Page 46 of His Demands

Fyodor studies me over his glass of whiskey, his expression skeptical. "You sure about that? You've been tense ever since Boris showed up. And pushing Julie away like that..." He trails off, his concern evident.

I let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I had to, Fyodor. Julie can focus on her non-profit, and it was the only way to ensure she'd be out of harm's way while we figure this out. She's safer thinking about that, rather than being caught up in all this mess with Boris."

Fyodor nods slowly, understanding my rationale. "I get it, but you can't keep her in the dark forever. She's a part of this now, like it or not."

"I know," I reply, my jaw setting with determination. "But for now, keeping her occupied with her project is the best option. We need to focus on handling Boris and the Bratva without dragging her into the line of fire."

Fyodor takes a sip of his coffee, his gaze piercing. "So, what's the plan? Boris is not going to back down easily. Are we considering moving away? Starting over somewhere else?"

I shake my head, my mind already forming a strategy. "No, we're not running. That's not how we handle things. I've got a plan. It's risky, but if it works, we can cut ties with the Bratva for good."

Fyodor leans forward, his interest piqued. "I'm all ears, brother. What are you thinking?"

"We need to turn the tables on Boris. Make him think he's got the upper hand, then hit him where it hurts. We use his own tactics against him."

Fyodor raises an eyebrow, his intrigue growing. "Sounds like you've got something specific in mind."

"I do," I confirm, my voice low.

"Well, don't keep me in suspense, Ivan. Give me the details." Fyodor leans forward with anticipation.

I walk over to the window, my hands clasped behind my back. Gazing out at the gently falling snow, I'm acutely aware of the gravity of what I'm about to undertake. This is more than a gamble; it's a move that will change the course of our lives, yet again.

"I've made some significant contacts through my company," I begin, enjoying the serene dance of the snowflakes outside. "One of them is Deputy Director Will Hargrove, second-in-command at the FBI. He's on our side and he'll be here within the hour."

Fyodor's eyes widen in surprise. "The FBI? That's a big card to play, one we usually stay away from. What do you think Hargrove will want in return?"

I turn from the window, meeting Fyodor's gaze with a steely resolve. "I have a pretty good idea," I admit with a heavy sigh. "They'll want information in exchange for their help, leverage against the Bratva. And I'm prepared to give it to them."

Fyodor leans back, absorbing the implications. "You're talking about turning informant? That's a dangerous path, Ivan."

"I know," I acknowledge, the weight of the decision making it hard to breathe. "But it's the only way to ensure Julie's safety, and to rid ourselves of Boris and his hold over us."

"And how exactly do you plan to do that?" Fyodor asks, a note of concern in his voice.

"I'll wear a wire," I reveal, the words tasting like a bitter pill. "We'll set up a meeting with Boris, make him believe I'm on board with his plan. I'll get him to admit to wanting to launder his illegally earned money through my gambling operations."

Fyodor nods slowly, the graveness of the situation etched on his face. "And the envelope Boris left, the one with the account numbers?"

"With that and the recorded confession, we'll have enough to bring him down. He won't see it coming."

Fyodor stands, pacing the room. "It's a bold move, Ivan. You're playing with fire. But if it means ending this nightmare, then I'm behind you."

I nod, feeling a sense of solidarity with my brother. "It's the only way we end this, Fyodor. We end this now, for Julie, for us, for our future."

Fyodor, leaning back in his chair, regards me with a mix of concern and skepticism. "You do realize the magnitude of the risk you're taking, right? What if Boris decides to pat you down and discovers the wire? You know they won't hesitate to kill you right there."

I nod, fully aware of the danger I’m placing myself in. "I've considered that. It's a calculated risk, but one we need to take. "

He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "And even if you take Boris down, you know as well as I do there will be others to take his place. The Bratva is like a hydra; cut off one head, two more grow back."

"I know," I concede. "But we have to start somewhere. Boris’ hold over us ends now. And that's why I need you here, Fyodor. Not just for your skills, but because of what Julie and I have been working on."

Fyodor raises an eyebrow. "Working on?"

I can't help but chuckle at his feigned innocence. "We're trying to start a family."

He laughs, a deep, hearty sound. "Ivan, it's okay to say you're having sex with your wife. I'm not going to blush."

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