Page 52 of Imperfect Desires

"Through marriage?"

"Yes."

"And who’s the bride or groom?"

"My sister."

There’s a brief silence on the line, just the faint clink of ice against glass on his end.

"Your sister?"

"Yes."

"And who would she be matched with? You know I do not have a son."

"One of your top men."

Thiago hums thoughtfully. "Interesting. And you think she’ll agree to this?"

"It doesn’t matter if she agrees." My voice hardens. "It’s not her choice."

Thiago chuckles again. "And here I thought you were softening from marrying that beautiful wife of yours."

"Have I ever been soft?"

"No," Thiago concedes. "But this… this is cold even for you."

"It’s necessary."

"I’m currently overseas," Thiago says after a moment. "We’ll discuss specifics when I return to New York."

"When?"

"A few weeks."

"That’s too long."

"Patience, Viktor." His voice sharpens slightly. "Rushing these things rarely ends well."

"Just be ready when you return."

"Always."

The line goes dead.

I place the phone down carefully on my desk, my pulse steady despite the heaviness in my chest. This is the right decision. The logical move.

Alina needs protection. A strategic marriage with the cartel will secure our standing on both sides. A marriage alliance withThiago’s men will give us leverage that no other Bratva family has.

***

Alina steps into my office after I send for her, but I don’t look up from the documents on my desk. "Sit."

She stands in front of the desk instead, arms crossed tightly over her chest.

"What’s going on?"

"Sit," I repeat raising my eyes to meet hers.

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