There’s no jealousy amongst them or hatred that the four years they’ve had on this earth have been shared with one another. They love each other as siblings should, their bond assuring me that they’ll have each other’s backs as I will always have Rico’s. . . and perhaps Maya’s.
If Maya hadn’t learned from her mistakes, the results may have been vastly different. But Justine was right, discovering the man she was in love with wasn’t who she thought was punishment enough.
Maxsim could have saved Maya the heartache. He could have proven without a doubt that she was worthier than any possession he could have wished for, but it was proven without a doubt that greed was his priority.
He wasn’t going to give Maya the life Vladimir withheld from her because she was a girl. He wanted to a rule a kingdom he had no right to reign. He wanted to step into my shoes.
He lost the chance to discover that the greatest gift you can have doesn’t have a monetary value when I demanded he choose between his life or Maya’s.
He chose wrong when he picked himself.
Maya hasn’t looked me in the eye since she witnessed firsthand what happens when you double-cross me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t feel the heat of her gaze.
Don’t misconstrue. She’s not eyeing me with hate but, rather, remorse. She’s aware how different circumstances would have been if Justine and the twins didn’t make it out of the fire she sparked.
Maxsim’s blood wouldn’t have been the only blood shed that night if Justine hadn’t exerted the strength I’ve always seen in her eyes. She fought like a tigress, her fight still inspiring me to this day.
My queen was worthy of her throne the day she was born, but the grit she showed that weekend sealed her fate for eternity.
My chest swells when I enter Mila and Toby’s room. Roman is fast asleep on the rocking chair Justine used while nursing. He has a book of nursery rhymes splayed across his chest and a pair of glasses he swears he doesn’t need balancing on the tip of his nose.
If I hadn’t given him the weekend off, he’d be punished for sleeping on the job, but since he’s here more in a grandfather role than as guardian, I’ll let his punishment slide.
Over two weeks had passed before anyone heard from Roman after the incident at Rico’s apartment four and a half years ago. Things didn’t look good, but my crew was ordered to continue searching until he was found and returned to his family.
We could only hope he wasn’t returned in a body bag.
The discovery of his whereabouts was far from the notions running through my head. He wasn’t buried in a shallow ditch or under police watch. He was doing the job I pay him to do. He was bringing the men responsible for our near downfall to justice.
I can still recall the gleam in his eyes when he stood at the entrance of the dungeon upon his return. His boots were as muddy as the sneer on his face, but they had nothing on his eyes. They were worn by Satan himself—deadly and without fear.
His time off the grid served me well. Maxsim’s knowledge assured Roman he wasn’t the only one working against us.
His theory was right.
Four snitches, three members considering jumping ship, and one captain were brought to justice in the two weeks Roman went rogue.
All were dead—except the latter.
Roman kept Maxsim alive for me, knowing I have no qualms getting my hands dirty when it comes to seeking retribution for the ones I love.
I was on the verge of snapping as I had all those years ago when I was only a boy. My men were bombarded; my brothers were injured, and my queen was lying in a hospital bed.
It was all forgotten in those hours I spent with Maxsim.
Sergei’s death was hidden to protect myAhren.
Maxsim’s was paraded for the same reason.
His death gave me back the fear and respect I crave, then Asher and Trey returned my entity’s honor.
It took a few months, but the Popov entity has returned to the glory it once held. Both Asher and Trey can be thanked for its resurrection. While I tended to private matters, they held down the fort.
Now not only do the Popovs hold ranks across a majority of America, we’ve jabbed our foot in the door of a Russian stronghold we never fathomed we’d own. Soon, we will be unstoppable.
Rumors have circulated about upcoming takeover bids, but none have been implemented. Our enemies are wary of the union we’ve founded with Asher’s crew, but even more than that, they’re fearful of the powerful couple helming our crusade.
I thought I was invincible before Justine came into my life. I was a fool. A king can’t be a king without his queen at his side.
