Page 62 of The Virgin I Desire

I slammed the car door and got out of the vehicle, walking towards the entrance of the mansion. The men who were with me stopped at the door and I walked through the living room to my office. I entered the room, took the gun out of my holster and placed it on the table. I opened the first drawer and checked to see if I still had ammo within reach.

I had spent a lot of time in Rome and would need to get things in order and remind everyone who was boss.

I heard a knock on the door, and I looked up, seeing Sergei standing there watching me.

“It's good to have you back,” he said to me, but when I didn't say anything else, he continued. “I imagine you managed to resolve the matters of interest to you.”

“Partially.” I didn't delve because I still didn't want the man or anyone else to know the reasons that took me to Italy’s capital.

I would only tell when Pietra finally came with me to Russia and became my wife. I imagined it would be easier to do this, however, it was much more slippery than I would have liked. It would be much simpler for both of us if she didn't care so much about the rest of the Belluccis or that she didn't care about our involvement to turn into a war.

I was thinking about her proposal, as much as my people might be afraid at first, an alliance with the Italians could bring benefits to business. However, how long would I have to wait for this plan of hers to work?

“Can I help you with something?” Sergei spoke again and I shook my head no, remembering that the man was in front of me.

“Nothing.”

“But...”

“If any help or advice is needed, I will let you know.”

“Alright.”

“How was business here?” I changed the subject to something that should really matter to him.

“Everything went as planned.”

“Excellent.”

“There's something I'd like to talk to you about.”

“What?” I crossed my arms in a firm posture but encouraged him to continue.

“You killed the leader of Kirov, and we are facing some local conflicts in the power struggle for a new leader to take over.”

“He had no heirs?”

“It looks like the kid is only seventeen years old.”

“Isn't that enough? Do you think he's not capable?”

“It's not me who's questioning this, but the other men who obeyed his father.”

“Call the boy here and any possible opposition.”

“Yes, sir.” He took a short break while I relaxed but brought up another subject that bothered me. “There's something else.”

I pursed my lips.

“They continue to insist on presenting a possible wife. I think we can have a party, so you can meet...”

“Sergei, are you deaf?”

His eyes widened and he took a step back at my harsh question.

“No, sir... You said you will choose, but when you look at all the options you may change your mind. Some still question your right to become the Pakhan, and with a good marriage they can accept it better.”

“They will accept me or die for it.”

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