AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I heard an audible swallow. "The head scared me."
"Unavoidable,katyonok." Her security was assured and so was my position. At least, momentarily. "I wished you to know that you’re safe."
"Couldn’t you have just called me or something?"
"You will see that my actions speak louder than my words."
"Oh." She cleared her throat. "The icon is beautiful. I’m not sure how you got the doorman to give it to me, but I’m thankful you did. I’ll treasure it."
I’d scoured the city for one that would be easily exchangeable in a reputable art dealership.
"I’m glad you like it."
"Why did you get me that though?"
"Freedom and safety. I wish you to associate those two things with me. You can sell that icon anywhere in the city and have sixty thousand, minimum, in your account.
“The burner cell, well, as I told you, if you’re ever in danger, you can call me and I will always answer. Always.
“As for Boris, he was going to force you to be his wife. I couldn’t allow that, could I?"
My candor had her growing quiet. I wasn’t surprised. Girls like her were kept in the dark, but in my mind, a young woman in this world should be out in the light.
That was the only place she’d ever be safe.
"Katyonok, all is well?"
She gulped. "Yes. I-I, why are you talking to me now? Is it because Papa’s dead? You didn’t speak to me before."
"No. Because I didn’t have a death wish," I said wryly. "You think he’d have allowed a lowlyboyevikto speak with one of his princesses?"
She released a soft breath. "Oh."
"Yes. Oh." I smiled. "It is a pleasure talking with you, Victoria. We must do it often. You should call me."
"Do you really mean you’ll always answer?"
I hummed. "Yes." I knew she wouldn’t call me often, but giving her the option meant that, if she was ever in a position where she needed help, she’d think of me. "No matter where you find yourself, Victoria," I intoned, intending on ramming this lesson home, "whether you believe it will anger your sisters or your new brothers-in-law, I will always answer and I will always come to you if you need me."
"If they find out, they won’t be happy."
"The Irish understand my loyalty to you," I told her, trying to be diplomatic.
The O’Donnellys were well aware that I intended on making her my bride when she was of age. Even Camille knew that. Hadn’t we made a deal, her and I? My silence and aid for her sister’s hand in marriage?
She swallowed. "They do?"
"They do," I repeated. "Now, I must go,katyonok. I have business to attend to."
"Merry Christmas, Maxim," Victoria whispered.
"Schastlivogo Rozhdestva," I replied, waiting for her to cut the call, not me.
When she did, I smiled to myself and tucked my cell back into my pocket.
The Sparrows didn’t interest me at the moment. I’d have to talk about them when I arrived in Hell’s Kitchen and discuss that with the head of the Irish Mob, and the new Don of theFamiglia.For now, I pondered where I saw myself in three years’ time.
That was when I could claim my prize.
When this lowly peasant, born to a whore, raised on the Muscovite streets, reared in fire and bound by blood, could take a Bratva Princess as his own.
