Page 57 of Savage Little War

“You dare treat us with such little respect! We can strip your position,” Valentin snarls. “Freeze your accounts. Turn every Bratva crew in this city against you.”

I narrow my eyes at them. “As I’ve said before, that would be unwise. I belong here.”

“You don’t get to come here and wreak havoc!” Victor tells me. “You need to fix your mistakes before the Bratva are caught in the crossfire of your mess. The damage might already be done.”

“I’ve eliminated an enemy of the Bratva. I have proof the Italians killed Mikhail,” I say. “He never went back to Russia because he never left Vegas alive.”

That shuts them up and has a few jaws dropping.

“And I created an alliance with the Irish who have a strong hold over Vegas. The Bratva are less threatened than before because of me,” I remind them.

They’re just upset that they haven’t done anything in years besides sit on their asses and order people around.

“Even if you’re right about the Italians killing Mikhail, you’re justifying a lot of nonsense because of that Irish girl,” Victor says, disgust filling his voice. “Annika is a better wife for a Bratva leader.”

I hold up a finger. “If I hear her name come out of your mouth again, I’ll make you regret it. The only woman I’m going to marry is Cara. Get that through your damn heads!”

“She is nothing,” Pavel grinds out through his teeth. “The Irish are menaces. Cruel beasts. Her father is a scourge on this city.”

“Say that again,” a voice drawls from behind them.

They turn to find Sean, his hands in his pockets like he owns the park.

“I’m wounded that you think so little of me,” Sean says sarcastically as he walks around them to stand by my side. He looks over at me. “Can you believe these assholes?”

“Well, I’ll admit that I used to see you that way,” I reply with a small smirk. “Turns out you’re tolerable on your best behavior.”

“You’re just saying that because you love my daughter,” Sean says with a light chuckle.

“Who I will marry,” I add as I glance back over at the Council members, all of which look like they’re about to explode in fury. They won’t lose their minds in front of all the kids and park guests, though.

“I think there’s another piece of news that you need to tell them,” Sean reminds me, looking just as pleased as I am to torment the Council.

“Oh, right. One more thing,” I say, eyes locked on Victor. “Cara’s pregnant. My heir is already on the way.”

Victor’s eyes widen, and I swear there is a dash of horror among the rage in them. “You traitor! You have betrayed the Bratva!”

“My grandchild and heir,” Sean says softly, “is untouchable.”

Pavel spits at the ground in front of my feet. “We won’t recognize it,” Pavel spits. “Not as Bratva.”

“My grandchild will have more power in this city than any of you spineless bastards,” Sean remarks.

“I’ll also remind you that if you go after Cara, I’ll kill every single one of you,” I warn them, my tone turning icy. I mean those words, and I don’t care what kind of backlash that I might possibly get.

The Council isn’t as widely respected as they used to be, but there are still Bratva families who are old school loyalists.

“You dare threaten us?” Valentin grits out, his face starting to turn red. “There will be consequences.”

When some of them step forward, Sean lifts his hand, making them halt. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Sean’s gaze drifts. The Council follows it and finds men posted at every entrance, every path, every bench. Irish and Bratva. Together.

“You’ll regret ever making the decision to let your feelings overtake your good judgment,” Victor tells me. “The Bratva do not need anyone else outside of our own families. We’re self-reliant. We’re stronger that way.”

“No, we’re not,” I state as I cross my arms. “Your ‘self-reliance’ nearly cost us Vegas. The Irish have eyes, money, and reach you don’t. I’m not turning that down because you’re offended.”

“You mean you’re risking the wellbeing and reputation of the Bratva?” Victor snaps.