Page 23 of Arranged Mafia Marriage

I glare at him, anger bubbling up inside me. “You can’t order me around like one of your men. I’m your wife, remember? Or is that just for show?”

The room goes deathly quiet. Anya and Misha studiously avoid looking at either of us, suddenly very interested in their respective devices.

He glares, and for a moment, I think he might explode. Instead, he takes a deep breath, visibly calming himself. “You’re right,” he says softly. “You’re not one of my men. You’re my wife, and that means I have a responsibility to keep you safe.”

“I understand that,” I say, my own anger deflating slightly. “I have a responsibility too. To this family, and to myself. You brought me into this world, so you can’t expect me to just sit on the sidelines while everyone else risks their lives.”

Kiril studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he exhales raggedly. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

I shake my head, standing my ground. “No, I’m not.”

He rubs his forehead, looking suddenly tired. “Fine. We’ll compromise. You can be on-site, but you’ll stay in a secure vehicle with Viktor. You’ll coordinate from there, and under no circumstances are you to leave that vehicle. Understood?”

Relief and triumph surge through me. “Understood. Thank you, Kiril.”

He nods curtly. “Don’t make me regret this decision.”

“I won’t,” I promise. “I’ll do exactly as you say.”

He turns back to the map, effectively ending our discussion, and Anya and Misha visibly relax. “Misha, I need you to set up a secure comm system in one of the SUVs. Make sure it’s bulletproof.”

Misha nods, already tapping away at his tablet. “On it, boss.”

“Anya, brief Viktor on the change of plans. I doubt he needs the reminder, but make sure he understands the importance of keeping Felicity safe.”

“Of course,” Anya says, pulling out her phone.

I stand there uncertainly. This is really happening. I’m going to be part of a real mafia operation.

Kiril looks up at me, his expression softening slightly. He catches my arm gently. “Felicity,” he says quietly, so only I can hear. “I hope you understand why I was hesitant. It’s not because I don’t think you’re capable. It’s because I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”

His words send warmth spreading through my chest. I see the concern in his expression. “I understand, and I appreciate it, but I need to do this. For myself, and for us.”

He nods, releasing my arm. “You should try to rest for a bit, so you’re ready for the operation.”

As I head back to my room, my mind races with thoughts of what’s to come. I’m scared but also exhilarated. For the first timesince this whole ordeal began, I feel like I’m taking control of my life in some small measure.

10

Kiril

Hours later, adrenaline from the successful operation still pumps through my veins as I rush back to the vehicle to find Felicity with Viktor. She’s still visibly on edge but seems to be finding her strength, and a surge of pride at how well she handled herself goes through me.

“You did well,” I say as I settle into the backseat beside her. “Staying put and observing was exactly what I needed you to do.”

Felicity’s lips curve into a small smile. “Thank you. I’m glad I could help, even if it was just from the sidelines.”

I nod, studying her face. There’s new confidence in her demeanor and a hint of the strength I was sure she had lurking beneath the surface. It’s time to introduce the next challenge. “There’s something we need to discuss.” I pause, choosing my words carefully. “Your father wants to meet you.”

She inhales sharply. “My father? Santino?”

“Yes. He’s expressed a desire to see you in person.”

She looks down at her hands, which fidget in her lap. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

I understand her hesitation. The revelation of her true heritage is still fresh, and meeting the man responsible for the upheaval in her life is a daunting prospect. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but after his stroke, his health is uncertain.”

Felicity’s head snaps up to look at me. “What do you mean?”

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