Page 51 of Ruinous Need
“We’re not children, Viktor. There’s no “let’s pretend” anymore. This is a dangerous question to ask. If the Pakhan found out…”
He doesn’t finish that sentence. He doesn’t have to.
“He’d have me hung, drawn and quartered? I know. I don’t exactly have anyone else to ask about it.”
He tilts his head at me then. “I guess not. Merc and Ben still not talking to you?”
“You’re not supposed to know they exist.Thatcould get me killed too.”
He scoffs at that. “You’re not as good at keeping secrets as you think, boss. And you take enough risks that I’ve learned to keep things quiet.”
“Will you help?”
“I don’t think you need help,” Markov says quietly, his voice distant. “I think, boss, you’re in love with her.”
I grit my teeth. This is not the answer I want. “I’m not.”
“You feel worried about her. She’s distracting you from your work. You’re so possessive of her you’ve managed to lose two friends over it. Tell me, boss, how are you going to feel when she marries your cousin?”
I can’t hold back the snarl that slips from my mouth when I think about Lisette and Semyon. Their impending nuptials, which even now are being planned out by half the Bratva.
“I thought so.” His tone is thoughtful now.
“This is a terrible idea. But you know that already.”
I nod once in agreement, my jaw set.
Because it is utter madness. But no matter the consequences, she will be mine, and damn the rest of the world to hell.
Damn the Bratva and its rules.
Damn my cousin and his engagement.
“I do.” There’s no easy way out of this corner that my emotions have boxed me into.
“We’ve got to think of a plan, then.”
Markov’s looking at me as though he’s on my side.
“We? I thought you’d be on Semyon’s side in all this. I’m the one who’s breaking the rules.”
“He might have brought me into the Bratva, but he’s no leader, Viktor. I wouldn’t follow him into battle. I would follow you. Even if you are terrible at making and following orders.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t have any battle plans at the moment.”
“You’re going to need one. I think there’s only one way this works out.”
“Aim for the top?”
He nods. “Aim for the top.”
This could bring the entire Bratva crumbling down around me. It will definitely push me into a position I don’t want to be in.
But, for Lisette? I’ll do it.
CHAPTER 20
LISETTE
