Page 80 of Wicked Vows (Suvorov Bratva 2)

But time is a luxury we simply don’t have anymore. We have to act fast. This is war, after all, and war requires us to make do when our plans shatter from our enemy’s onslaught.

My mind is made up.

I know what I want my husband to do.

***

Pavel sits behind the desk in his office. It’s a courtesy to knock. It’s also a courtesy to ignore the new bags hanging under his eyes. Shadows shroud his features where light usually kisses his pale skin. He looks so tired, exhausted.

And I can feel it, too.

A smile ghosts his lips when he sees me. He beckons me into his office, reclining as I round the desk and lean against the wood. I part my lips to speak.

And then, I freeze.

His icy green eyes are far more alluring here, with the fading light of day straining the usually opaque color. I’m just getting lost in the glaciers when he reaches up to touch my cheek.

I blink, blush, bite my lower lip. I take his hand and sigh. “We should go with the fast plan.”

Relief burns in his pupils. “Very well,rodnaya.”

“If we hit the NYPD now, then we show Cardona and Sharp that they can’t just come in and do whatever they please.”

He nods.

“I can’t believe that bastard made an appearance here.”

His eyes glow with anger. “It’s a smug way to say that he’s watching us.”

“We’ve known that all along.” I chew on my lower lip, trying to think through the resurfacing irritation. “It’s just a lot all at once. To see it in person.”

“A fast hit will snuff that out.”

You don’t know that, Pavel.Idon’t know that.

But I say nothing and look out the window instead, drinking in the immaculate view of New York. On the terrace, the buildings clot together like matchboxes. But here, things look just different enough that I can make out the various details. And it’s truly gorgeous.

He touches my chin, prompting me to look at him. “Is this what you truly want?”

God, is it? How can I make this call that could snuff out so many lives?

Part of me is screaming for me to wait. Because there are so many loose ends, and the big picture isn’t clear. It’s reckless to go in guns blazing.

But what other choice do I have?

What other choice dowehave?

I can’t give up medical school. I lean into his palm, feeling the warmth of his affection even if his features are set in their usual neutral expression.I have to do the sensible thing.

I’m between a rock and a hard place. I’m struggling to suck air into my lungs, my lips barely breaking the surface of the water that I’m under. I know I’m about to drown. I know I might take other people with me, too.

Imustmake a choice.

And that choice has to protect my family, my interests, mylife.

My desires matter, too. It’s time I start honoring them.

Just like at the baby shower, I nod.

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