"Salvatore family operatives," Ivan's tone grew decidedly grim. "Old Salvatore's sons and lieutenants. They've been aggressively pursuing Brooklyn construction contracts, and they've clearly purchased Black's cooperation."
The Salvatore family. I knew them well—one of New York's five most powerful mafia families, notorious for their ruthlessness and reach. If Anna's photographs threatened their lucrative arrangements, they'd respond with extreme prejudice.
"The situation deteriorates further," Ivan continued ominously. "Our intelligence indicates the Salvatore family has been cultivating closer ties with the Romanov family."
Tatyana. Suddenly her cryptic warning from last night made perfect sense.
"Do they know about Anna's connection to me?"
"Almost certainly. And our sources suggest they're planning to exploit that relationship."
My hands clenched into fists. This meant the threat wasn't limited to the Salvatore family—Tatyana's people might be involved as well. We were facing a significantly more dangerous coalition.
"Implement maximum security protocols immediately," I commanded. "Double all patrol rotations, verify every surveillance system, and activate our contacts within the NYPD and FBI. I need real-time intelligence on any relevant movement."
"One additional concern, Pakhan." Ivan's expression grew even more serious. "I strongly recommend briefing the inner circle about Anna and Sofia's true relationship to you. They need to understand why this protection is absolutely critical."
His counsel was sound. Facing threats of this magnitude, I needed my most trusted lieutenants operating at fullcapacity.
"Convene all core members for eight AM tomorrow in the conference room," I decided. "It's time they learned the complete truth."
After addressing these urgent security matters, it was nearly 2 AM. I quietly made my way to Sofia's room for a final check.
The space was peacefully still, softly illuminated by warm nightlights. Sofia lay curled in her custom bed, clutching her beloved stuffed rabbit, sleeping deeply.
I approached her bedside, studying her serene features. Her eyebrows mirrored mine exactly, even her sleeping expression reminded me of my own childhood photographs. A fierce wave of protectiveness surged through me.
I awkwardly adjusted her kicked-off covers—such tender gestures were still foreign territory, but I was determined to master the art of fatherhood. Then I pressed the gentlest kiss to her forehead.
"Daddy will always protect you, little princess," I vowed silently.
Leaving Sofia's sanctuary, I slipped into the master bedroom. Anna was asleep, but tension still creased her brow even in unconsciousness. Today's revelations had overwhelmed her completely—rest brought no true peace.
I settled carefully beside her, taking extreme care not to disturb her slumber. In the darkness, I studied her profile while countless emotions churned within me.
She'd courageously faced mortal danger to protect Sofia, never realizing she'd become the focal point of a deadly power struggle among New York's most dangerous factions. She'd placed absolute trust in my ability to safeguard them both, surrendering her and her daughter's lives to my care.
That trust simultaneously honored and humbled me beyond measure.
I made a sacred vow in the darkness. Regardless of our enemies' identity or influence, I would sacrifice everything to protect them. Anna and Sofia had become the most precious elements of my existence. No force on earth would harm them while I still drew breath.
Tomorrow would bring war. But tonight, within these fortified walls, my family could rest in perfect safety.
Chapter Nineteen
Anna
Morning sunlight filtered through heavy silk curtains into the room. I woke slowly in the unfamiliar king-size bed—twice the size of mine back home. The silky sheets felt divine against my skin, making it impossible to want to get up.
What made me want to stay even more was the warm embrace beside me.
Alexander's arm wrapped tightly around my waist, his breath soft against my neck, his whole body enveloping me from behind. This feeling of being protected felt so safe, so perfect, I almost forgot last night's terror.
I tried to slip out carefully to check on Sofia—as a mother, even in the most comfortable surroundings, I couldn't completely relax knowing my daughter was alone in a strange place.
But the moment I moved, a strong arm pulled me back.
"Don't move," Alexander's sleepy voice rumbled in my ear, rough with that just-woken rasp. "The housekeeper will take care of her. Sleep more."
