Page 50 of Arranged to Marry the Bratva

Boris clears his throat. "Gentlemen, let's begin. As you know, we have an important opportunity in front of us—the casino resort venture in Macau."

I nod. "If we play our cards right with the local triads, this could be a highly lucrative investment."

"Nikolai has done excellent work so far securing the necessary permissions for the French Riviera resort and casino," Boris says. The Zolotov brothers murmur in agreement.

"Once the papers are signed, we'll be in prime position to draw high rollers from across Europe." I allow myself a small smile. Perhaps this deal will finally earn me some respect from Anoushka's family.

Boris claps his hands together. "Well, gentlemen, given Nikolai’s past success, I believe he should handle Macau as well. Let's discuss logistics… "

The conversation continues, but inside, I worry. For the Macau project, I’ll have to spend months courting the Chinese gangs, greasing the right palms. No one can even imagine how many threats I’ll have to endure behind closed doors.

Yet, I feel the first sparks of hope. If we pull this off, even the Zolotovs can't deny that I'm worthy of their sister. From the way this meeting is going, I can tell that they’re already impressed by how the French Riviera project is coming along.

If I get Macau done, I’d damn well be ushered right into the family. Of course, that would entail a lot of travel and more time than I’d like being away from Anoushka.

The thought of being away from her already puts me on edge, and I’m already thinking of ways to make the travel lighter on my schedule.

Who knows? Maybe she could come with me sometime? To Macau? Do a little shopping? Get a little vacation?

The discussion of the Macau casino winds down, and Boris steers the conversation in a new direction.

"Now, regarding our projects here… " He looks pointedly at his brothers.

“Yes,” Lev sighs. “With so many overseas projects, we would need more hands on deck.”

I know where this is going before they even need to say it. I tense, gripping the arms of my chair. More hands could mean only one thing: More family. The last thing I want is more Zolotovs with a penchant for disliking my family and me.

Boris seems to sense my hesitation. "Our cousins from Russia—they're young, ambitious. I think we can bring them on board, if handled delicately. Besides, once you have the basic claws set in Macau, the older ones, Abram or Vladimir, could travel at your behest."

I take a slow breath, considering. It’s clear that Boris isn’t threatening me with their presence, but rather, truly believes they could bring value to us.

I won Boris and his brothers over. Who says I can’t do the same with Abram’s clan? Perhaps winning over the cousins would be easier than it had been with Anoushka’s direct family. "Very well. Please extend the invitation. I’ll make sure to welcome them should they arrive."

The brothers exchange glances, clearly relieved how smoothly this news was digested on my end, then nod.

"Excellent," Boris says, smiling with satisfaction. The deal is struck.

Inside, I wonder if I've just made a dangerous gamble. But again, I won Boris and the lot over. The cousins from Russia should be child’s play.

***

I leave the meeting feeling uneasy about the promises made. Bringing in the cousins could destabilize the delicate balance of power.

But I push aside my doubts as I return home. Anoushka's car is in the drive, though she said she'd be out today visiting her sisters-in-law. Strange.

I find her in the bedroom, curled under the covers. She barely stirs when I enter.

"Anoushka? What's wrong?"

She murmurs something indistinct, not meeting my eyes. I sit on the edge of the bed, resting my palm on her forehead. She's clammy but not feverish.

"Talk to me. Are you ill?"

"I'm fine," she says weakly. "Just tired."

My worry deepens. She's been listless and withdrawn for almost four days now. I thought it was just in my head, but now…

As her husband, it’s my job to ensure she’s not unwell. Have I not been giving her the attention she deserves? Has she been seriously ill, and I’ve taken it lightly as general fatigue?

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