“Moy khrabryy chelovek,” My brave one, she says, and it’s simple, just a quiet pride.
“Ma’am,” I reply, stiff at first. But then I notice her hand finding mine instinctively, her thumb brushing against my skin, and something inside me eases.
She nods, giving Misha one last squeeze before releasing her. “I missed you,moi deti,” she murmurs—my children.
“I missed you too,” Misha whispers, her voice tight, like she’s holding back a flood of words. “It’s been… too long.”
Volya’s gaze softens, studying Misha’s face as though she’s trying to memorize every detail. “You’ve grown so much, my little wolf. Every time I see you, I wonder how you’re turning into such a fine young woman.”
Misha swallows, glancing toward the doors. “I… I have so much to tell you, Moma,” she says, almost pleading. “There’s been so much, I don’t even know where to start.”
Volya chuckles softly. “And you will. Later. I promise. We’ll sit, we’ll talk, and you’ll tell me everything. I want to hear it all.”
“Later,” Misha echoes with a pout, reluctant to let go.
I step back, watching them. Volya’s hand lingers on Misha’s shoulder, their laughter is easy and unguarded, and for a fleeting moment, the whole room feels brighter, as if the chaos has paused just for them.
And they let go, because duty calls, but everything they want to say —the stories, the laughter, the missed moments —still hum in the air between them.
It’s loud. It’s chaotic. And it’s necessary.
Holy Christ in Heaven.
I cannot focus. Not with Leanna Campisi across the room, a beacon in all red, heels so sharp they could stab a man through the heart.
Pretending not to know, she made herself come in the shower just to torture me. Not knowing that every dark-suited man in this room is thinking about fucking her.
I want to kill them all, right here, no regrets.
She is, hands down, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
She was gorgeous when she was sleep-confused.
She was stunning, wet, and naked in the shower.
She was beyond beautiful when she cried out her release.
And now? In a power suit and a glower, she could bring me to my fucking knees.
Not one of these men can take their eyes off her. I swear I’ll stab them all in the eyes after these meetings.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Don Campisi says, puffed up with pride, his voice cutting through the tension. “Welcome to my city. I’m glad we could all convene as friends, and I’m excited to introduce you to my daughter, Leanna.”
“She is the brightest of us all,” he continues, gesturing toward her with unmistakable pride. “Having completed her degree at Northwestern and then immersing herself in the intricacies of our complex business model, and yes, as the rumors say, she’s my successor in training.”
He pauses, scanning the room, ensuring his words land.“So I expect respect for her and for her voice during these meetings. Am I understood?”
The men all nod and murmur and try to avert their eyes. I don’t look away, because I cannot. Leanna Campisi has bewitched me.
“In order to assure her protection and assure a strong family line, we are working through conversations with several Campisi affiliates to make a strong match. Her chosen husband will join our leadership ranks, and we will also interview for a second. We have a lot to do, including, hopefully, planning a wedding.”
A wedding?
I want to puke.
I feel my face fall into a deep scowl, and I know I should control it. I’m sure Don Campisi will just think I’m being petulant and hostile, which is honestly fine.
Lars sits to my right, his blonde head bobbing like a fucking bobblehead as he nods and acts like he gives a shit.
