Page 91 of Mafia King's Bride

I rise slowly, my eyes never leaving his. “Be careful, Nikolai,” I say, my voice low and dangerous. “You’re playing a game you can’t win. If I find out you’re involved in this…”

I let the threat linger, unspoken but clear as day. He might think he has power, but he has no idea what I’m capable of when it comes to Ana.

I storm out of his office, fury pulsing through my veins with every heartbeat. My mind is already racing, formulating plans, considering every possibility. I bark orders into my phone as I stride to my car, mobilizing my network.

“I want every Bratva hideout, every safe house, every goddamn hole in the wall searched,” I growl to my second-in-command. “No stone unturned, you understand? Use whatever means necessary. Just find her.”

THIRTY-FIVE

ANA

The sharp knock on the door nearly gives me a heart attack. I drop the spoon I’m holding, and it clatters to the floor like a mini cymbal crash.

Real smooth, Ana.

Who could that be? I’ve been holed up in this suburban Dmitri protection program for two weeks now, where the neighbors are about as social as hermit crabs. The only visitor I’ve had was dear old Dad, and I made it crystal clear he wasn’t welcome for a repeat performance.

“Maybe it’s just a really persistent Girl Scout?” I mutter, trying to calm my racing heart. But let’s be real, I’m on edge because I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. For Dmitri to show up and demand answers I’m not sure I’m ready to give.

The knocking gets louder, more insistent. Guess Girl Scouts are really upping their cookie game. I creep to the door, feeling like I’m in some low-budget horror movie. Peering through the peephole, I gasp.

“Ana?” Viktor’s voice carries through the door, strong and reassuring. “I know you’re in there. Please open up. We need to talk.”

I shake my head, even though he can’t see me. This wasn’t part of the plan.

“Anastasia?” he tries again, and this time I can hear the concern in his voice. “It’s Viktor. I need to see you. Please.”

Guilt sucker-punches me in the gut. How can I ignore him? I left without saying goodbye, and here he is, probably worried sick.

Taking a deep breath, I open the door. Viktor’s there, looking like he’s seen a ghost. Which, considering how I probably look right now, isn’t far off.

“You’re here,” he breathes, relief washing over his face. Before I can say anything, he pulls me into a bear hug.

It’s almost too much—the human contact, the familiar smell of his cologne, the safety I feel in my big brother’s arms. The dam breaks, and suddenly, I’m sobbing like a baby, all over his probably very expensive shirt.

Viktor, bless him, doesn’t say a word. He just guides me to the couch, holding me tight as years of pent-up emotion come pouring out. I cling to him like he’s a life raft in this stormy sea I’ve found myself in.

When I finally calm down enough to form coherent sentences, Viktor asks the million-dollar question, “Why did you leave?”

I sigh, suddenly feeling very small. “I’m sure you know.”

But Viktor, ever the lawyer, isn’t letting me off that easy. His frown is a mix of concern and determination. “I only know what he told me. I want to hear it from you, Ana. Why’d you disappear without a word? Do you have any idea what it’s been like? Dmitri’s gone off the deep end, starting wars with other Bratva groups. He’s a man possessed.”

My heart sinks. I knew there’d be fallout, but this? “Viktor, I?—”

“Tell me everything,” he says, his voice gentle but firm. It’s the same tone he used when we were kids, and he was helping me through a problem. It makes me feel safe, like maybe everything isn’t completely ruined.

So, I spill. I tell him about Papa’s threats, the impossible choice I was faced with. Viktor listens, his jaw clenching tighter with every word.

“You should have let him start that war,” he says, anger flashing in his eyes. Not at me, but at our father. “You can’t keep offering yourself up as a sacrifice, Ana.”

“I couldn’t,” I choke out. “I couldn’t live with myself if either of them got hurt because of me.”

Viktor’s expression softens, and he pulls me close again. “Oh, Ana. You’ve got the biggest heart of anyone I know. It’s not your fault our father decided to use you like this.”

As he holds me, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have him. Viktor’s always been my rock, my protector. Even now, when I’ve messed everything up, he’s here, strong and steady.

“How did you find me?” I ask, my voice still shaky.

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