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“When that love died, I realized my destiny was to be stuck in this bloody world and the only way to survive was through being as ruthless as the rest of them. But no, I didn’t kill Ivan with the intent of taking his place. But if not me, then who, Benjamin? Because you know as well as I do that most of the men waiting to take the Bratva throne are not as reasonable as I am and the streets would run red with blood.” She said with so much conviction.
I realized how hard it must be for her. It can’t be easy being a woman in a man’s world and the criminal underground was as male dominated as it could get.
Now she was sitting at the top of the food chain and everyone was waiting to see her fall, including these people around us.
“There is always someone else who can take the position. You don’t have to do it.” Benjamin continued and she snorted and tossed back the last of the scotch, placing the glass down so gently on the side table it didn’t make a sound.
“Perhaps. But if I left, I would be hunted anyway. I killed a man people loved even if for the wrong reasons. I killed a man who had started a war with others that they still believe needs to be fought. I killed him, so it is my responsibility to clean up the mess and make sure it doesn’t spill more innocent blood.” She said and Rosslyn smiled.
“So there is some good in you after all. You are talking about the Holy Sons, my father’s legacy.” Rosslyn said and Katerina nodded.
“Yes. The war Ivan started with Jacob went deep within the Bratva. People lost loved ones, friends, brothers and fellow comrades in that war. There was a reason the Bratva were so invested in helping the other families. Ivan made sure that his people were invested. He sent people to die and Alexsei's family lost more than others.” Katerina said, adding more questions to my growing list as to what she had actually inherited.
“But I thought with Jacob’s death, the Redvue situation was done?” Benjamin said with a frown.
“It is. Well, mostly. I am sure there are some left who still believe in what they stood for and will continue to fight just like those in the Bratva who will continue to hunt down every member of the Holy Sons, then when they are done there, they will turn their eyes to conquering every crime family.” Katerina replied and Benjamin sighed.
“You have our help too. We can’t afford to deal with this again, the families have finally settled into a strong unit, and we only have smaller gangs and clubs to worry about right now. So, whatever you need, you have.” He said with a wave.
“Thank you. I don’t know who I can trust. I have tried to contact my cousin in Moscow who is the head of the Bratva there, but he is radio silent right now, which means he is waiting to see if I will fix this on my own.” Katerina said with a sigh.
I watched her, saw the tension in her body and finally understood the weight she was carrying. No wonder she found it so hard to trust.
“Get me access to the computer and I will get you the paperwork you need.” Mikhail said as he held his hand out to Rosslyn.
I watched them leave, the man who had barely spoken paused at the door and looked back at Katerina.
“He never would have wanted you to be alone. Don’t continue to punish yourself because he is gone.” He said quietly and Katerina sucked in a breath, her eyes watering.
“Anatoly…” She started and he shook his head.
“We have all done things in our lives that we regret, your past with Mikhail and Gabriel is one that you can still fix in time. Being with Rosslyn has taught me that life is too short not to forgive and move on. No matter what happens, I will helpbecause I have my own sins to make up for too.” He said before he walked out the door.
I looked at Katerina, my heart aching for her as she stared at the door, then closed her eyes, taking two deep breaths before the businesswoman returned.
“Thank you for your help. If it is alright with you, I would like to keep our meetings within your territory for now as I trust that it is safe.” She said to Benjamin who nodded once.
Katerina walked toward me, her mouth in a tight line as she nodded to the door.
“Good to see you, Alfie. I’m glad you are happy.” I said to the man who smiled. It wasn’t a lie, he looked different, more relaxed, and satisfied with life. The wildness in his eyes was a little tamer.
“You too. Be careful, Leo. This world isn’t like the cage fights. People fight to the death here and others…” He glanced at Katerina “will work themselves under your skin and steal your heart if you aren’t careful.” He said with a smile.
The man knew.
We may not have been close, but he could see that I was interested in her. Was I really that easy to read?
“Thanks.” I muttered, not sure what to say as I followed Katerina out the door.
We got into my car in silence, meeting each other’s eyes briefly before I started the car.
I was already invested in her world and if I was truly honest, the longer I was around her, the more I found myself falling.
I just hoped she wouldn’t tear me apart in the process.
Eleven
Katerina
