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“You’re right,” Viktor said. He sat in the row in front of them, his elbow resting on the van’s door where it curved to accommodate the window. “More than likely, we’ll remain here for a day or two, then fly back to Boston so we can make an informed decision from our base of operations. Without the Svodnik in the way, several projects may be bumped in favor of pursuing other, previously impossible projects. Without a son, and with his daughters defected, there are no more Popovs to interfere with our work.”
“We will need to discuss splitting up the man’s businesses, with the sisters’ permission, of course,” Roman said, flipping the heater off again.
“And securing loyalty oaths from any of his men who choose to live,” Viktor added.
The statement made Maya flinch, and she ducked her gaze to avoid engaging in the conversation. Kostya squeezed her hand—a silent promise that he was there, and that he understood how she felt. Maya risked a glance up to find that he was watching her. His expression was blank, but she saw a warmth hidden in his eyes that she would have missed before.
To his family, Kostya was a hardened man who had no tenderness in his heart. To Maya, he was someone very different. No matter how tough he acted, she would always see through his mask. He’d shown his true self to her, and she would never forget it.
“Are you and Alexa going to take some time for yourself, now that you’re here?” Elena asked.
“Perhaps. I’ll see what she thinks.” Viktor folded his arms behind his head. “Since we were called out, we might as well.”
There was a hint of hostility in his tone, and Kostya responded to it right away. “I did what I felt needed to be done. The job should have been over quickly, but there were complications.”
“We’ll talk about it later,” Viktor said. His tone was surprisingly firm, but Maya got the feeling that he wouldn’t punish Kostya too severely. She wasn’t sure what was going on between them, or what the circumstances of Kostya’s mission had been, but she would stand by his side no matter what. “For now, you’re alive, Anatoly Popov will soon be behind bars, and the biggest threat to our family has been dealt with. Let’s not address disobedience now.”
Maya looked at Kostya more carefully, trying to see if he’d been impacted by what Viktor had said. It didn’t seem that he had, so she allowed herself to relax. There was nothing to worry about.
“Are you going to drop me off at my flat before you arrive at the safe house, or am I expected to find my own way home?” Maya asked hesitantly after another moment had passed. She didn’t know Roman or Viktor, and it had been a long time since she’d seen her sister. She didn’t want to feel out of place or like she was imposing.
“And miss the party?” Elena turned in her seat and grinned at her. “I know you’re a party pooper, Maya, but come on! Your man made it out alive, Father is being taken care of, and the future is yours to do whatever you want with it! We’re going to havefun.Do you remember my best friend, Alexandra? She’s married to Viktor, and she’s waiting at the safe house for us.”
“Stay with me,” Kostya told her, lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles. Maya couldn’t help noticing that he didn’t lower his voice or otherwise try to limit who heard him speak as he went on. “I love you,zolotse, and I will keep you safe. How am I supposed to do that if you’re apart from me?”
“Did I hear that right?” Elena cooed. “Kostya’s inlove?”
Kostya glared at her, and Maya had to choke back a laugh. There was no way Elena, who was bubbly and obnoxious at the best of times, and Kostya, who was cool, quiet, and serious, would get along.
“Watch your mouth, Popov,” Kostya warned, although Maya could tell from how he spoke that it was in jest. “I’ve put one member of your family behind bars today.”
Elena rolled her eyes. “Okay, I guess.” She flicked the heat back on. “Keep in mind that you do have a problem on your hands, though.”
“A problem?” Kostya asked.
“Mm. My big sister isn’t going to leave London for anything, I’m willing to bet. And your place is in Boston.” Elena winked at them, turned in her seat to face them. “You feel like relocating?”
Kostya looked at Maya, whose heart had clenched in anticipation. The distance was an issue she hadn’t even had time to consider.
“It doesn’t matter where we go,” Kostya said with finality. “As long as we go there together.”
It was everything Maya had wanted to hear. She smiled and squeezed his hand, and he turned his gaze to her, the affection in his eyes clearer even than it had been before.
Whatever happened, they were in it together. After one hell of a whirlwind ride, they had their shot at happiness, and Maya wouldn’t let it pass her by for anything.
CHAPTER23
Kostya
Before Kostya could hope to begin his life with Maya, he still had to answer to the pakhan for what he had done. He’d planned on leaving Maya in London to work with the local council on getting her new shelter approved, but she’d insisted that it could wait. She was anxious to see her mother again—and Kostya suspected that she was worried about his upcoming meeting, too.
So, they’d returned to Boston with the others.
Maya had been overjoyed to see her mother again, and the Popov women had embraced in a tearful reunion that had had the Sokolov men rubbing their eyes in response.
Raisa Popov’s MS had progressed dramatically. The number of years spent under the Svodnik’s thumb, receiving horrible care on his orders, had taken its toll on her. But Viktor had spared no expense with her medical care and the sisters hadn’t had to delve into their mother’s inheritance once to provide her with whatever she needed.
They’d managed to spend a couple of hours together before it became too much for their mother and she’d excused herself to go rest.
