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“Without dealing with assholes commenting about what they would like to do to her if they found her alone. Tell me I’m not being unreasonable.”

“Not a chance, boss.”

“A low-level Cartel grunt should know better.” I slide my gun into my holster. “Where is the training? Do they just let anyone join?”

“I got no idea.”

“It’s an embarrassment to the organization.” I see Lina open the car door. “I gotta go. Call me when it’s done.” I end the conversation and stride toward my wife. “We’re gonna grab dessert somewhere else.”

“Where have you been. I thought you were getting the ice cream. Why did you make me get back in the car?”

I ensure she has her seatbelt on and then walk around to my side of the car and let out a breath. After I’m settled, I glance over. “We’ll go to Forges.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” She cranes her neck and looks around. “Did the Russian boys arrive?”

I start the engine and drive down the street slowly. “A Cartel soldier made an inappropriate comment and I handled the situation.” Her arms cross over her body. “No one insults you and lives to talk about it.”

I watch her hands shake and silently curse, knowing I must do the unimaginable and explain myself. “When you were leaning over and looking at the flavors in the case, a man had a lot to say about what he would do to you when he got you alone.”

“Didn’t he notice you?”

“Obviously not.” I grit my teeth for a second. “After you were safely in the car, I educated him on how the Bratva feels about uninvited guests.” I cover her hands. “I not only saved you from being assaulted but countless other women.”

I hit my turn signal and head toward the center of the city. “Now, let’s get back to our date and enjoy ourselves.”

“You just ended a man’s life.”

“I sure as shit did. Everyone knows the rules and the consequences if they don’t follow them.” The silence following the statement is heavier than a lead pipe, and I know it won’t be the last time Lina is horrified by what my life entails.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Lina

I squeeze Stasia’s hand as we stand in the foyer of the Volkov estate that rivals any five-star hotel in the city. “We’re not in Kansas anymore.”

“Is that a movie reference?” she asks quietly as her eyes dart around the space. “Because I don’t get it.”

“Wizard of Oz. We watched it dozens of times.” I glance over. “Flying house. Scary monkeys. Ringing any bells?”

“I was probably reading gossip magazines while you watched it.”

“Here she comes. Act normal.”

“So is that a no to swinging on that glass monstrosity hanging over our heads or a yes?”

“Definite no.”

“Spoilsport.”

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” Gianna walks toward us with open arms. “I was helping my brother-in-law with a little project.”

I accept her warm hug. “We were admiring your home.”

She hugs Stasia and then steps back. “It still feels a little too much like a hotel for my taste, but eventually, it will get there.”

“Thank you for inviting us over,” Stasia says as she pulls a box out of her bag. “I brought you some matcha tea cakes.”

“Yum.” Gianna flips open the box. “Thank you.”