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“Fine,” Dominic says, pulling my eyes back up to his. He’s watching the two of us, making no attempt to hide the pain in his eyes. No matter what happens, Dominic’s sister will still be dead at the end of it. Killing the man who murdered her will bring him some relief, but it’s never going to take away the pain of losing his sister. I hope it can bring him a little peace, though.
“I told you guys no meetings without me.”
We all turn to see Roman walking down the hall towards us in flannel pajama bottoms and a T-shirt. The inked-up forearms that are usually covered up by his expensive suits are on full display.
“Glad to see you’re feeling better,” Dominic tells him. “You’re very fortunate that the asshole who shot you didn’t hit any nerves.” He gives Lev a pointed look. “You know, like the asshole who shot me.”
Lev’s full mouth splits into a wide grin. “I guess I’m just a better shot.”
Dominic shakes his head at Lev and mutters something in Italian while Roman grabs a water from the fridge and leans against the island.
“So what’d I miss?”
Danil fills him in, and once Roman’s caught up, Dominic says, “I want to be involved in this. I want to know what’s going on, and when the auction happens, my men and I will be right there with you.”
“Of course,” Vitaly says. “We wouldn’t dream of running our Bratva without the Alessi mafia right fucking beside us.” He’s trying to look mad, but I can see the smile playing at his lips.
“It’s an unlikely friendship,” Dominic agrees, “but it works to our advantage. No one fucking suspects it.”
“True.” Vitaly gives him another smug grin. “Just try not to show how much you love me in public. People will start talking, and I do have a reputation to protect.”
“I can tell my husband is driving you crazy again.” Katya walks in, stopping next to Vitaly. She points a finger at Dominic. “I recognize that look. It’s the same one I give when Vitaly’s being insufferable.”
Vitaly laughs and lightly smacks his wife’s ass.
“Insufferable is one way to put it,” Dominic says. “I would’ve chosen a different word.”
“Don’t be mean.” Vitaly laughs even harder at the pointed look Dominic gives him. “Besides, you’re practically family now. Anytime you want to give up the Italian mafia life and join our Bratva, just let me know.”
“That’ll be the fucking day.” Dominic shakes his head and puts his jacket on. “Let me know what the plan is for the night of the auction.”
“Will do,” Danil assures him. “I need to run to the mansion and talk to Casimir about a few things. I want to leak a few details about Konstantin so it seems like he’s still active in the city. We put up a message shortly after the Red Viper burnt down, making it clear that it wasn’t foul play and that no one got hurt.”
“Bet that cost you a lot of money,” Dominic says with a laugh.
Danil smiles. “It didn’t cost us a penny. We have so much fuckingdirt on every politician in this city. It didn’t take much to convince them to bury the story and to list it as zero casualties.”
“My poor father-in-law died in a car wreck on his way to a charity function, didn’t you hear?” Roman asks with a harsh laugh. “Way more than the asshole deserved, but we couldn’t expose him without it ruining everything. No one would’ve stepped foot in this city if they knew he’d been killed in the fire that destroyed the Red Viper.”
“You guys have been busy,” Dominic says, and as much as he might wish he could hide it, I hear the respect in his voice. “Mind if I tag along? I’d like to hear what Casimir says, and I’m curious about the Lebedev mansion.”
“Fine with me,” Danil says. “We’re heading there now.”
Alina looks up at me and whispers, “It’s okay if you want to go.”
I smile down at her and kiss her forehead. “I don’t need to go, baby.”
“No, but you want to, and I’m fine with that.” She looks over at Katya and tells me, “We were planning on keeping Emily company today anyway. We’re going to sprawl out on their giant bed and watch some movies.”
When I hesitate, she adds, “Don’t worry. Roman will be here, too.”
I look over at him, and as much as he’s trying to act like he’s fully recovered, his movements are slower than usual and there’s a tightness to his jaw that isn’t usually there. That bullet may not have done the damage that Dominic’s did, but it’s still taken a toll on him. Plus, he’s not going to risk leaving Emily after she almost went into labor.
Alina kisses my cheek, making everything else fade away except the feel of her soft lips against my skin. Every touch she gives me is a fucking gift, and I’ll never take even the smallest touch from her for granted ever again.
“Go, Matvey. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
I kiss her cheek, cupping the back of her head and splaying my other hand along her lower back. “Are you sure?”
