, then cup his jaw and lean up to kiss his chin. “You saw a man grieving for his lifelong friend. I understand that.”

“As long as you know that everything I have ever felt for you is true,” he says, staring down at me. “I love you, Anastasia. And I have for a long time. And I will continue to love you for the rest of my life because nothing else in the world feels more right than this right here, with you.”

“I love you too,” I say, tears warming my eyes.

We will work on trust. We will work on family.

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