Page 46 of Forced Bratva Wife

If I hadn't been with Lev and knew that these guys were here for him, I would have seriously considered leaving despite my intense hunger. Let's be real, they were pretty intimidating.

“Ivan,” Lev stood up from the table, clapping arms with the man who walked to the table in front of the other two, “And Abram and Vladimir. I hope you have some good news for me. Sit.”

The group filled in the spots around the table, and as they sat in the chairs that looked like they would barely hold their weight, I noticed the glint of metal in their jackets. Oh, right. Of course. Armed.

I hadn't been there to witness Lev getting dressed, and I couldn't help but sneak a glance at him. The burning curiosity of whether he was also carrying a weapon consumed my thoughts. I couldn’t tell, but I had to imagine he was. Something about the thought was both terrifying and comforting. If one of my father’s newly hired goons came in here, Lev would have a way to protect me.

That is a fucked up thought, Parker.

“We’ve got a bit, Mr. Vadim. A good bit.” Ivan’s eyes flicked to me and then back to Lev; he hadn’t been at the house and didn’t know me. “Who’s this?”

“My wife,” Lev answered cooly.

“Oh, well, mazel tov.” The man appeared unfazed by the recent development, and once again, I pondered on the identity of these men if they weren't part of Lev's closest advisors.

Lev smirked. “All right, boys. Let’s get down to business.”

Chapter 21 - Lev

My muscles coiled, feeling like they might tear from my bones. I was on edge, a bit of fury simmering through my blood at the thought of finally learning something about this asshole who was trying to fuck me.

Take my money. Take Vadims’ money. Oh, the fuck, I think not.

I hadn’t even truly heard something yet. Still, the prospect of news lit me up like a damn firecracker, and I was so ready to aim that firepower at Pavel.

It had been a long while since someone had drawn out this feral anger of mine. In New York, they knew better. But this fucking prick was trying something, backing his bullshit play with family money, and I was as livid as I’d ever been.

“So spill. I want this information. Pavel’s gone too far. He thinks he can fuck over the Vadims, and that isn’t going to go without repercussions.”

Ivan sat back in his chair, too damn nonchalant for my liking and obviously content with the information he’d found.

I rarely called all three of them to join me. Each one of them was a dangerous force to be reckoned with, even without their firearms - they were known as The Unholy Trinity. Their reputation was far-reaching, even getting back to me in NYC. The Vadims used them when they needed information, retribution, or delivery of assets fast and secure.

“He’s expanding, and he’s been paying well to keep it quiet.” Ivan took a sip of the scotch that appeared in front of him, Georgio’s service five-star as always. “He’s been reaching out to other families and dealers across town. He’s not planning on staying a loan shark for much longer.”

I clenched my fists, squeezing the napkin on my lap hard enough to make my knuckles ache. “I fucking knew it.”

Pavel's actions, the unexpected presence of his men when we confronted him, all conveyed the clear message that he was more than just skimming off the top. This fucker wanted to make a stand against all of the Vadims when he had the chance.

I slammed my fist down on the table, making Parker jump. “That piece of shit. Who’s he contacting? He’s got to have help.”

With a nod, Ivan recrossed his arms. His brothers flanked him on either side like the walls of protection they were, and Lev was reminded how glad he was that the three of them were still loyal to the Vadims. With their skills and level of violence, they’d make a killing on the independent market.

“Looks like a few rival families. His resources have been good. Staff, tech, he’s keeping his dealings very close to the vest. And yeah, he’s getting a lot of help from somewhere.”

Ivan raised his brows at me, and it took everything not to rage at the damn table. I distracted myself, as I usually did, by studying the room. We were still clear. I couldn’t spot any outliers in the restaurant, and the Trinity would notice someone coming from a mile away.

“I can tell you he’s not discriminating either. Pavel’s been talking with every other family in town. The Varettis, the O’Connels, Familia del Sol, Han’s men, Kumamoto.”

That’s nearly everyone in the fucking city.

The clink of metal on glass pulled my attention back to Ivan as he set his scotch back on the table, his middle finger ring tapping the surface.

Objectively, he was a terrifying asshole, and I wasn’t exactly a cuddly bear myself. He had light blonde hair, long bangs sweeping over his forehead, and gray-blue eyes. He also sported a permanent five-o’clock shadow. Clad in a leather jacket like his brothers, Ivan was cold, with harsh angles and imposing muscles strapped to a six-four frame.

“He's been in a few meetings where I couldn't get close to him. He would transfer to another vehicle and drive away to have a conversation. Pretty smart, honestly.”

With his classic “hate to say it” frown, Ivan took another swig, and his brothers echoed the respectful frustration. Tracking an idiot was easier, and I could tell none of the three enjoyed having to chase Pavel around but couldn’t help but admit the forethought of it all.

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