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Anger flashed in his eyes but he murmured, "I appreciate the intel."
"We're allies, Lyanov. It will be good for us to work closer together in the future."
He stared over my shoulder at Brennan who was undoubtedly glowering at him. "Will your brother be a problem? It's clear that he has an issue with me."
"Do you mean to do right by Victoria?"
"Of course. She's the jewel in my crown. There are not many like Stepanov. Their numbers die out and those who screech loudest are deafened by the roars of many.
"Victoria's father ruled like a king of old. He left many men short to pay for his lavish lifestyle. Men like Lukov and Abramovicz, Stepanov too, they liked the status quo.
"But there are more foot soldiers than generals. I speak for the foot soldiers, and it is they who give me my power.
"To have a bride like Victoria is to cement my position all round. It satisfies the old guard, the new, and Moscow itself."
"Treat her like a chess piece, and you'll never get her down the aisle. She's family, Lyanov," I warned. "You want her to be your wife, I'll back Brennan to the hilt—you won't force her into anything."
He flashed a grin at me. "Nothing that is taken by force is worth keeping."
"That's bizarre logic for a man who stole his way to the top of the Bratva tree."
"Nothing lasts forever." He ducked into the car and seated himself. "Until next time, O'Donnelly."
As he closed the door, I backed off, retreating to Brennan who snapped at me, "If she doesn't want him, I won’t make her marry him, Aidan."
Pursing my lips, I studied him. "She told him, not you or Eoghan, about Stepanov's boy, Brennan. I don't think her consent will be a problem, do you?"
That he didn't reply, only clenched his jaw, told me he knew I was right.
He just didn't want to admit it.
