Chapter 50

Dominic POV

The wind cut harsh in Moscow.

Colder, crueler, much more unforgiving than back in the states.

Dominic adjusted the collar of his coat as he stepped out of the black SUV, Romero silently at his side. They were far from home—across oceans and borders, deep in territory most men in their position would never dare to enter without a small army.

But Dominic wasn’t most men.

And Alek Volkov wasn’t most allies.

The moment they entered the Bratva estate, they were greeted like long-lost brothers. Guns holstered, smiles stretched like predators in suits, and vodka already being poured before a single word was spoken.

Hospitality in its most dangerous form.

“You’ve come a long way,” Alek said, stepping into the large study as the doors swung shut behind him. He was broad-shouldered, his silver beard trimmed to precision, tattoos peeking from beneath the collar of his expensive shirt. “And I am right on time.”

Dominic offered the briefest of nods and held up a glass tumbler of whiskey. “Thank you for having us.”

Romero stepped forward and opened the briefcase they brought, revealing a neatly stacked collection of banded bills. Alek peered in, unimpressed but satisfied.

“Partial payment,” Dominic said. “As discussed.”

Alek smiled warmly, almost as if he found Dominic’s formal gesture amusing. He gestured toward a sitting area. “Come. Let us talk like friends.”

The fireplace snapped in the background as they sat and refilled their glasses with liquor. The burning liquid felt nice going down his throat while he tosses another few sips back, cutting through the chill that had seemed permanently etched into his bones from the weather outside.

“You covered your tracks well,” Dominic said as soon as he lowered his glass again. “No trail. No chatter for any of our contacts underground to notice. It was quite impressive.”

Alek gave a modest shrug. “We are professionals, Dominic. My men don’t leave traces. Especially not when a man of your vision gives the order.”

Dominic nodded slowly. This was why he chose Alek in the first place. The man was brutal in a way that put even himself to shame. A brilliant tactician who knew how to be discreet when the mission was a get-in-and-get-out scenario.

“Thank you,” Dominic said. “You’ll be compensated accordingly as soon as things are in place back home.”

“Ah,” Alek said, raising his glass. “About that.”

Dominic’s brow lifted slightly. “Something else you wanted to discuss?”

Alek downed his vodka in one smooth gulp, then set the glass down with a quiet clink. “I would like to discuss a modification to our original agreement.”

Romero tensed beside him.

“I’m listening.” He replied.

Alek reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his phone. “During the celebration you asked us to disrupt, I saw someone that caught my eye. A beauty.”

He watched carefully as Alek tapped the screen a few times before enlarging whatever photo he had on the screen and turned it around toward him.

The last person he expected to see displayed was Gianna.

She was caught mid-motion in the chaos of the wedding massacre, her wide eyes locked in a fierce scream while her arm was held out in front of her, clearly dictating whoever it was she was yelling at. The photo froze her like a renaissance painting.

“You want her?” Dominic asked, a brow raising.

Alek’s eyes gleamed with something dangerous. “I do. She was… quite unforgettable. I can’t get her off my mind.”

Dominic exhaled slowly, hiding his surprise behind a mask of indifference. Interesting. Not exactly the turn of events he’d expected but somehow made things a little less complicated. If Alek were to ask for something else to their IOU he’d want modified—say more parts of the city to do his business or otherwise—it wouldn’t be something Dominic could guarantee.

Therefore jeopardizing the deal they’d struck.

This though… this was much different.

“She’s not exactly someone you can claim on a whim.” Dominic replied. “She’s the Caruso family’s consigliere’s daughter. She has no connection to the Guerreros and therefore there isn’t much leverage to use to get her.”

“That’s why I’m speaking to you,” Alek said smoothly. “You’re the only one in a position to acquire her without making much of a fuss.”

“You seem quite confident in that assumption.”

“If you do this, then all previous debts are forgiven,” Alek replied without hesitation. “The territory you are craving out for us in the city. The IOUs promised. The millions you offered. All of it will be wiped clean.”

That… had Dominic blinking in surprise.

“You’re talking about a complete reversal of the original deal.” Romero said.

“I am,” Alek agreed. “Though, it is more in your favor this time.”

Dominic leaned back slightly, fingers drumming against his thigh absentmindedly.

It was a hell of an offer.

No money. No parts of the city to give away. No strings binding him to the rise of the Bratva once they finally made their move overseas. If he handed Gianna over, everything became his. Clean and simple. He’d owe no one going in after successfully getting rid of the rest of his father’s inner circle.

He studied the photo again.

She was a fierce woman. Loyal as hell and a ride or die like no other. He didn’t know her well outside of the brief mentions Aurora made when bringing her up in conversation and small interactions they had together after Gianna had been brought back to the safehouse.

She was the kind of person to be bold enough to stand by her best friend even when it hurt her, something that Dominic respected the hell out of.

Still, something in his chest shifted—tightened in a way that annoyed him.

Aurora would break if Gianna disappeared. Even if she never found out the truth, even if it was blamed on another faction whisking her away in the middle of the night, she would never recover.

Would that matter? Should it?

Nine weeks ago, he wouldn’t have batted an eye on what would hurt Aurora. Now though, things were much different.

“You’re thinking too long,” Alek said, pouring more vodka. “I expected a man like you to jump at the opportunity.”

Dominic met his gaze. “And what happens if she refuses?”

“She’ll be treated well,” Alek said, almost amused. “I am not a savage. I don’t want her in chains. I want her willing. Or at the very least… open-minded.”

Dominic’s jaw clenched.

Even if Gianna was built for this she’d be eaten alive out here in Russia. With no family or friends, she’d be completely isolated from everyone, relying on her captors to take care of her. Normally, Dominic wouldn’t give a shit as long as it got him where he wanted in the long run.

However, Aurora had inexplicable changed him. Maybe for the worst, actually but Alek didn’t need to know about that softness to his underbelly.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Dominic said finally.

Alek raised his glass. “Excellent. I look forward to what you can do.”