Page 62 of His Hold

The gunfire has stopped. Only the occasional moan of the wounded breaks the stillness.

“I know a way we can both get what we want,” I say carefully.

Roman scoffs. “I just assumed my father’s position. I have money. I have men. What could you possibly offer?”

“Respect. The kind no one would dare question.” I take a step closer. “But you have to promise to stay away from Katya.”

His eyebrows rise. “That’s what this is about? You’d turn on Kirill for some chick? Your little girlfriend? She is the actual person who killed Dmitri, so she doesn’t just get to walk away.”

“Those are my terms. And that’s non-negotiable. Touch her, and I’ll make you disappear. I’m damn good at that.”

Roman laughs. “Why would I agree to that when I’m winning this little skirmish?”

“Because I’m offering you Kirill’s head on a platter. His schedule, his holes. You take him out, claim his turf. No one’ll doubt you’re the top dog.”

That stops him cold. His eyes widen slightly before he can mask his reaction.

“Now that,” he says slowly, “is interesting.”

“More interesting than chasing Katya, isn’t it? Take over Kirill’s territory. I’ll give you points of vulnerability. Everything you need to ambush him and take control.” I keep my voice level.

Roman considers with a calculating look in his eyes. “Kirill’s territory would be quite the prize.”

“I’ll help you consolidate power after he’s gone. Eliminate any rivals who might challenge you. You’ll be the uncontested leader—not just of your father’s empire, but of Kirill’s too. You’ll be untouchable. I have enough dirt on half the politicians and mafioso in the city, most of them hire security from me, so they know I have the means to take them down.”

“And why would you betray your boss?” Roman asks, suspicious.

“For Katya.” The truth slips out before I can stop it. “She’s everything.”

Roman studies me. “Touching. But I need more than promises.”

“I’ll stage Kirill’s death publicly,” I add. “Make it look like your victory. Your name will echo through every corner of the underworld. No one would dare challenge Roman Druzhinin after that.”

A slow smile spreads across his face. “I’m listening.”

“I would tear apart the entire Bratva for her peace,” I continue. “That’s my offer.”

Without warning, I slice my palm with my knife, letting blood drip to the ground between us. “A blood oath. My loyalty to Katya outweighs everything else. I would walk away from it all for her.”

Roman nods, impressed despite himself. “Dramatic. But I need proof of your betrayal. When the time comes, you deliver Kirill yourself.”

“Done.”

“There’s something else I want,” he says.

“What?”

“Irina.” My jaw tightens. “Katya’s sister comes home.”

Roman shakes his head. “ Not sure I can let her go. She’s been quite useful these past five years. Very resourceful girl.”

“That wasn’t our deal.”

“Plans change.” He shrugs. “Besides, she’s good insurance. Keeps your Katya in line, doesn’t it?”

I step closer. “What else do you want instead? Irina goes free.”

Roman smiles, and there’s nothing warm in it. “You.”

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