Page 39 of Shatter Me

“She has minimal security,” Viktor adds. “Thinks distance protects her.”

Nikolai’s gray eyes sweep the room. “Taking her would send a clear message. The Lebedevs aren’t untouchable anymore.”

The possibilities unfold in my mind. A legitimate businesswoman would make excellent leverage—harder for the Lebedev family to explain her disappearance to authorities without exposing their operations.

“I want eyes on her,” Nikolai orders. “Full surveillance. Every move, every contact, every weakness. But we wait. Let them think we’re reeling from their attacks while we gather intelligence.”

I tap my fingers against the polished table, considering our options. “They will expect retaliation. They’ll know we’re planning something bigger if we do nothing.”

“Exactly,” Erik says, his military mind already churning with possibilities. “Small strikes keep them off balance, make them waste resources looking over their shoulders.”

Alexi’s eyes gleam with that manic energy he gets when plotting. “I could disrupt their digital infrastructure. Nothing obvious—just enough technical glitches to cost them money and patience.”

“We need to be careful,” Nikolai cautions, his gaze settling on me. “What’s your take, Dmitri?”

I lean forward, choosing my words carefully. “While we plan Katarina’s extraction, we should remind them why crossing us is expensive. Hit their street-level operations—protection rackets, gambling houses. Nothing that screams Ivanov, but enough to keep them bleeding money and manpower.”

“The timing would work,” Erik adds. “Keep them distracted while we set up surveillance on the daughter.”

Nikolai considers this, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he nods. “Agreed. We’ll authorize limited strikes. But nothing that could be traced back to us. Nothing that would put Katarina on high alert.”

The tension in the room eases slightly. We all know the value of patience in this game, but sometimes showing teeth is necessary. Igor Lebedev and his family need to learn that lesson again.

I try to focus on Viktor’s report about weapons shipments, but my mind drifts to Tash. The way she challenged me at the museum board meeting, fire in those green eyes.

“...increased security at the docks...” Viktor’s voice fades into background noise.

I shift in my chair, irritated by my lack of concentration. This meeting is crucial as we’re planning a war strategy. Yet all I can think about is how Natasha’s skin felt under my fingers, the soft gasp she tried to suppress when I?—

“Dmitri?” Nikolai’s sharp tone snaps me back. “Your thoughts on the new patrol rotation?”

“The schedule looks solid,” I say smoothly, grateful for years of practice maintaining my mask. “Though we should consider adding a secondary team during shift changes.”

Nikolai’s knowing look tells me he sees right through me. Of course, he does because he’s been watching me lose my legendary control ever since Ms. Blackwood walked into my life.

Ivan drones on about corrupt dock workers, but I remember how Tash threw that paperweight at my head. Such delicious defiance. No one else would dare. The crystal missed me by inches, yet all I wanted was to push her against that wall and?—

“Brother.” Alexi kicks my chair, earning a glare. “You’re missing the good part.”

I straighten, forcing myself to focus on the blueprints spread across the table. We’re discussing tactical positions, contingency plans, and the infrastructure of our empire. I should be fully engaged.

Instead, I wonder if Tash got my message about tomorrow’s early meeting. Wondering if she’ll wear that blue dress that hugs her curves just right. Wondering how long I can maintain this façade of professional distance before I?—

“Perhaps we should take a break,” Nikolai suggests, his tone dry with amusement. “Some of us need a moment to... clear their heads.”

I pour myself a scotch as the others take a break. Alexi immediately sprawls across the leather couch, grinning like the devil he is.

“So... museum curators must be fascinating creatures. Tell us more about their natural habitat, brother.”

I shoot him a warning look. “Focus on your tech raids.”

“Oh, he’s focusing alright,” Erik chimes in, helping himself to coffee. “Focusing on how you nearly drooled on those patrol schedules while daydreaming.”

“I did not?—”

“You did,” Nikolai interrupts, his usual stern expression cracking with amusement. “I haven’t seen you this distracted since that time in Moscow when you forgot your own cover story because the ballet dancer?—”

“We agreed never to mention that,” I growl, but I can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. These bastards know me too well.

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