Page 14 of Twisted Vows

Conquer or die.

Maxsim

I stand by the window and study the garden. Everything looks calm, but I know better. The ground beneath us is shifting, and every decision counts.

Behind me, Alexey is sitting at his desk, buried in the usual stack of files. The desk is massive, symbolizing the authority he’s wielded for years.

I turn from the window, ready to face my brother. Alexey doesn’t speak right away. He’s still flipping through a file, his expression unreadable. He finally looks up and gestures toward the chair opposite him.

I take the seat, meeting his stare. I know what’s coming—the questions, the doubts. This marriage isn’t just a move on the chessboard; it’s a roll of the dice. And Alexey isn’t one to gamble without knowing all the odds.

“Max,” he starts but then pauses as if choosing his words carefully. “This marriage... is more than a power play. You know that, right?”

“Power is control. I’m not worried about Ari getting out of hand.”

“Then you’re a fool.” He leans back. “My marriage to Gianna has taught me that control is an illusion.”

Alexey’s words hang in the air, but I refuse to let them settle. Control is never guaranteed— it must be seized and held ontowith both hands. And I’m not one to let go. At least not willingly. “I’m not concerned.”

He leans forward and slides a file across the desk. “You should be,” he responds as he slides a file across the desk. “Grigory dug into the Santoros. Gio and his father are not going to let this go.”

“And this concerns me, how?”

“The underboss of the New York family is ready to go to war,” Alexey retorts sharply. “Sal Santoro’s hatred for us isn’t just business. It’s personal. He’s still mourning his wife—lost to a Bratva bullet years ago. And with Gio’s honor on the line, he won’t hesitate to use this marriage as an excuse to break ranks.”

“Do you remember the incident?”

Alexey shakes his head. “It could’ve happened when Papa was still in charge.” He leans back and lets out a quiet breath. “Not only does our alliance block his path to gaining more power, but his son’s betrothal is about to be snatched away by you. This could spark a dangerous fire.”

“It’s a good thing that I like matches, then.” I keep my expression neutral as my resolve sharpens. “And, if he or anyone else considers using Ari’s actions against us, my response will shake our world to its very core.”

Alexey watches me for a moment, then crosses his arms. “Marrying her solidifies our alliance with the Italians, but it also means tying yourself to whatever choices she makes. Are you sure about this?”

His question isn’t casual. It’s a warning, and it hits harder than I’d like. “Were you sure when you married Gianna? She’s theDon’s sister and the ‘money man’ for the Five Families. Talk about a gamble.”

Alexey doesn’t flinch. He knows exactly what I’m getting at. This isn’t just business; it’s personal. Marrying Ari is definitelya power move, but it’s also a challenge I can’t resist. “And to answer your question, I’ve never been more sure in my life.”

Alexey nods, but I can see the gears turning in his head. He gets up, walks over to the bar, and pours drinks. “I love my wife with every breath in my body,” he says, offering me a glass, which I decline. “But make no mistake, it’s like being in the eye of the storm.”

I almost laugh since being married to Ari will surely resemble a typhoon. “I know what I’m in for.”

“I hope so because a successful union isn’t based on power but endurance.”

“I’m not you, Alexey. I don’t plan to endure anything. I plan to control it.”

Alexey nods to himself, a small smile forming. “Control’s a funny thing. The more you think you have, the quicker it slips away.” He shakes his head. “Believe it or not, I had a plan for my marriage. But plans fall apart when emotions come into play. Just don’t let pride blind you to what’s at stake.”

I smirk with more confidence than I’m feeling. “Not a problem.” At least, that’s what I’m telling myself since I’ve always known how to calculate risk. But marrying Ari Bianchi isn’t like planning an ambush or neutralizing a rival. She’s unpredictable, a force of nature. And as much as I want to believe I can control her, there’s a voice in the back of my mind whispering: What if I can’t?

Alexey sips his whiskey. “One more thing, the senator mentioned the Feds are fishing for leads in arms trafficking. One wrong move, and they’ll come straight for us,” Alexey says, his voice low. “This marriage might give them an angle to dig deeper.”

His words hit like a cold splash of water. “They’re always watching. This doesn’t change anything.”

Alexey holds my gaze. “It does if they decide this marriage is their way in. We don’t need more attention right now.”

I feel a flicker of unease, but I shove it aside. “I’ll deal with the agencies when they come knocking. Grigory has our interests well protected.”

My phone buzzes in my hand, and I check it. Franco’s message is short but clear:The wedding is going forward.A slow smile pulls at the corner of my mouth, satisfaction curling in my chest.

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