Page 69 of Trapping His Darling

“Come to Russia with your pregnant wife, have your child here so father can recognize it, and help me expand in the states.” I couldn’t make it easy on him. If he was going to utilize my resources, I was going to get something out of it.

Tiffany watched me with wide eyes, as I not only put my brother back in his place, but also gained what may be a strong ally in the future.

“Done.”

Another awkward pause, then Tiffany swatted my mid section. “I’ll send some of our best foot soldiers, and Alexie?”

“Yes?”

“Get it done quickly. I expect to see you in Russia in the next month.” We not only needed to bury the hatchet, but as the nextPakhan, I needed to meet his new bride and welcome her into the family.

The past monthhad been blissful between Tiffany and I. We were stronger than ever, but as our love grew, my father grew weaker. We didn’t know how much longer he would live. Every time I brought up his condition, Tiffany’s eyes shuttered.

I wanted to question her about the secrets behind her gaze, but I had to pick up the slack my father’s illness left. That meant dealing with our Italian allies, who were ready to go to war for the issues that happened on Russian soil.

The Italian liaison sat in the meeting room, while I sat behind my father’s desk, filling his shoes.

“You have yet to make up for the mistake of your brother. Now with the murder on top of it, we are unsure where our loyalties lie.”

I rubbed my chin. “Murder is a strong word, when our doctor has confirmed she died of natural causes.”

“Our doctors state differently.”

All of our meetings were like this. We were at an impasse, and I didn’t know how to fix it.

“What is the solution? We cannot pay in blood as your Don has asked. We won’t.” I would rather go to war and lose my soldiers honorably.

“There is but one solution,” Roger stated, looking over at me for permission.

I granted it with a nod of my head.

“We need to form a powerful alliance with our allies, something that would appease your Don, but wouldn’t end in bloodshed.”

“Yes, if we were integrated by marriage, there would be no need for war.”

“Has your wife taken a pregnancy test?” Roger asked me.

I shook my head. “But we could give a promise.”

“Yes, your first born would do.”

“Ah, I have a caveat to that. You may have an alliance with our first born daughter.” I didn’t want to stick my son in a marriage he may not want. It would be more advantageous to leave him open for a more powerful ally.

Roger nodded. “It is what we do with Russian females before sending them off to boarding school.”

“Let’s draw up the contract, stating my first born daughter will be given to the Italians in a marriage to…” I trailed off, looking at my Italian liaison.

“The Don’s current three sons are already married, however his eldest has a son who is a newborn.”

I knew that, but just wanted confirmation that the child still lived. The Don’s eldest seemed to have issues keeping his children alive. It was a mystery I didn’t have the time nor the inclination to pursue.

“It will be done and signed in blood from both parties.” I gave Roger the signal, and he left as quietly as he came into the room, to get the paperwork together.

Third time’s the charm, right?

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Tiffany

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