Page 47 of Bound Vows
“Maya comes with me. The city is where she belongs, and her presence will demonstrate that the marriage serves our interests. Though her safety becomes exponentially more complicated in an unstable environment.”
“Her safety is less important than organizational survival. Without the infrastructure we’ve built, protecting one woman becomes meaningless.” Alexei’s words carry brutal logic that I resent. “Boss, you’re letting personal feelings override strategic thinking.”
“I’m adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining core objectives.” I turn from the window and note how the office feels smaller than usual. “Maya’s cooperation could provide additional advantages during reconstruction.”
“Just bring her back to the city, and she’ll have opportunities to reconnect with family allies who might not support your leadership,” he suggests. “Though I maintain the woman is a security risk regardless of any personal feelings she might have about you.”
“The woman is my wife, which makes her part of this organization,” I claim through gritted teeth. “Her loyalty is no longer optional, Alexei. She’s legally and practically bound to my success.”
“Legal bonds don’t stop bullets, and practicalities don’t prevent betrayal. Elena was legally bound to you, too, and her death nearly destroyed you. Don’t let history repeat itself with different players.”
“Maya isn’t Elena. She’s perfectly capable of defending herself.” I pour another vodka and note my shaking hands. “Her presence at my side sends a different message than Elena’s ever could.”
“Her presence at your side sends the message that you’re willing to risk everything for personal satisfaction. That’s not leadership, Andrei. That’s self-indulgence. The organization needs you focused on survival, not distracted by a woman who might or might not reciprocate your feelings.”
I move to the desk to review files that contain contingency plans for this kind of crisis. “I’m creating stability through legal and emotional bonds that didn’t exist before the marriage. Maya’s family connections provide ongoing value that we’ve only begun to exploit.”
“What happens when she decides that helping her family serves her interests better than helping you? You’re building your reconstruction plans around an asset that could become a liability without warning.”
I open my mouth to lay into him, but the office door squeaks open, and Maya enters wearing one of my shirts and nothing else. Her dark hair is tousled from sleep, and she’s rubbing her temples.
“Who are you talking to at four in the morning?” she asks as she approaches the desk.
“Alexei. Business complications that require attention.” I end the call and set the phone aside. “How are you feeling?”
“Like someone’s driving nails through my skull.” Maya sits on the edge of the desk and reaches for my vodka glass. “The headaches are getting worse.”
“Perhaps we should consult a doctor.”
“The nearest doctor is an hour away, and I doubt you want to risk exposure by taking me to town.” Maya finishes the vodka and sets the glass down. “It’s probably just withdrawal from the constant adrenaline rush of your world.”
“My world is about to become significantly more complicated. We need to return to the city soon.” I stand and move around the desk to stand beside her. “The organization requires visible leadership during a period of transition.”
“Transition to what?”
“Transition from expansion to consolidation. Some of our recent territorial gains are being challenged by families who view our current circumstances as a weakness. Your presence will help demonstrate that the marriage serves strategic purposes.”
“My presence will make me a target for everyone who wants to hurt you. Taking me back to the city puts both of us at risk.”
“Leaving you here alone puts you at greater risk. The mountain house is secure, but it’s not impregnable.” I move closer, positioning myself between her legs. “Your safety requires my direct oversight, especially during periods of organizational instability.”
“Organizational instability.” Maya’s hands move to my chest, where her palms glide over my muscles. “Is that what we’re calling civil war now?”
“Nothing but growing pains that require decisive leadership.” I lean down and kiss her forehead, noting how warm she feels. “Your fever is getting worse.”
“Everything is getting worse. The headaches, the dizziness, the way I feel like I’m losing pieces of myself every day.” Maya lets out a frustrated groan. “This isolation is slowly destroying me.”
I frame her face with my hands, feeling the heat radiating from her skin. “Your health will improve once we establish stable routines in a secure environment.”
“You mean once I accept that I’m never going home,” she muses, pressing her lips into a thin line.
“Home is wherever we make it together. The city, the mountains, or anywhere else that provides the security we need.” I kiss her gently, tasting the vodka on her lips. “Your family will always be a part of your life, Maya. But your future is with me.”
“My future is whatever I choose to make it.” Maya pulls back and looks at me with something too close to disdain, considering the progress we’ve made. “You can control my circumstances, but you can’t control my choices.”
“I can influence your choices by ensuring they align with your best interests.” I help her off the desk and guide her toward the bedroom.
“I don’t want to lie down anymore, Andrei.”
