Page 44 of The Councilor

“My father got himself into the mess he found himself in. He knew better. Everyone who dares go against the Bratva knows they’re on a short leash. And Vadim was more like me, a very young man with big ideals. He wanted to change how his father handled running the businesses. He used to run ideas by me, finding the most lucrative and very legitimate businesses. His father had been in the traditional syndicate business of drugs,women, blackmail, and extortion. He didn’t know what to do with Vadim’s brilliant ideas, and they were brilliant.”

“But the Bratva aren’t completely legitimate.”

He laughed. “No, but enough so we usually don’t have issues with the Feds and certainly not local law enforcement. He does what he can to give back to the community as well. We developed a tight bond, tight enough that either one would die for the other. Now, I don’t plan on that, but being his Councilor is something I’d proud of. As crazy as that might sound.”

“He seems very nice.”

Another laugh was followed by a slight growl. “That’s not the way you acted on the ride back to my place.”

I shrugged but shivered instead when he placed his hand on my knee. Even through the dense material, the pressure was similar to the way he’d enticed my clit. I didn’t want to have these feelings for the man, but seeing his slightly vulnerable side, just a little bit of the man underneath the monster in expensive suits was stirring something in my tummy.

“I know. I’ve built more than one wall around myself. It came easily and naturally.”

“One day, Raphaella, I do hope you can trust me. I’m not planning on ruining your life by any means. I don’t need to push you into a cage or a box, but we need to see eye to eye on a few things.”

So much of me wanted to balk against what he was saying but I knew it to be true. If we weren’t completely bonded together, at least in appearances, it would be like going against a thousand swords.

It was time to grow up. Past time.

And face the music.

We both remained quiet as he finished the drive to my apartment. He was forced to park on the street, the men following us as well. Even before stopping the car, he glanced up at the floor where I lived. “I need my men to check out the area.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to command them to break in and scare my roommates half to death.”

“No, but ensuring our moves weren’t anticipated and that we weren’t followed is something else entirely. Anything could be used as a way of digging a hole big enough to attack through.”

The fact he was going to wear his weapon right out in the open forced another series of shivers down my spine. While he knew covert actions better than I did, the entire situation still unnerved me.

“Besides, the sooner you can leave the apartment the less likely your friends will be made targets.”

He was out of the car before I could say anything. As he walked around to open my door, I peered up at the windows. There was no way of telling if either one was home. None of us had a vehicle but I had to be prepared.

What the hell was I supposed to say?Hey, girls. Look at this hottie. We met, fell in love, and are now getting married. In two fabulous days. Right. That wouldn’t fly. Yes, they knew about my father but believed him to be a sweet, doting older dad and nothing more. Putting the fear of God into them wasn’t good for anyone.

Ivan led the way into the building, Kristoff remaining behind us. They were silent, stealthy in their actions. I sensed extensive training. Maybe I should be glad for that fact. When we’d left Aleksander’s estate, I’d noticed additional vehicles, men walking the property. He was worried there’d be a hit.

I had to face so many terrible facts that it felt as if I’d fallen off a cliff directly into a nightmare.

As we entered the building, the men did an immediate sweep. I’d seen the actions before in my father’s men but had pretended they didn’t matter. However, I’d gleaned more from them than I’d ever let on to anyone.

I removed my keys from my purse, my hand shaking for no real reason. I still didn’t know what to say about his sudden appearance in my life, but I’d figure something out. I was damn good at winging it. Right?

When I reached the door, Ivan flanked one side, Kristoff the other. Aleksander placed his finger across both lips in a reminder to be quiet.

While he allowed me to unlock the door, opening it slightly, after we heard nothing for a few seconds, he moved inside first. This was the first time he’d removed his weapon and as he held it in his hands, I was struck by how natural it seemed to him.

A natural born killer. Was there such a thing or were they all trained?

I waited in the tiny entrance foyer, realizing both girls were out.

Aleksander moved through the small apartment. That took him less than two minutes. When he returned, he nodded to me.

“I know these are your things, but we can’t waste but so much time. Okay?”

“Understood.”

“My men have been asked to grab your… pottery lathe.” He studied my reaction and in truth I was touched.

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