“It’s time for a change,” Leonid says, strolling toward me. “You’ve gone soft in your old age, especially after Mila and now this situation with the Sorvinos. The family needs strength and unity, not dividing our territories between our rivals.”
I shake my head. “Evgeni didn’t betray me.”
“No, he has no clue, and when he’s back tomorrow, he will bow to me as the new head of the family, or I will do to him what I’m about to do to you. I considered giving you a quick death, Ivan. I really did. Because we’re family, after all, but that’s just it. You say I’m your brother, but you would not name me the next heir to the family. Why Ivan? Because I’m not really your brother? I’m just the adopted one.”
I look up at him and swear at him in Russian, rather descriptively, before I say, “You’re always rash. That’s why. You don’t think things through, Leonid. You just react.”
“Well, you say that, and yet here we are. How was this for the ultimate checkmate,brother?”
I shake my head. “The family won’t bow to you. They won’t forgive you for getting rid of me.”
“You’re right, Ivan,” Leonid says, looking thoughtful. “Unless I kill Evgeni and his men before they return and blame it on them. Then they would definitely recognize me as the heir apparent.”
I smile. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing me beg for my life or plead for anything, in fact. I have honor. I have dignity.
My head snaps to the side as a resonating sound echoes from the back.
“Poydi posmotri chto eto bylo,” Leonid says, ordering two guards to go check out what made that sound. Once they are away, Leonid glances around, and one of his men suddenly hits the floor. We both look at the neat bullet hole in his head. Before Leonid can react, the doors burst open, and men rush in, detaining Leonid and the men he has with them.
Evgeni walks in behind his men and glares at Leonid, “Traitorous bastard. First, you make out that I’m the one who would betray our family, then you try to kill our Pakhan? Worthless shit.”
Leonid’s eyes are wide. “Evgeni, you have to admit he’s gone soft. We can share the power. We don’t need Ivan.”
Evgeni comes to me and cuts the cable ties. “Sorry we took so long.”
I smirk and take Evgeni’s gun. “Glad you showed up at all.”
Leonid squirms, and I raise the gun. “I’d torture you, but you’re not worth anything to this family.”
Before he can respond, I pull the trigger. My men let his body drop to the floor, and I turn to my cousin. “I thought it was you who betrayed me. It feels like everyone betrays me these days.”
“Ivan, I have no thirst for power. I don’t want to be in your seat, making the decisions you have to make. I’m pleased to be by your side.” Evgeni grins. “Now, if we’re done being emotional…” he turns away, but I stop him.
“Evgeni, one question.”
“Yes?” he asks.
“You’re back a day early. How did you know I needed to be saved from Leonid?” I raise an eyebrow. “Sorry, but my trust is thin these days.”
Evgeni chuckles and puts a hand on my shoulder. “That girl of yours, Vittoria, got my number from Ana, saying it was an emergency. She called me in a panic, sobbing her heart out, begging me to save you. Naturally, I came back and did just that.”
Tori.
Tori saved me.
“I know you’re surprised. I heard what she did. But in the bigger picture of things, it’s not so bad. Perhaps peace is possible between our families.” He looks at Leonid. “He didn’t understand how costly war is. The money, the lives. Tori understands. She wants peace.”
I look away, my thoughts racing in my head. Tori wants peace, not war. She sent Evgeni to save me.
“I owe her a life debt, and I hate owing people,” I comment, straightening my jacket. “We will meet with Alessandro and discuss mutually beneficial terms for our families. That will be my repayment. Then I never want to see them again.”
Evgeni smiles. “I think that’s a wise decision. Also, I don’t think you’ve gotten soft in your old age. I think you’ve gotten scarier because you used to hesitate when it came to taking a life. It was predictable. Now, you are tactful, thoughtful, and strategic. I never know what to expect anymore with you.”
I smile. “Rewards for your loyalty, at least.”
Chapter 27 - Vittoria
I have never felt more confident than I feel right now. Alessandro keeps glancing at me as though I’ve grown something on my face, but I just smile.