Page 95 of Unleashed

“Of all the fucking ways to betray us. Jesus, Rafail, I hope to god you let me take a turn.”

I lean back in my seat and blow out a breath. “Yeah. We all will.”

“How long has he been working with Soloto? Do we have any idea?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know.”

I should be more concerned with the betrayal. I should be planning Gleb’s execution and how I’ll make an example of him to every other man of the Kopolov Bratva who’s pledged allegiance to my family. But all I can think about is… Polina. She isn’t technically mine, and I know that. But I’ve fallen deeply, madly in love with the woman, and I meant what I said. I’ll fight the Romanovs if I have to. I’ll fight them to the death.

It isn’t just about control anymore. My need for her transcends that.

“I lied to her,” I tell Semyon, shaking my head. “I had her believe we’d been married.”

“And it was the only lie you told her.” He stares at me, his eyes hard. “You did what you thought was right. You believed her to be someone else, someone who betrayed your family and threatened our safety. You did believe she belonged to you, by all intents and purposes, Rafail.”

I nod and blow out a breath. I did, I know, but will she see it that way?

“I’d have done the same,” Rodion says. “You know I would. Take her as mine. Teach her who’s the man of the house. Tied her to my bed and?—”

“Enough.”

Rodion’s eyes dance as he shuts up. He still means every word.

Good. I raised him right.

“What’s your plan?” Semyon asks as we pull up to the house.

I blow out a breath and straighten my shoulders. “Tell the truth. Be as transparent as I possibly can. Fight to work with the Romanovs so we can forge a partnership that benefits us both.” I lower my voice. “But I meant what I said about not letting her go without a fight.”

Semyon straightens. “Damn right.”

Rodion pats his holster. “We fight with you.”

A car pulls up as we do, and in short time, a regal but older woman with silver hair pinned in a bun, dressed in slim-fitting jeans and a pale-pink sweater, exits the car.

It’s the woman I saw the first time I laid eyes on Polina.

I extend my hand to her. “Rafail Kopolov. Welcome to my home, Mrs. Romanova.”

She takes my hand and shakes it firmly. “Ekaterina Romanova.” She sighs, and her eyes grow sad. “I believe I owe you all an explanation.”

Chapter 30

POLINA

Little Zoya doesher best to bring ease to the tension in the room. “May I bring some tea and refreshments?” she asks Rafail, who begrudgingly allows her with a nod. She’s at home in the kitchen and wants to play the part of hostess.

He has his work cut out for him, and I know this. We also have unresolved conflict we need to deal with. Still, I don’t know what to do first. I look around the room, half-bewildered, as Rafail issues commands and makes calls as my brothers’ cars pull up to the curb.

“It’ll be alright.” I look to see Grandfather sitting in one of the upholstered chairs, his gnarled hand gripping the top of his cane. “Stay strong.”

I nod and lift my head. I will.

When my brothers enter the room, however, I move without thinking. I run to them. For once, I feel like a little girl again—safe, loved, and protected. These are my brothers, my flesh and blood.

How will I ever choose between the family who raised me and the one I’ve come to love here?

Mikhail’s arms are wide as I launch into his bear-like hug. My oldest brother, my protector. We have always been close, even when we fought like cats and dogs as kids. Now, in his arms, I feel like a part of me that was missing has returned.

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