Page 119 of Dangerous Vows

The deal was that I would kill Miloš. This way, everyone is happy as Vukan saves face with his men, which prevents him from inheriting dissent within the ranks. The optics are better, but even at that, it’s not ideal. This is a sticky situation, and there are always men who ask questions they shouldn’t.

The Serbian men work to collect their dead. I return to the fray and note that Bianca stands next to Matteo, but her eyes focus on Vukan. She’s abnormally quiet. That’s strange.

Vukan’s face is filled with a softness I can’t read. But he quickly diverts his keen eyes from my sister and turns to us.

I joined my brother at Matteos’ side just in time to hear Vukan say, “I always hated him. He was a menace even when we were children. I knew he was ruthless, but I drew the line at killing innocent women and children. That’s not what I’m about.”

It all syncs. This is a double murder wrapped in vendettas and payback. Vukan hated the flesh trade, but he couldn’t question it under his brother’s regime. As the new leader, he can change their operations without causing an internal power struggle. It was a win/win for both of us.

“Miloš would have had us all go down with him. He was irrational, and the men were worried he’d prematurely lead them all to an early grave,” Vukan adds as he instructs his men to take Petrovic’s body for a proper burial. “A favor for a favor,” says Vukan, shaking Matteo’s hand.

“A favor for a favor,” Matteo murmurs.

I know I should be concerned, but for now, I’m just relieved that this chapter is finally over.

“I think we should broker arms together. My man in Europe is cheaper than yours,” Vukan says, nonchalantly, initiating an alliance.

Matteo chuckles. “We’ll talk.”

Our men carry our fallen soldiers. We have to clear the scene before our cover is blown.

I clap Matteo on the back, and he says, “God, I hate owing anyone an unspecified favor,” Matteo says with an uneven voice.

He’s concerned about something.

“You did what needed to be done. And we live to fight another day,” Niccoló says, but Matteo’s face darkens.

“Y’know, no matter what he asks for, I have to honor it,” Matteo says with a somber face, like he’s sending us a message.

It takes a beat to internalize his weighted words.

Then, the meaning behind his words hit home.

Oh,hellno!

“Did you just seal the fate of our sister?” I ask.

“Well,” Niccoló says, “that’s a helluva way to end a war.” A smirk forms on his lips. “If that’s the case, Bianca is gonnna be pissed…”

EPILOGUE

LOVE LIKE THIS DOESN’T DIE

My wife is nesting.

Which, in Amara-speak, means she’s horny, moody, and organizing the pantry like it’s a military op.

And she’shuge.

I mean,glowing, sure. Beautiful, always. But also—massive.

And she keeps eyeing me like she wants to climb me like a goddamn tree.

I smirk just thinking about it.

She waddled into the living room yesterday, pointed at me with a piece of cantaloupe, and said,“Don’t make any plans tonight unless they involve your mouth or your fingers.”

That baby better come soon, or I’m going to die from overuse.

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