How the fuck am I going to get Caruso to give in to the bratva?
“In the meantime, I’ll cancel the hits.” Viktor’s eyes turn to Director Koslov. “Consider this a request to cancel the hit on the D’Angelo family.” Viktor turns his attention back to me. “For the time being. Get the job done, or I’ll be forced to reinstate the hit.”
That means there’s still one out on Abbie’s family. Knowing how much Abbie means to Aurora, I almost request for that hit to be canceled as well, but stop myself in time.
I have no right to request such a thing of Viktor, and I’m already pushing my luck.
“Thank you, sir,” I say, my voice heavy with respect. “I appreciate the chance you’re giving me.”
“Good luck, Mikhail,” Viktor says, then the screen goes black.
I nod my head at Director Koslov. “Thank you for arranging the meeting.”
“You’re welcome.” The corner of his mouth lifts. “Now you can stop sneaking around.”
I smile at the director before I walk out of his office.
The meeting went much better than I expected, but I still have the problem of dealing with Aurora’s father.
When I walk into the warehouse, Alek comes running toward me. “Aurora’s freaking out. We can’t calm her down.”
Shit!
I break out into a sprint and weave my way through the crates. When I get to the aisle Aurora’s in, I see Instructor Yelena and Abbie trying to calm her down.
Aurora’s hyperventilating, clutching her chest while shaking her head. “C-can’t. C-c-can’t.”
“Out of my way,” I bark, and it has the two women scrambling to the sides as I kneel in front of Aurora. Framing her face, I force her to look at me. “I’m here,moy malen'kiy olen'.” I press my forehead against hers. “Breathe for me.”
Aurora’s eyes are locked on mine as if I’m the only thing standing between her and death. When I exhale over her lips, she desperately sucks the air in, the strangling sound I fucking hate straining through her throat.
“That’s it,Krasivaya. Another breath.”
Tears spiral down her cheeks, and using my thumbs, I brush them away.
She lets out a sputtering sob, then darts forward and throws her arms around my neck. I squash her petite body to me, pressing my hand against the back of her head.
“You’re doing so good,Krasivaya. Just focus on your breaths.”
She nods as she keeps sucking in air, and then she whimpers, “I’ll never get over this damn fear.”
With my free hand, I caress her back with soothing strokes. “You will. Be patient.”
When she finally calms down and pulls back, I tilt my head to catch her eyes. “Better?”
She nods before glancing at everyone who’s staring at us. Embarrassment makes a pink tinge creep up her neck.
I place my hand against her cheek, and when she locks eyes with me, I say, “I have good news.”
Her eyebrows draw together. “What?”
“Viktor gave his approval.”
Her eyes widen, and it takes a second, then a gorgeous smile spreads over her face. For a second time, she throws herself at me.
Chuckling, I hug the woman I’m free to love.
“Really? He said we can be together?”