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“Don’t speak to her,” I said, stepping forward. Vlas looked a little surprised, but I caught a flash of fear in his eyes. I’d always been a step above him, always a little stronger, always a little faster. He was a hard man, but we both knew that I was harder in a fair fight.
But that was the thing about Vlas. He didn’t fight fair and never had. That was how he won so often, how he climbed through the ranks of the Bratva to become a celebrated brigadier. In his family, those underhanded tactics were celebrated, so long as they were successful.
Tactics like ambushing a rival in the middle of the morning for no apparent reason.
“And yet you dressed her up for me.”
“I wanted you to see what I had,” I said. “And to know what you’ll never touch.”
He snorted. “Please. She’s pretty, I’ll give you that.”
“And she’s mine.”
His eyes moved away from her and locked back onto mine. “Actually, that’s what we’re here to discuss.”
My jaw tightened. “What?”
“Her father fucked me,” Vlas said, a bit of anger leaking into his voice. “He embarrassed me and made me look weak. You took care of the little rat for me, which I do very much appreciate. But that wasn’t enough. I need that girl. I need to show what happens to those that cross me. I want the city to know that when you steal from me, you’re not the only one that gets punished. I break you and your family.”
I watched him for a long moment before laughing. I couldn’t help myself. The notion was so absurd, so over the top, that I just couldn’t hold it in. “No, Vlas,” I said, shaking my head and grinning. “That’s just about the most pathetic thing I’ve ever heard.”
His smile didn’t falter, but I saw the tension in his eyes. Other men that didn’t know him so well might not have noticed, but I could see it plain as the clouds in the sky.
“This is not negotiable,” he said. “Hand me the girl and we can end this war now.”
“No,” I said. “I wouldn’t give her to you for anything. And beyond that, you tried to kill me, Vlas. You went too far.”
He shrugged and shook his head. “What can I say, Dante? I wanted to get rid of my biggest threat in the city. You should be flattered.”
“I’m angry,” I said, keeping my voice low. I felt Aida stiffen next to me and shift closer, pressing her body against mine. “I’m very angry, Vlas. This won’t end until you apologize, give me concessions, or your whole brigade burns.”
Vlas clucked is tongue and shook his head. “Such words, Dante. But I’m not the Chinese. I’m not disorganized rabble.”
“I know what you are.” I resisted the urge to spit.
“You really want to go to war for real over some… girl?” He looked at Aida and shook his head.
“I told you already. She’s mine.”
He grunted and his smile began to waver. “You’re making a mistake.”
“No, Vlas. You’re the one that’s making a mistake.” I stepped toward him and I saw out of the corner of my eye several men turn toward the two of us. I assumed they were Vlas’s Boyeviks, though I knew my own soldiers were nearby and ready. “Calling me out here, making threats, and assuming I’d back down was a very bad mistake. Maybe I’ve given you the wrong impression over the years, because I’ve been under orders to keep tensions from boiling over. But hear me now, you little fuck.” I leaned even closer. “You tried to kill me. And worse, you almost hurt her. So I’ll cut your throat before I back down.”
I stared at him, breathing hard, rage filling my body. I wanted to strangle Vlas then and there, but I knew there was nothing to gain from it. His men would pull me off him in an instant, and we’d all end up murdering each other.
Vlas took one step back. “All right then, Dante. That’s your answer.” He turned away. “You can have war then.”
“Wait.”
I turned to Aida. Her eyes were wide and I felt a stab of rage. I’d told her not to speak, but she took a step toward Vlas.
He hesitated and looked back. His head tilted, and a smile slipped across his lips. “Yes, thief’s girl?”
She flinched at that. “You can’t do this. My father’s dead. He paid the price. Just… why are you doing this?”
“Aida,” I hissed.
Vlas only turned and laughed. He continued walking, melting into the crowd. Aida stepped like she meant to walk after him, but I grabbed her arm had and pulled her back toward me. An older couple wearing matching hats and t-shirt frowned at me, but I ignored them.
“I told you not to speak,” I said.
“But he—”
