Page 148 of Wrapped in Perfection

"That could backfire on us. The Rossi family going to war with Zamir could make Zamir more powerful," I warn.

"We make sure it doesn't happen," Boris says.

"How? We've tried for years to figure out how to take Zamir down."

Boris's face hardens. "Let them shed blood. If we need to, we will take out Zamir's top men to level the playing field and keep Rossi in the game. When it is over, we finish the Rossi family off if we find out his father knew about any involvement with Zamir or what he's been up to."

Chills run down my spine. "You're suggesting an ongoing silent battle. The point is to avoid war. We aren't big enough to take down Zamir."

"Killian will execute with me. We can tap into the power of the O'Malleys now."

Sergey and I arrived just as Obrecht did, and we hadn't gotten to discuss what happened when Boris and Maksim met with Killian. I point to Boris's shiner. "He's already gotten over your situation?"

"We agreed it was best for Nora and the baby if we focused on this situation with Lorenzo," Boris replies. "But Killian knows me and who I am. I may not be Irish, but I'm the next best thing for Nora. And he had to admit it."

Maksim shifts on his feet. "Killian is out for his blood. If Zamir is involved and Giovanni Rossi knows about it, Killian will understand the danger."

"Regardless, your window to take out Lorenzo and his men is tonight," Obrecht reiterates.

"How many of his guys?" Sergey asks.

"Three."

"Flavio, Luca, and Angelo?"

They are all the men present at every meeting we've had with Lorenzo. And they were at the restaurant when Lorenzo threatened us.

Obrecht nods. "Yes."

"Killian will come with us. Nora is with him now, but I'll have him drop her off at your place, Dmitri. She can stay with Anna tonight," Boris says.

"I'll let Anna know." I step out of the room and call her.

"Hi! Are you on your way home?" she asks when she answers.

My heart sinks. I hate disappointing her.

"I'm sorry, but we have to deal with our situation. I won't be home tonight."

"The entire night?"

"Yes."

The line goes silent.

I clear my throat. "Boris is sending Nora to stay with you."

"Dmitri..." Anna releases a big breath.

"This has to be done, kotik."

"How will I know you are okay?"

"I will call you when I am on my way home."

More silence follows and further guilt consumes me. "I'm sorry, kotik. You deserve better."

"Please don't say that. I only want you. Do what you need to do and come home to me in one piece," she whispers.

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