Page 102 of Relentless Sinner

These are the last steps he will take as the renowned Ilya Bortsov, Pakhan of the Vysotsky Bratva. A man known throughout the formidable empire he built.

He steps toward me, his eyes solely focused on me. For a moment he seems to be walking normally, then his steps falter, his breath catches, and there’s a noticeable tremor through his frail body. But he keeps going.

Whatever willpower he’s summoned keeps going until he reaches me, then he stops.

“My sobralis' zdes' segodnya, chtoby stat' svidetelyami vosstaniya novogo imperatora,” he opens, telling our gathering they’re here to witness the rising of a new emperor.

Few things shock me. My father’s choice of word in regard to me—emperor—surpasseseverything.

He continues in the same vein, referring to me with respect. Years ago I would have thought this was some kind of joke or trick, but he’s never needed to do anything of the sort. And he doesn’t need to now.

He’s not singing my praises because he’s terrified of dying in a way that’s beyond his control.

This is the real him. He’s being genuine for once in his life.

My father also doesn’t need to act because as fucked up as our relationship is, he knows I’ll protect him.

It’s my flaw. I still have thatson’s lovefor his father even though he was the monster who haunted my nightmares.

I think of my mother, hoping she’s watching. I know Jacob is here watching over me the way he did when he was alive. But my mother…

I hope wherever she is she can witness this important milestone in my life and can see my father on a day when he seems to have acknowledged me as his son.

He finishes his speech and takes off the ring. The ring that all Pakhans before me have worn.

I extend my hand and he slips it on my finger.

“Long may you live and long may you serve,moy syn.” He speaks louder.

“Thank you, Father.” I dip my head.

When he bows his it signifies that the exchange of power is done.

The crowd cheers and there’s a shift in the air.

The feeling of triumph.

I did it.

I’m Pakhan now. The empire is mine.

I face the crowd and look at each of them, those who would follow me until death and those who follow because they must. Then I look at the beautiful girl I married.

She’s looking at me with the pride of a wife.

As I stare back at her I know the answer to Eve’s question now—do I want a business contract or a wife?

It turned out there was never a gray area and I knew the answer all along.

It wasn’t simply that I wanted Gabriella. I wanted her to be my wife.

But she was a pawn in the plot that got me to this point.

And she still is. That will never be okay.

Because…

Falling in love was never part of the plan but I broke my own rules forher.

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