Page 9 of Savage Obsession

The man’s voice is rushed, and tensed up. There’s an issue with the latest consignment. You know it's a shipment that can’t afford federal scrutiny or unnecessary attention.

Damnit. How did this happen?

As he explains, my jaw tightens, and my mind is already calculating the fallout if this isn’t handled swiftly. “Stay put. I’m on my way,” I say, ending the call while thanking the universe that I am currently in New York and can be at the dock in a matter of minutes.

Atleastsomething positive is coming from this New York trip.

“Turn the car around,” I tell Leon, my voice leaving no room for argument. “We are heading to Port Newark Marine Terminal.”

He glances at me, a question in his eyes but no protest on his lips. Leon knows better than to challenge my decisions, especially when it has to do with business.

As the car pivots and heads toward this latest problem, I justify the change in plans. The marriage talk can wait. The consignment can’t. This is theElliniki’slifeblood, and I’ll be damned if I let anything jeopardize it.

I type out a message to my father, my fingers moving with controlled precision.

“Change of plans. I have to handle an issue at the wharf. Will follow up later.”

The reply is almost immediate. My father’s disapproval is palpable even through his text message, but I don’t care. My priorities are clear, even if they conflict with his.

The phone rings seconds later. My father’s voice is sharp, cutting through the line. “What do you think you’re doing, Aithan?”

“Handling business,” I reply evenly, my tone calm but firm.

“Business can wait. You’re supposed to be at this wedding. This isn’t just about you—it’s about the future of the Organization.”

“And this shipment is about the present,” I counter. “If the Feds find it, we all will be fucked, and there might not be a future to discuss.”

I lay out the situation with clinical precision, detailing the risks of federal interference and the potential fallout. My father listens, his silence more telling than any words. Finally, he sighs, though the frustration in his tone remains.

“You can’t keep running everything yourself,” he grits. “That’s why you have Leon.”

“Leon’s capable,” I admit, glancing at my cousin, who’s watching me with interest. “But some things require my presence. This is one of them. I will not relinquish my duty to please some princess and her family.”

“You’re making this harder than it needs to be,” my father snaps. “Do you know what people will give just to be aligned to the Makarovs? This marriage will happen, Aithan. You can’t dodge it.”

“I’m not dodging anything,” I say, though the edge in my voice betrays my irritation. “I gave you my word that I will do it. However, theEllinikicomes first.”

Leon smirks as I hang up, his amusement evident. “So, a Russian princess, huh? Sounds like your type.”

I snort, shaking my head. “Hardly. This isn’t about types. It’s about politics.”

“Politics with perks,” Leon quips.

I glare at him, but the corner of my mouth twitches. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

“Someone has to,” he replies easily.

Leon’s teasing shifts to a more pointed question. “What about Bella? You planning to juggle both?”

I glance out the window; the docks coming into view. “Bella knows the score. She’s not expecting a ring.”

“And the princess?” Leon asks.

I shrug, my voice cold. “She’ll get my name. That’s all she needs.”

It's been days, but I have finally fished out the weasel who almost cost me irreparable damages. The space reeks of sweat, gasoline, and blood. The air is thick with the metallic tang of fear, and the muffled whimpers from the man bound to the chair make my skin crawl with irritation.

Leon stands a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest, watching with his usual unreadable expression. The only lightin the room swings from a single bulb above us, casting jagged shadows across the concrete floor.

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