Page 76 of Dark Obsession

But there’s a darker thought lurking at the back of my mind, one that tightens my gut as we close in on the mansion. If the Bratva’s leadership has a beef with me, they’re almost guaranteed to take issue about my relationship with Elena. They’re family after all.

As we hit the familiar streets of downtown Chicago, I finally let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. I grip the door handle as we drive, knuckles tight. I know I’m in for a hell of a fight.

A few minutes later, we’re pulling up in front of the mansion, its imposing gates and stone walls never looked better.

Once inside, Alexei and Yuri lead me straight to the den, where Luk and Lev are already waiting. I glance around, half-expecting Elena to be there, too, but no such luck.

“Where’s Elena?” I ask, not even bothering with a greeting.

Luk raises an eyebrow. “You’ll see her soon,” he replies. “But first, there are a few matters we need to discuss.”

I know exactly what that means.

I gingerly lower myself into one of the chairs, my shoulder screaming at the movement. Once I’m seated, Luk wastes no time, launching right into a rundown.

“Molina’s dead,” he starts, his tone all business. “And thanks to Alexei, and Elena, for that matter, so is Claudio.” Luk nods at Alexei, who gives a little mock bow, a shit-eating grin on his face.

“Don’t mention it,” Alexei says, glancing my way. “Just taking care of the heavy lifting.”

I smirk, rolling my eyes.

Lev takes over, arms crossed, his tone hard as he continues. “Chicago’s Molina Cartel operations have been taken down and cleaned out. Every contact, every stash, wiped. Their plan to gut the Ivanov Bratva has been effectively foiled.”

I nod, but I’m not exactly looking to celebrate. I don’t need them to tell me how close it was.

“And New York?” I ask, cutting to the point. “What’s left?”

Yuri, still leaning against the wall, steps forward. “Without leadership, it’s a mess. We’ve got word they’re licking their wounds out there, but manpower’s still something they’ve got plenty of. No sign of a regrouping… yet. But if they do, they’ll be hurting for a long time.”

Silence hangs for a beat, then Alexei speaks up. “Looks like mission accomplished.”

He grins, but we all know there’s more at stake than what’s left of the cartel.

Luk clears his throat.

“Now, about your actions,” he starts, looking at me hard. “You took matters into your own hands and put yourself and our people at risk. That’s not how we operate, and you know it.”

I nod, feeling every word like a gut punch. “I know. I messed up. Thought I could handle it on my own, but I see now that was a mistake.” I’m not a man who apologizes often, but I owe it to them. “I’m sorry for going off like that, for making you all think I was unreliable.”

Lev and Yuri exchange glances then Lev steps forward. “We don’t doubt your loyalty, Grigori. But next time, trust us. That’s what family’s for.”

There’s a beat of quiet as his words sink in, then Luk’s expression softens as he says, “Which brings us to our sister. You saved her life. We all saw it, and we know what it meant for you to put her safety above your own. So for that, thank you.”

I nod, but before I can say anything, Alexei breaks in, grinning. “And don’t think we haven’t noticed how you look at her.”

I half-smile, feeling a bit of a blush creeping up despite myself. Luk nods, resolute. “Look, Grigori, you’re practically family. The fact of the matter is, if you and Elena love each other, then you belong together. Period.”

Relief swells in my chest, and it’s all I can do to keep a straight face. With the Molina threat behind us, I’m free to resume my place among them, and finally, to be with her.

Yuri nods to the doorway. “Go on then. She’s waiting.”

They call her name, and the door creaks open. Elena steps in and my heart clenches.

She steps toward me, her eyes shining with tears. I stand and lift my good arm, and she steps into me, wrapping herself around me tightly as I hold her.

“I love you,” I say, pressing my lips to her hair. “More than anything, Elena.”

She leans back just enough to look up at me, her gaze warm yet fierce. “I love you, too, Grigori. More than you’ll ever know.”

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