Page 83 of His Queen

"Just by being you. I would walk through the fires of hell to keep you safe. Nothing will hurt you. Not as long as I live. My beautiful Rose. I will always love and protect you."

"Always," she says with a smile.

"Now, we should rest. We have a lot to do. But don't worry, I will be by your side the whole time. You are not alone. We have an army behind us. And a plan. You are going to be fine. Better than fine."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"Okay, then let's get some rest. We have a city to get under control."

"That's my girl," I say, kissing her once more.

I can't get enough of her. I don't think I ever will.

Chapter 50

Rose

Todayhasbeenquitea lengthy day. Following my meeting with Demetrius, Vlad, and I returned to the office. The men were not pleased, something I had expected. Considering I am a woman and Vlad holds the second-in-command position within the Bratva, I knew this would be an uphill battle. Both parties have much to prove to one another. Building trust will undoubtedly require time, but the eventual outcome, where our city finally attains the much-needed peace, will make it all worthwhile. Unfortunately, Vlad had to depart to aid in the search for the remaining captive women.

"Don, do you have a moment?"

I look up and see Aldo standing in the doorway.

“Yes, come in,” Aldo’s deep voice resonated through the dimly lit room, the scent of aged leather wafting from the worn armchairs. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the ornate wooden walls.

“What can I do for you, Aldo?” I asked, my voice tinged with concern. The heavy oak door creaked as he entered, the sound echoing off the stone walls.

“I am worried,” he confessed, his voice laden with uncertainty. The weight of his words hung in the air, mingling with the faint scent of cigar smoke. “I am not sure if this is a good idea. The families aren’t happy with the way things are going.”

Leaning against the mahogany desk, I sighed, my fingers tracing the intricate carvings. “And what would they have me do? I refuse to leave women to be sold like chattel. They aren’t animals,” I said, my voice determined. The distant sounds of muffled conversations drifted in from the corridor, a reminder of the Bratva’s presence.

Aldo’s voice quivered with concern. “But they don’t see it that way. In their eyes, a woman can’t run the family. They are upset. They don’t think they can trust you.”

“Well, maybe they shouldn’t,” I retorted, my voice laced with defiance. The weight of the responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders, intertwining with the scent of old books that filled the room. “Maybe it’s time for them to learn that. I might be a woman, but I am not weak. They will do as I say or die. They will learn.”

Silence enveloped us, broken only by the distant sound of footsteps echoing down the marble corridor. Aldo’s worry etched deep lines on his weathered face, his eyes filled with a mix of love and concern.

“I have known you since you were a little girl. I have watched you grow up,” he said softly, his voice filled with paternal affection. The touch of a cool breeze brushed against my skin, carrying with it the scent of rain.

“I’m not the same woman that I was,” I replied firmly, my voice tinged with determination. The room seemed to pulse with energy, as if it held its breath in anticipation. “They need to learn that. I might be a woman, but I am not weak. I will not allow women to be sold and abused. I will not allow it.”

Aldo’s gaze met mine, a mixture of pride and concern flickering in his eyes. “I’m sure the Pakhan is aware of this situation,” he reassured, his voice filled with hope.

Nodding, I took a deep breath, the scent of ink and aged parchment filling my nostrils. “He understands,” I said, my voice resolute. “Together, we will ensure justice prevails.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, the air thick with tension and determination. Outside, the city buzzed with life, unaware of the storm brewing within the walls of our stronghold.

"We have discussed the fact that it will be difficult for me to gain their trust. But the Bratva will support us. This will not be easy. We will need their help. The only way we are going to keep this city safe is if we work together. The Bratva reached out a long time ago and signed a treaty with my father. He didn't hold up his end of the bargain. My father was an untrustworthy snake who harmed his own people. I won't be making the same mistakes. We need the Bratva. And if we are going to do this right, then we will need a new agreement. One where everyone has a say. A united front."

"What do you mean? How can you unite the families with the Bratva?"

"Marriage. Vlad and I are going to get married, anyway. So it works out." I smile because this time I get to choose and I would choose him every time. "You already know that. But beyond that the Pakhan is a trustworthy man. He helped Vlad save me from a fate worse than death. His wife also works with him by his side. We will have a united front. Together, the four of us can do this. We can protect our families and the city."

He nods and I can tell he is thinking it all over. Aldo has always been a careful man and I can tell there is more weighing on his mind than he is letting on.

"What is it? Tell me. I know there is something else."

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