Page 131 of Wrapped in Perfection

Maksim nods. "It's best. We can't put anything past him. He doesn't abide by code."

Code involves keeping women and children out of your battles. Mafia men tend to adhere to it with other mob families so everyone keeps their families safe. It's an unspoken agreement and rarely broken. Full-out war occurs whenever there is an incident. But Lorenzo doesn't seem to play by the same rules his father honors. I won't risk Anna's safety to find out what he has up his sleeve.

"Do you want me to get rid of this, or do you want to take care of it?"

Maksim glances at the arm. "I will. Go do what you need to do with Anna."

I start to go then stop. "Boris is right. This needs to happen this week. Next week may be too late."

"We wait for Obrecht to do his job. And the time has come for us to move on Zamir as well. We will put Obrecht on Zamir and finish this once and for all. No one will continue to threaten our family. And when that bastard breathes his last breath, he will stare into all of our eyes and understand what he has created."

"I welcome the moment, brother." I pat him on the back and leave.

When I get into my car, I try to call Anna, but it goes to voicemail.

I am supposed to take her out to celebrate tonight.

God, I hate disappointing her.

I tap my fingers on my thigh, trying to figure out what I can do to still celebrate her success. She hasn't told me if she got the contract or not, but I'm sure she did.

I pick up my phone and push the button for Vivian.

"Hey, Dmitri."

"How are you?"

"Not sick anymore. Just super pregnant."

I smile. "How long do you have left?"

"About a month."

"Almost there."

"Yep. So what's up?"

"I want to throw a party for Anna tonight. She's closed several jobs, and I want to surprise her. I know it's last minute, but do you think you could help me pull it off and invite her friends?"

"Sure. At your place?"

"Yes. Does eight sound good?"

"Perfect."

"Thanks." I hang up and call the chef at the new restaurant we didn't eat at because of Lorenzo. He tells me he can cater the party. I talk to Viktor next.

"Is Anna with you?"

"She's with Harper. I'm outside the suite. She didn't want me to come in."

I debate whether to make Anna come home now or let her finish whatever she's doing with Harper. "She's safe right now?"

"Yes. You know I won't let anything happen to her."

"Okay. As soon as she finishes, bring her directly home. We're on lockdown, starting now."

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