11
Antonio
My men head to the armory and load the vehicles with enough assault rifles and weapons that we are well prepared.
Mario returns from locking Aleksandra upstairs.
“It’s done,” he says. “Where would you like me, sir?”
“Keep an eye on the children. I don’t want any trouble from them. If the twins take after their mother, they might go snooping, looking for secrets.” While I doubt it’s likely that the four-year-olds would get into much, except perhaps making a mess, I also won’t take any chances.
“Sir,” Nikki steps out from the living room with the children. She’s Dante’s wife, Astrid and Mia’s mother, and from the stories I’ve heard, quite fiery and fierce. She’s been through quite a lot early on, when Dante and she met.
I respect her, not something I can say about everyone.
“Yes, Nikki. What can I do for you?” I glance at my watch. My men will be ready to head out any moment.
“I’d like to arrange a meeting with the Russian girl, Aleksandra. We have quite a bit in common, and I think I might be able to help.”
“Who says I need help?” I stare Nikki down, awaiting her answer.
“No one said anything, sir. But it’s obvious she’s upset, and locking her upstairs is only going to infuriate her further.”
Had she overheard the conversation about sending Aleksandra upstairs? I hadn’t intended to make it common knowledge throughout the complex that we’re not necessarily on the same side.
I hate that Nikki is right. “Go on,” I snarl. I don’t like being wrong, and it’s worse when someone else points it out.
“I’ve been in her shoes, the daughter of an opposing mafia family, and while her family is Russian and not Italian, I can relate to what she’s going through.”
“And what do you think talking to her will accomplish?” I don’t doubt that they share a common situation, but Aleksandra is strong-willed and isn’t going to bow down to my authority or listen to some girl tell stories about her past.
“For starters, it might invoke trust. sir. While I want Mikhail dead as much as the rest of us, killing him doesn’t solve the fact that he’s already conspired with other bratva organizations across the country. She might be a valuable resource if we turn her.”
“And you think you have the ability to turn her against the bratva?”
“Out of everyone here, I have the most experience with being estranged from family,” Nikki says. “What do you have to lose?”
My pride, for starters, but no one needs to know. And she’s right. If I need Aleksandra’s help, she won’t give it to me until I’ve gotten through to her.
“Keep it between us. You have until I return,” I say, glancing at my watch.
* * *
“You should stay here,” Ardian says as he grabs the key from the hook. “I know you want to be on the front lines and take out Mikhail, but you’re no good to the mafia dead.”
“I don’t plan on dying,” I say without a hint of amusement. “Are you questioning my ability as a soldier? I’ll have you know my life’s blood and sweat have been on the streets.”
“I don’t mean any offense.” Ardian is quick to backtrack. It’s not wise to piss off a don. “The leaders are all here to converse with you and draw up a plan to end the war that Mikhail started.”
“Roberto started it,” I admit to Ardian. It’s not a discussion that I’d have with just anyone, but he’s my best man, my most trusted ally, and my advisor. “Stealing kids, running The Cradle, this is all his fault.”
“Not to mention that we stole that boy, Liam, from the Barinovs,” Ardian says. “I get it. You’re trying to atone for your sins.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I never said that.”
“Bringing the girl under your roof. You’re either protecting her or in love with her. Maybe a little of both,” Ardian says.
The nerve of him! “Don’t get yourself killed today,” I retort. I’m not in the mood to discuss Aleksandra with anyone. It was bad enough Nikki had the audacity to come to me with her suggestion, but now I’ve got Ardian adding his input. He’s lucky I don’t put a bullet in him to shut him up.