Page 47 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

I turn to Kiril. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

He studies me for a moment with intensity. “You’ve already done more than enough. You saved my life tonight.”

I shake my head. “I just knocked over a glass. You’re the one who got us out of there.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself,” Kiril says firmly. “Your instincts are sharp. You noticed something was off with that waiter when no one else did. That kind of awareness is invaluable in our world.”

His words make me sit up straighter as pride envelops me in a warm embrace. “So, what’s our next move?”

Kiril’s lips curve into a small smile. “Our next move is to show Damiano and anyone else who might be thinking of crossing us that we’re not to be trifled with.”

“How do we do that?” I ask, cocking my head to the side.

“We strike back,” Kiril says through tight lips. “Hard and fast. We hit Damiano where it hurts most. His business operations have always been a single point of failure for him. He doesn’t keep as much cash on the sidelines as I do, so any disruptions in his cashflow will leave him vulnerable.”

I lean forward, intrigued. “What kind of business operations are we talking about?”

Kiril reaches for a tablet on the coffee table, pulling up a series of documents and maps. “Damiano’s main source of income comes from weapons. He’s got a major shipment of guns and ammunition coming in next week, so we’re going to intercept it.”

I study the information on the screen, my thoughts whirling. “Won’t that be dangerous? He’ll be expecting some kind of retaliation after what happened at the casino.”

“He will be, but we have the element of surprise. He won’t expect us to move this quickly, especially not against such a high-value target.” He smirks. “He probably thinks we don’t even know about this shipment, but he’s not the only one with sources.”

My eyes widen. “You mean, you have your own Alexei on his team?”

Kiril gives me a satisfied smile. “Yes,” he says simply before diving into the intricacies of the plan.

I’m drawn into the strategy of it all. It’s complex, dangerous, and exhilarating. I truly feel like I’m part of this world and not just an outsider thrust into it by circumstances. “I want to help. Not just from the sidelines this time. I want to be involved in the action,” I say.

Kiril’s expression turns serious. “Felicity, I think we’ve been over this. I know you’re able to handle a lot, but it’s better for you to sit this out, or at least, as you said, take a spot on the sidelines.”

I sigh, knowing he’s right but that I’m still going to fight him on it. I always do. “I know that, but I’m your wife, your partner. I need to learn how to navigate this world if I’m going to be any use to you.”

He studies me for a long moment. Finally, he nods, which is unexpected. He’s not putting up any sort of fight this time around. Perhaps he’s finally realized it’s useless. “All right, but you follow my lead, understand? No unnecessary risks,” he says.

I nod eagerly. “Of course. I’ll do exactly as you say.”

Kiril pulls me close, brushing his lips across my forehead. “You continue to surprise me. I never expected you to adapt so quickly to this life.”

I snuggle into his embrace, feeling safe despite the danger that surrounds us. “I never expected it either, but I’m starting to realize there’s more to me than I ever knew.” Maybe I’m more Santino’s daughter than I’d like to admit. It’s an uncomfortable thought but also somehow reassuring in its own way.

20

Kiril

Icall an emergency meeting with my captains to discuss the recent events in Atlantic City and plan our retaliation against Damiano. The room is tense as everyone settles in, their faces grim with what’s at stake.

“We’ve been patient long enough,” I say coldly. “Damiano’s attempt on our lives in Atlantic City can’t go unanswered. It’s time we show him the consequences of his actions.”

I lay out my plan for a coordinated strike against two of Damiano’s key operations. “We’ll hit him where it hurts most. His money and his weapons.”

Misha leans forward, practically vibrating with anticipation. “What’s the target, boss?”

“Two targets,” I correct him. “First, we’re going to raid Damiano’s main money laundering front, that high-end nightclub in Manhattan. We’ll hit it during peak hours, destroythe premises, and take all the cash and financial records we can get our hands on.”

Viktor nods approvingly. “That’ll certainly get his attention. What’s the second target?”

“The Port of Newark. We’ve received intel that Damiano’s expecting a shipment of weapons. We’re going to intercept and hijack it. Not only will we acquire valuable firearms for our side, but we’ll also deprive Damiano of much-needed weapons and ammunition.”

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