Page 74 of Solemn Vow

“When I went back to look for the necklace, they showed up.” She takes the phone back, closes the app. “They didn’t see me. I was behind that wall of bushes.”

I rub the back of my neck. If they had seen her, knew she had this recording, they could have easily hurt her.

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.” She nods. “That’s what took so long. I waited until I was sure they were gone.”

My girl isn’t stupid; she knew how dangerous it would have been. And it was quick thinking to record their conversation.

“I have leverage over Jimmy now,” she announces proudly.

“Do you know what Michael Agosti will do to Jimmy if he hears that?” I tap the phone.

“I do.” She nods firmly. “He’ll kill him. Nephew or not, betraying him is a death sentence. And Jimmy knows it, too. That’s why it’s great leverage. If he shows Nicole Donato the photo of me with that car, I lose my job. I let Michael hear this, he loses his life.”

I stare at her a moment, letting her own words sink into her mind.

“Which means… I’d be responsible for his death.” Her shoulders sag. As much as she wants to get out from Jimmy’s thumb, having his death on her conscience isn’t a fair exchange.

“Send me the recording.” I work the buttons of my shirt open and shuck out of it, leaving me in my white undershirt. “I’ll meet with Jimmy and let him know what’s at stake if he doesn’t leave you alone. And if he won’t accept it, I’ll take the recording to Michael.”

“No.” She grabs my forearm. “If you get involved, that means the Petrov family gets involved. You going to Michael with this could cause more issues between him and the Donato family.”

I touch her cheek. “Marlena, I don’t give a fuck about that.” Stepping closer to her, I inhale the sweet scent of the perfume she wears. It’s a generic brand that smells of spiced honey, perfect for her. “It’s time this whole thing is over with.”

Her face falls a fraction and I hurry to explain.

“Not us. I never mean us.” I grip her chin harder. “I mean this mess with Jimmy and Michael. With this recording, it can end.You can put them all firmly in the past. Put them back there with all the demons chasing you.”

I kiss her, a soft, lingering kiss that’s more passion than possession, though inside I know damn well this woman belongs to me.

“Let me protect you. Give me that,moy sladkiy voin. Trust me to do that for you.”

She stares up at me with shimmering eyes.

“But getting involved in their business shouldn’t be something you need to do,” she argues.

“I will talk to Andrei and Sergei. They won’t deny me. They already know I will cut down anyone who threatens you. They’ll be behind me. Behind us.” I brush my lips across hers.

She could have easily kept this recording a secret. I would have never known about it. Next week she could meet with Jimmy as she planned and give her ultimatum.

But she didn’t.

She told me.

She trusted me with that much.

Now I’m asking her to trust me even more.

Let me hold her wellbeing in my hands. Give me the power I think she’s never given anyone before. Trust me in ways that she’s stopped herself from doing for years.

“Can I go with you to see him? This involves me, Viktor.” It’s not unreasonable that she would want to see this through. She has a past with Michael.

“I want you safe from any blowback that comes from this.”

“I don’t want you to have to deal with blowback because of me.” She holds tight to my wrist.

“If you swear you’ll do everything I ask so I can assure your safety, you’ll come.”

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