Page 21 of Ruthless Vows

“The only appeasement they’ll accept is my brother’s head,” I grit out.

He tips the glass in his hand toward me with a self-satisfied smirk. “There you go, then. The answer to your problem.”

“I’m not sacrificing my brother.”

“If you ask me, it’s long overdue. How long do you think it’ll be before he pisses off someone powerful enough to wipe us all out? I say feed him to the dogs and be done with him.”

My eyes narrow. “Don’t talk about my brother that way.”

“So protective,” Igor muses. “It’s a waste that protectiveness is relegated to your undeserving brother. Have you ever considered getting married? I imagine a wife would do you some good.”

“Because it’s worked out so well for you,” I drawl meaningfully.

The Pakhan frowns. “That doesn’t matter, Ivan. I will not authorize a war with the Aguilars.”

His words don’t faze me because it’s nothing more than I’d been expecting. So long as he continues to hold the position of Pakhan, he calls the shots. And while I might be powerful, I can’t override any decision he makes.

That being said, I’m adept at the art of persuasion. Or blackmail if we want to be literal. And the Pakhan has so many juicy secrets to choose from. When I remind him of one of such secrets, he turns pale. Before gritting his teeth and giving me the permission I need.

“Make sure the Bratva doesn’t suffer from your actions in this stupid war.”

“Of course,” I tell him, inclining my head. “Nice doing business with you, Pakhan.”

He doesn’t look up at me as I walk out of the office, probably thinking back to one of the more shameful moments in his past which I just reminded him of.

“The men are ready and waiting for your orders, boss,” Ruslan mentions as soon as I step outside.

He doesn’t even question whether I got permission from the Pakhan. He has absolute faith that I did.

“Where are the Aguilars now?” I ask as we walk outside toward the car.

Someone tries to talk to me, one of the high-up commanders. But a slight shake of my head has him changing course. I need to concentrate.

“Gearing for the fight at the factory they own.”

“Good. We might as well take the fight to them,” I mutter, stretching my hand so Ruslan can hand me some bandages.

We enter the car and I wrap my fists slowly as I think about how the rest of the day is going to go. I really do hate unnecessary murder. But by the time night falls, I’ve killed morepeople than I can count. And it’s still not enough considering Aguilar’s able to escape with his men.

It doesn’t matter, I’ll hunt him for as long as I have to.

Oddly enough, when I return to my villa, my thoughts travel back to the Pakhan’s words. About me needing a wife. I’d be lying if I said I’d never considered it, but marrying always seemed like a bother. A marriage has never served any benefit to me. Until now.

I think back to a deal I made a couple of months prior and soon enough an idea starts to take root in my head.

This really is a dangerous game. But it’s one I plan to win. All I need to do is to be patient. It’ll all fall into place eventually.

CHAPTER 7

Lucia

ONE MONTH LATER

I’ve always believed in being grateful for the little things in life. And right now, my heart is completely full as I stare down at the baby in my arms. Alejandro Valerio Ramirez—named after both of his grandfathers.

“He is the most adorable thing ever. Aren’t you, Ale?” I ask, rocking him in my arms while his mother watches from her seat on the couch.

I’m currently standing in the home I grew up in. I haven’t been here in over a decade and yet the mansion is still unchanged and entirely familiar. I arrived in Chicago only just yesterday instead of the previously agreed time, which was two weeks ago. Like my sister predicted she gave birth a week earlier than expected, so she’s currently three weeks postpartum and hating everything and everyone. Except her baby, of course. And occasionally her husband. I get a pass as well. Sometimes.

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