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“Fuck, Mikhail,” she moans. “I’m coming.” Her body trembles like a jackhammer, and I can feel her pussy clench tighter and tighter as she loses all control. Her arms shake as she tries to hold on to the headboard. Her eyes roll to the back of her head, and I—I can’t keep it in any longer. I thrust into her one last time and my own orgasm follows, my body shaking violently as pleasure tears through me. The world around me goes dark momentarily as I gasp in relief.
Breathless, spent, tired, I remove myself from her and discard the condom. She’s lying there on her stomach, her back and ass perfectly arched, a vision for sore eyes. She’s looking sleepy, and I nestle in with her, take her in my arms. I kiss her gently on her forehead, and we both fall asleep.
Chapter 14 - Caterina
I wake to the warmth of Mikhail’s body pressed against my back, his arm draped heavily over my waist. Early morning light filters softly through the curtains, casting the room in a warm glow.
As I begin to stir, the sharp trill of Mikhail’s phone pierces the quiet. I frown, blinking the sleep from my eyes. Who could be calling at this hour?
Mikhail stirs behind me with a grumble, his arm tightening around my waist before he reaches for his phone. I twist in his embrace to face him as he answers, my eyes searching his face. His brows are drawn, voice low and gravelly from sleep.
He ends the call and meets my gaze, his eyes flickering with something unreadable.
“What is it?” I ask.
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Meeting called by Ivan. Says your presence is required.”
I furrow my brow. “For what? Why would he need me there?”
Mikhail shakes his head, jaw tightening. “I don’t know. But it must concern you, since it’s not regular Bratva business.”
A nervous energy thrums through me at his words. What could this be about? But I know better than to ask more questions. Ivan the Pakhan’s summons cannot be ignored.
Mikhail is already sliding from the bed, movements sharp and efficient as he dresses. I follow his lead, donning my clothes quickly.
“Let’s go,” I say, steeling myself. Arm in arm, we make our way downstairs. At last, we enter the lion’s den.
The conference room is dimly lit and windowless. Ivan, some of his men, Vanya, and Sergei are already seated at the long table. They look up as we enter, faces grim.
“Please, sit,” Ivan says, gesturing to the chairs opposite them. His tone is polite but his eyes are flinty, giving nothing away.
Mikhail pulls out my chair before taking the seat beside me. I meet Ivan’s gaze steadily, tamping down my nerves. Whatever revelation comes next, I must face it with courage. Mikhail’s hand finds mine beneath the table, bolstering me. I am not alone.
I give Mikhail’s hand a grateful squeeze, drawing strength from his solid presence.
Ivan clears his throat. “As you know, we’ve been investigating the shooting at your wedding.” His eyes bore into mine. “We believe we’ve identified the shooter.”
He slides a photograph across the table. I clench Mikhail’s hand convulsively as the image comes into focus. No. It can’t be.
But there’s no mistaking Sal’s cruel eyes, the jagged scar cutting through his left brow. The breath leaves my lungs in a rush. Sal, my father’s trusted soldier. He was the shooter at my wedding? But whatever for? Did my father wrong him in some way? Was he bought off by our enemies? Am I just mistaken?
“Do you recognize this man?” Ivan’s gaze is razor-sharp, missing nothing.
I open my mouth, but no words emerge. If I reveal what I know, the consequences will be catastrophic for my family.Perhaps in their quest to hunt Sal, Sal might unwittingly reveal some of my father’s secrets, and if that were to happen, my father would never forgive me. But if I stay silent, I’m betraying Mikhail, and his family.
I’m trapped, paralyzed by indecision. Mikhail’s eyes are questioning as they search my face. I want to confess everything, but the cost is too high. I tell myself, in this moment, that I must speak with my father. I’m guessing my father doesn’t know—if he did, he would personally avenge the shooting himself. Knowing Don Genovese, Sal is now a dead man walking.
I must go to my father immediately, let him settle the score and communicate what is necessary with my in-laws.
“No,” I manage finally, my tongue leaden. “I’ve never seen him before.”
The lie burns like acid, but I force myself to meet Ivan’s eyes. After a tense moment, he nods and looks away. But I can tell he’s unconvinced. My secret hangs over me like a sword on a thread. I’ve bought myself time, but for how long?
The meeting concludes swiftly. No one recognizes him. Numbly, I let Mikhail guide me outside.
I want to trust Mikhail with the truth, but it could destroy everything we’ve built. I’m trapped in an impossible choice: my family or his.
And so, I remain silent.
