“Do you think so?”
“I do.” Pavel nods. “A one-time celebration to commemorate the first shots of this war. And they’ll be given everything they took from Cardona.”
“Yes,” I say. “We will show them that there is ample reward for following you.”
“We?” He cocks an eyebrow. “As in meandyou?”
“That’s the plan.”
His eyes narrow slightly in suspicion. “What are you playing at, Liya?”
“You’re fighting to put my brother back at the head of the Citta Nostra,” I say. “I know he made a bad impression of himself at the wedding. This is my way of making amends on his behalf to your men.”
“Not bad, Liya.” Pavel nods as he listens. “Not bad at all.”
I nod. “And presenting a united front with both of us will encourage them to support their generous boss.”
“Proving to them that I made the right decision.”
My grin blossoms like a flower in spring. “Exactly.”
“Information is never free, Liya,” he stands up and says, playing with the silver chain around his neck as he looks at me. He sits next to me and drapes his hand over my thigh. “So, what do you want?”
Everything.
I swallow hard. The lump is disappearing. “I want you to try to love me.”
“That’s it?” He looks playfully suspicious. “No spoils or riches of your own?”
“What could be richer than my husband’s respect and affection?”
He blinks with surprise, leaning back an inch. Did I just break his brain? The great and mighty leader of the Suvorov Bratva is stunned silent. And I did that.
What else can I do?
Two seconds drift by. Then three. By the time we’ve reached half a minute, he touches my chin lightly and whispers, “You have a deal, Liya.”
When his lips meet mine, shimmering light bursts between us. It’s the softest kiss he’s ever given me—and maybe the gentlest thing he’s done since our first meeting.
But this is so much stronger. This kiss promises me things I couldn’t have dreamed up on my own. It’s a testament to what I could have if I just open up a little bit.
Even if it means risking my heart.
My eyelids flutter closed as I melt into his touch. His tongue slides between my lips, exploring my mouth with a heated moan. Butterflies flutter to life in my gut. I’m practically brimming with a full season’s worth of flora and fauna when he pulls away.
No, I want more.
I blink away the thought and adjust my posture.
“I should go tell my brigadiers what waits for them,” he whispers. He strokes my cheek while adding, “Thank you,Rodnaya Lisichka.”
I’ve heard him call me things in Russian before but have never dared question it. It’s not like he gives off the kind of energy to invite questions.
But I’m feeling brave right now. “What does that mean?”
He stands and leans toward me, dragging his finger along my jaw. “Dearest little fox.” He pecks my lips and wanders toward the terrace door, peering over his shoulder as he adds:
“Because of how cunning you are.”