Page 7 of Brutal Monster
I stand, walking to the window overlooking the museum gardens. Below, I can see Inez Bravo speaking with her security team. Even from this distance, her presence commands attention. The emerald dress catches the light as she moves, every gesture precise and deliberate.
"Do you know what I saw when we danced, Anton?" I don't wait for his answer. "I saw a woman who's had to fight for every inch of respect in a world that wanted to reduce her to a pretty face or a bargaining chip. A woman who built something formidable despite the men around her—including her father—underestimating her at every turn."
"So you admire her. That doesn't mean?—"
"I recognize her," I correct him. "The isolation of power. The constant vigilance. The necessity of appearing invulnerable." I turn back to face him. "She's not trying to take advantage of me, Anton. She's protecting herself the only way she knows how."
Anton sighs heavily. "And you think giving her everything she wants will make her respect you?"
"I think meeting strength with strength will earn her trust." I return to the table, flipping through the contract pages. "Besides, these terms aren't as unbalanced as you believe. What appears to be autonomy is, in fact, responsibility. She's not asking for protection without accountability."
"She's asking for a husband who won't act like one."
I laugh, the sound echoing in the conference room. "When did you become so traditional? The brotherhood has arranged marriages for centuries. They're business transactions, not love matches."
"Exactly my point. This doesn't even make good business sense."
I lean forward, tapping the final page of the contract. "Sign it."
Anton's jaw tightens. "Mr. Zhukov?—"
"The terms are acceptable. Sign it."
He picks up his pen with apparent reluctance. "I hope you know what you're doing."
"I'm securing an alliance with the most formidable woman I've ever met." I watch as he scrawls his name on the witnessline. "And I'm allowing myself the opportunity to win something money can't buy."
"Her loyalty?"
"Her heart."
Anton looks up sharply. "You can't be serious."
"Deadly." I take the pen from his hand and sign my name with a flourish. "The Bratva understands power and control, Anton. What they've never understood is partnership. Real partnership."
"And you think that's what this will be?"
I cap the pen and slide it into my jacket pocket. "Eventually. Once Inez realizes I have no intention of caging her."
"Or once she's taken everything she wants and left you with nothing."
"That's a risk I'm willing to take." I stand, straightening my cuffs. "Have copies made. I'll deliver this to Ms. Bravo personally."
Anton gathers the papers, shaking his head. "Your uncle will say you've gone soft."
"My uncle still thinks women are only good for two things." I adjust my tie in the reflection of the window. "His narrow-mindedness has cost him opportunities. I don't intend to make the same mistake."
"And when she tests these generous boundaries? When she makes decisions that conflict with brotherhood interests?"
I smile, thinking of the fire in Inez's eyes when she told me she wouldn't be subordinate. "Then we'll negotiate. As equals."
"God help us all," Anton mutters.
I clap him on the shoulder as we move toward the door. "Don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing."
"Falling in love with a cartel princess wasn't part of the expansion plan."
"Plans change." I pause, hand on the doorknob. "And I'm not falling in love. I'm recognizing a worthy opponent."
