That night, after Nero goes to sleep, I take out the phone Vita gave me and dial the one number saved in it.
CHAPTER 12
BLAKE
The next morning, two men on Ferraro’s payroll—a driver and a bodyguard—escort me out of the building. It’s lucky timing that Nero gave me the ability to get out of the penthouse on my own just the night before.
As the car winds through the city streets, I track our progress using the navigation app on the phone Vita gave me. Although I can only text or call her, it’s a relief to finally orient myself in this maze of a city.
Our destination is a high-end hotel, where I’m meeting Vita for breakfast at its exclusive rooftop restaurant. The bodyguard, Mark, accompanies me all the way to the hostess stand, where a man in a velvet oxblood suit takes over.
“Right this way, Mrs. De Luca.”
My cheeks heat. I’m still not used to being called by that name.
Self-consciousness pangs through my chest. Even dressed in the designer clothes Nero bought me, I feel like an outsider. Can everyone tell I don’t belong here? Or am I just imagining it? Iremind myself I’m not in Darkwater Hollow anymore—no one here knows me. Everyone is just minding their own business, and the stories looping through my head about being inferior aren’t doing anything to help me.
Enough.
If I’m going to help execute this plan against the Bratva, I need to summon every ounce of confidence I have.
A moment later, I spot Vita sitting gracefully behind a round table.
Dressed in an elegant floral-print dress, she gives me a friendly wave and rises to embrace me. “Lovely to see you again, Blake. I was pleased to get your call.”
We sit down. Vita must sense my unease, because she takes the initiative and orders two glasses of champagne along with our coffee. “It’s never too early for some bubbles.” Her smile is reassuring.
We exchange stilted small talk until the champagne arrives. I take a few sips of liquid courage, order eggs Benedict from the waiter, and then take a deep breath. “I’m here to negotiate.”
Vita’s eyes light up with interest. “Smart girl.”
“I think I can convince Nero to do this.” My voice is surprisingly steady. “But I want something in exchange.”
Vita arches a brow. “Your husband’s promotion isn’t enough of an incentive?”
“Clearly not. You heard his answer. It won’t be easy to get him to agree, and I’m not doing that until I know I’ll be rewarded.”
Her eyes narrow slightly. “What is it that you want?”
I want a ticket out of your world.The words are on the tip of my tongue, but I hold them back.
Last night, as I lay in bed, it dawned on me that I can’t simply tell Vita that I married Nero against my will, or that our marriage isn’t real. Not if their whole plan for finding the pakhan rides on Nero and me putting on a united front.
If she knew the truth, she might reconsider letting us try at all. Then both Nero and I would be right back at square one.
I have to hide the truth from her, just as I’ll have to hide it from the Russians. If anything, this is a good test to see if I can do it.
“I’d like a favor.”
“What kind of favor?”
“I can’t say.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I want your promise that if Nero and I help you locate the pakhan, you will grant me this favor when the time comes, no questions asked.”
Vita’s gaze turns calculating. “I’d feel more comfortable knowing what the favor entails. There are things beyond my influence, and I wouldn’t want you to expect something I can’t give you.”
