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Zakhar considers the idea before nodding. “It’s well-guarded and isolated. It could work.”
“Absolutely not,” I interject hotly. “Sorokin will be furious when he learns what’s happened.”
Zakhar’s face is grim as he poses the question. “Do you wish to carry on this deadly game of cat-and-mouse?” He stresses the last words, making it clear that we are all in danger. “Eden isn’t the only one whose life is at risk. Someone knew where to find you, and an assassin was sent. Nikolai.” His expression softens into concern. “We all have something to lose if Gunsyn and Alexander take over the Starukhin Bratva. They will hunt us all down and those we love. And that’s just the beginning.”
My stomach knots with dread. I know what I must do but reluctantly concede. “Fine. We’ll go to the Sorokin estate. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.”
My gut sinks like lead, but I have no choice. I have to trust my enemies and be wary of my friends.
As we prepare for our departure, I can’t shake the feeling that we’re heading into even greater danger, but there’s no turning back. I glance at Eden, her eyes filled with worry, and I silently promise to protect her at all costs.
We’ll get through this. I know we will. We’re stronger together, Nikolai.
36
EDEN
As we drive awayfrom the inn, I wonder how she did it. How did Paige Barinov convince her husband to leave the Bratva? I zone out as my father and Nikolai debate Vito’s offer to set up a meeting with the Lanzzare. It won’t be long before Vito contacts us with their decision.
As the SUV approaches the Sorokin estate, I shiver as I gaze at the imposing, solitary fortress overlooking the ocean. The melancholy estate looms ahead of us, and I start to regret suggesting we return here, but where else could we go? I hope Uncle Vito is successful, but meeting with the Lanzzare is also riddled with risks. I glance at Niko, his gaze fixed on the road, and then at Dad, who tries to hide his unease behind a mask of indifference. The tension in the car is stifling, and I wonder if I’ll go mad before all of this ends.
We round a bend, driving along a narrow road barely wide enough for our SUV. A lone man appears beside the road, dressed in black clothes and holding a rifle. He eyes us for a second, making sure we see him before he vanishes between the trees along the road.
“Who was that?” I ask, attempting to make light of our dire situation.
“Our host welcoming us,” Nikolai replies tersely. “Exactly as I predicted.”
The SUV idles as the massive iron gates open with a scratchy creak, allowing us entry. Nikolai and Dad forfeit their guns, and when the guard looks at me, Nikolai shakes his head. If I wasn’t so scared, I would laugh. I don’t have a gun. The man continues to stare as we drive toward the castle. The car pulls up to the front door, and we step out, greeted by Sorokin himself. Are we about to make a deal with the devil to keep us safe?
“You are welcomed as my guests,” his voice is emotionless. “And I place you under my protection.” His eyes scan each of us, lingering on Zakhar with a solemn glare.
“Thank you, Radomil Ivanovich,” Niko replies, bowing his head slightly. I follow suit, not wanting to disrespect our host despite his less-than-warm reception.
“Come inside.” Sorokin leads us through the entrance hall, past his armed guards, and into the dining room. The table is set with a light meal consisting of abundant charcuterie boards loaded with cold cuts, imported cheeses, and cut vegetables. Sorokin gestures for us to sit, and he takes the seat at the head of the table. We wait patiently as his staff serves us, submerged in our own thoughts. The silence is thick with an uncomfortable stillness—no one wants to start the difficult conversation.
“Your visit is unexpected,” Sorokin finally speaks, addressing Nikolai. “I had hoped to hear a report of your successes before I saw you again. But instead, this.” He spreads his hands.
“Radomil Ivanovich,” interrupts Zakhar. “There have been new and dangerous developments.”
Sorokin’s cruel gaze shifts to Zakhar, his face set in a scowl. “Did you really expect to be welcomed back with open arms, Zakhar Sergeyevich? Especially after your … antics have left the Starukhin Bratva, and by extension, all of us, at such a disadvantage?”
Zakhar shifts uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding Sorokin’s piercing gaze. “I didn’t come here for a warm welcome,” he says defensively. “I came here because we need allies.”
“Your loyalty has always been … questionable,” Sorokin responds, his words laced with animosity. “Now that you’ve jeopardized the Starukhin Bratva, I hope you understand that there will be repercussions.”
My stomach churns at the implication of his stern words, and I notice Nikolai tensing up beside me. He knew this wouldn’t be easy, but I hadn’t guessed the extent of the risk we’d place ourselves in by coming here. The feeling of foreboding I felt earlier grows stronger.
“My feud with Zakhar Sergeyevich has been settled.” Nikolai’s voice is steady with confidence.
“Congratulations,” Sorokin declares. “You have the father’s blessings, but kidnapping another Lanzzare backfired this time. There are other matters that concern me more. I’ve heard rumors that you have switched sides, like Zakhar Sergeyevich here. “
Niko’s jaw tightens, but he maintains his composure. “My brigadiers are not to be trusted. What has happened was orchestrated by them starting from the day of my brother’smurder. They’re turning my people against each other and weakening us from within.”
Sorokin leans back in his chair, unimpressed. “The problem always ends at the pakhans, Nikolai Gennadyevich. A pakhan must rule, not blame. We had an agreement—you were supposed to handle the Lanzzare situation quickly and quietly. But this,” he flings his hands dramatically in the air, “is anything but discreet, quiet, or quick.”
My heart pounds in my ears as I watch the two men arguing, both refusing to back down. There has to be another way out, but now we have no choice but to go through with this. I wrack my brain for a way to convince Sorokin that we are doing the right thing.
“Radomil Ivanovich, I understand your frustration with the outcome so far.” Nikolai tries to navigate the treacherous waters of Sorokin’s temper. “But I assure you, my loyalty remains with the Bratva. I can still salvage this situation with aid from the Lanzzare.”
